Location
Manguesh Temple is situated along the National Highway-4A about 23-km from
Panaji. Positioned 22 kms from Panaji, this temple is set on a picturesque
location, on a hillock surrounded by lush green hills.
History
Although the Sri Manguesh temple was hidden as a closed book in Cortalim,
but then, it was moved to its present site between Mardol and Priol during
the 16th century. The structure that tourists admire dates back to 1700's.
Deity
Lord Shiva is the main deity worshipped in this temple.
Attractions of Manguesh Temple
The temple is full of many attractions which are listed below-:
The massive
welcome gate and an elegant lamp tower "Noubatkhana"
dominating the temple tank makes the tourist feel bewildered at its
first sight and the Agrashalas on three sides also give an enchanting look.
It has an
airy atmosphere of a peculiar style. The grand white
tower at the entrance is a landmark of the countryside.
Inside, the
floor is surfaced with marble and decorative tiles
which further highlight the white walls. The beautiful raised silver
thresholds, with fluorite patterns, direct to the sanctum which houses a
Shiva Lingam .
A golden
"Shesha" next to the Linga and an image of Shiva
compromises the main altar.
Legend
There is an interesting story or legend related to Lord Manguesh, who is an
incarnation of Lord Shiva. The name Manguesh is not used for Lord Shiva
anywhere else in India. You'll come to know why it is used in Goa
only.according to legends once Lord Shiva lost everything he had in a game
of dice with his wife Parvati. As decided, he went to go into self-imposed
exile and visited Goa. But, Parvati could not live without her husband so
she came to find out Lord Shiva in jungles. Lord planned to play a prank
with her. He turned himself into a tiger to scare her. Parvati cried out for
help and uttered the words 'Trahi Mam Girisha' (O Lord of Mountains Save
Me!). Lord Shiva immediately turned himself back into his normal form and
the two were united.But the cry for help, and the words 'mam girisha' got
linked with Lord Shiva. In the course of time the words abbreviated to
Manguirisha or Manguesh by which name he is known today also. A linga which
was left to mark the place where the legend happened was noticed by a local
shepherd and finally a temple was built to house Lord Manguesh.
Architecture
The temple architecture is a blend of Hindu, Christian and Muslim charms
and is illuminated in glorious lights during the annual Jatra which is held
in January. The deity is taken out in a palanquin and paraded in huge
chariots during the festival which is attended by thousands of devotees.
Festivals and many other religious activities are conducted at regular
intervals.
