The ringing of temple bells, the loud prayers, the bright orange
and red of fresh flowers laid respectfully at the feet of your adored idol,
and the aroma of agarbati (incense stick) creates a perfect setting of a
temple. India is country which literally seems to live in religion, where
prayers and hymns are a component of daily life as eating, sleeping or
drinking. Among India, Goa, is one such place which is studded with many
temples and churches. The temples of Goa remain silent but forcefully
witnesses to the intense religious history of the diverse people who lived
here. Therefore, a pilgrimage to Goa can be a unique experience.
The architecture of Goan temples is a little unusual because of some
historical reasons. The main pattern of any Hindu temple is directed around
the central shrine that houses the main God. A tower or "Shikara"
comes up from the main shrine and is conventionally shaped up like a
pyramid. There are mostly two or more smaller shrines surrounding other
deities also.
Brahma Temple
The Brahma temple is located in the village of Brahma Carambolim and 7 km
away from Valpoi. This shrine belongs to the 5th century A. D. It is one of
the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma found in India.
Bhagvati Temple
28 kms. from Panaji in Pernem Taluka, this ancient temple is situated by
the side of the main road. It is said to be more than 500 years old. The
temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, an embodiment of Goddess Parvati,
consort of Lord Shiva. Two life-sized images of elephants in standing
position, made of black stone on either side at the entrance, greet the
visitors. The Goddess Bhagavati Asthbhuja in a standing position, on a high
plinth, is a very distinguished one. Dussehra is celebrated with full
merriment from Ashwin Shuddha Pratipada to Poornima, when approximately 25
thousand devotees forgather at this temple.
Sri Datta Mandir
This temple is located at Sanquelim and is dedicated to the Hindu Trinity
of Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. It is 37 kms from Dattawadi,
Sanquelim, and 40 kms. from Margao. This temple is believed to magically
cure all mental troubles. The most important festival, which is looked upon
by devotees from all over Goa, is Datta Jayanti which falls in the month of
December. The entire interior of the temple is beautifully made of pure
white marble. This century old temple, has a back drop of a beautiful
hillock, covered with dense grasslands of areca palms.
Devaki-Krishna Temple
Popularly known as Pisso Ravalnath, this temple is situated 17 kms at
Marcela, Ponda. The most important festival celebrated here is "Maini
Paumima" in the month of Pausa. (January). Like many of Goa's temples,
the Devaki-Krishna Temple at Marchel was moved here to keep away from
repression. It was moved from its two previous locations. It houses a
strange beautiful image in black stone, of the baby Krishna on his mother,
Devaki's hip.
Gomanteshwar Temple
Gomanteshwar Temple is situated near Ela farm at Old Goa. Mahadev was
worshipped during the days of Kadamba Kingdom in Goa. Madan Tirtha Goraksha
Math, etc. still remind the radiance and aura of the place. This temple at
Brahmapuri dates back to the Kadamba Kings who ruled Goa in the 5th century
AD.
Bomeka Temple
Situated at a distance of 25 kms from Mapusa and 66km from Panaji, this
temple complex possess beautiful natural surroundings. This temple is
situated at Sal, near Bicholim. It is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva, an
incarnation of Lord Shiva. The three-day festival of 'Gades' which begins on
Phalgun Purnima attracts big crowds. The devotees have a strong believe that
people can have the darshan of 'Devchars' during the Gade festival. A
motorable road links Sancordem to this temple complex.
Ganesha Temple
This temple is an excellent amalgamation of modern and ancient
architecture. It is situated at Farmagudi, near the village of Bandivade, at
Ponda. It idolizes the stone image of Lord Ganapathi, son of Lord Shiva.The
stone image of Gopal Ganapati was discovered by herdsmen, while grazing
cattle near the hill and later installed in a small shrine with a thatched
roof. The first building of this temple immortalizes the celebration of the
Portuguese, back out following the sudden coming, of the Marathas under King
Sambhaji. The present Temple is a creation of The Late Dayanand Bandodkar,
Goa's first chief minister and the new metallic alloy idol of "Gopal
Ganapathi" was established on April 24, 1966.
Sharvani Devasthan
Vithal Maharudra Panchayatan the complex comprises of a number of temples
of Jagrut Swayambhu Goddess Sharvani, Mahadev and Vetal with his life size
image of stone and other deities. It is situated in beautiful panoramic
surroundings at Advolpal in North Goa, located 2.5 kms. from Assonora on
Pirna main road. The Goddess is well-liked for accomplishing the vows of her
devotees through Kaul Prasad who also perform Tulbhar to appease her.
Thousands of devotees pile up on Vardhapan day, Divja Zatra day and annual
Zatra day in November/December, when procession of Goddess is taken out in
an ornamented chariot.
