Goa is one of the most secular states, this is very evident with the equal amount of churches and temples. The temples in Goa are dedicated to various deities.

MANGUESHI TEMPLE

Shri Manguesh temple is dedicated to Lord Manguesh, a form of Shiva, which is recognised only in Goa. Though small, it has an air of distinctive elegance. Its lofty white tower at the entrance is a landmark of the countryside.

SHRI SHANTADURGA TEMPLE, KAVLEM

Shri Shantadurga temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. King Shahu of Satara built this temple in 1738. This temple is the largest and most famous in Goa. The goddess here is also referred as Durga. The actual meaning of Shanta in Sanskrit language, means peace. Thus by combining the two names, we get the name Shantadurga, which thus means the Goddess of Peace.

MAHALAXMI TEMPLE - PANAJI

Located at the heart of the Panaji city, the Mahalaxmi temple is a sacred shrine for Hindu devotees. The Mahalaxmi temple enshrines the deity of Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth. Mahalaxmi is also regarded the presiding deity of the Panaji city.

The Mahalakshmi temple assumes significance for being the first Hindu temple to be built in Goa after the Portuguese invasion by Alfonse de Albuquerque. The temple was approved for construction in 1818, after the elapse of 300 years and inordinate delays by the Portuguese authorities. The original structure has undergone renovations many times, the latest being in 1983.

The deity of the Mahalaxmi temple was originally enshrined at the village of Taleigao. It was secretly moved to Bicholim in the 16th century to escape Portuguese persecution. The Maruti Jatra festival held at the Shri Mahalakshmi Temple during January-February draws a large number of devotees.

SHRI NAGUESH TEMPLE, BANDORA

Shri Naguesh temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most ancient temples in Goa. It was established in 1413, years before Alfonso de Albuquerque arrived in Goa.

The temple has a gallery on both sides that contains exquisite specimens of intricate woodcarvings of the events of Ramayana on one side and wooden images of Astadikpal and Gandharva on the other.
The most important festival that is commemorated here during the month of November is the Anguish Satrap.

GOMANTESHWAR TEMPLE - BRAHMAPURI

The Shree Gomanteshwar Devasthan temple is situated at Brahmapur near Ela in Old Goa. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the name of Gomanteshwar or Goveshwar and is known to have been a colony of the Brahmins in the ancient times.

Sadly this temple is in ruins and the present structure is simple with a tiled roof. The Gomanteshwar temple is known to have been built in the 14th century by Madhava Mantri, the minister of the Vijaynagar Empire. Mahadev was worshipped during the Kadamba rule in Goa. The temple also has a tank known as the Madan Tirtha Goraksha Math which is named after him.

SHRI SHANTADURGA TEMPLE - FATORPA

Situated at Fatorpa in Quepem Taluka, the temple dedicated to Shantadurga was originally from Cuncolim and hence, the deity is known as “Shantadurga Kukalienkarin”. The idol is made of five metals and is one foot in height. The deity is known as “Jagrit Devta” and holds in its arms a shield and a Trishula.

 

Shantadurga is worshipped by Hindus and Christians alike, as the devotees believe that she asks in their dreams anything she likes and they offer the things demanded by Goddess with great veneration. Hence, the temple has much religious sanctity. The principal festival is “Jatrotsava”, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over Goa.

GOPAL GANAPATI TEMPLE - FARMAGUDI

lush green surroundings is the temple of Gopal-Ganapati. A modern temple, consecrated as recently as 1966, it is built on the spot where the Maratha king Sambhaji defeated the Portuguese army in 1683.

The surprise defeat was believed to be a sign of the deity's protection of the rural. The image of Gopal-Ganapati was discovered quite accidentally at this historic battlefield and sheltered under a thatched-roof until recently.

SHRI ANANTA TEMPLE - SAVOI VEREM

Located at Veram is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the second god of the Hindu Trinity, whose role is that of preservation, just as Brahma's is of creation and Shiva's is of dissolution. This is the only Ananta Temple in Goa and therefore of special interest.

Surrounded on all sides by water and beautiful countryside, the aspect of the temple site inspires tranquility and peace. For village folk, the pilgrimage could be undertaken for the purpose of exorcising spells, as the belief is that the Lord has the power to do so.

RAMNATH TEMPLE - RAMNATHI

The Ramnath Temple situated at Bandode near Ponda is known to have been constructed in around 1566 AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ramnath, a form of Shiva worshipped by the Lord Rama.

The Ramnath and Shantadurga temples were situated in close neighbors during 16th century and now in the current period they are few distance away to each other.

The Ling of Ramnath is respected to Shiva Shrine had come from temple at Loutolim, though linga is the pride of the place Vishnu's presence even holds the large impression, in the sanctuary there is structure of Laxminarayana, its relationship is complex but it resembles to Lord Rama, Vishnu's incarnation.

MHALSA TEMPLE - MARDOL

The Mahalsa Temple located at Mardol in Ponda is one of the most famous temples in Goa. It is also known as the Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple and is dedicated to the Goddess Mahalasa.

Lakshmi (Mahalasa), the goddess of wealth and prosperity is the presiding deity in this temple. This deity was originally located at a temple in the Salcete taluka. However, in the 16th century, the troops of Adil Shah attacked the temple and razed it to the ground. The deity though was rescued and moved to its present location. In Goa, the goddess Mahalsa is accepted as Vishnu's consort.

DEVKI KRISHNA TEMPLE, MARCELA

The small town of Marcel is the location of the temples of more than 15 deities of the Hindu pantheon. The unique feature of this temple is that this is the only temple in India where Lord Krishna is worshipped alongside mother Devaki as Devakikrishna. The main Deities Devakikrishna and affiliate deities of Bhumika Devi, Laxmi Ravalnath, Mallinath, Katyayani, Chodaneshwar and Dhada Shankar were originally located at Choodamani island (Chorao island of today).

The Garbha Griha (inner sanctum) of the temple has the beautiful idol of Devaki and Lord Krishna. The idol of Devaki is in standing posture with a child Krishna, between her legs. This particular pose is considered to be unique. The idols are beautifully carved in black stone. The palakhi is taken in Shukla and Trayodashi (except in Chaturmas). Ramanavmi, Gokulastami are celebrated on a grand scale. Limited accommodations available. The major festival is Malni Purnima from Paush Vadya which is celebrated over here with great fervour and excitement.