Temples in Goa: Spiritual sanctuaries

If it is your first visit to Goa, a relaxing day at the beach, giving in to the titillating play of the waves, hitting up a few hot parties, visiting some stunning churches, and indulging in the incredible local cuisine would make for a fantastic schedule. On the other hand, if you are a tourist who wants to see Goa beyond its beaches and churches, you are in for a truly extraordinary experience. 

Goa, also referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is home to several locations and buildings that exhibit the city’s distinctive façade. Although Goa is not typically associated with temples, the city possesses some of the most beautiful ones that are well worth a visit. Additionally, you can see temples here that combine Jain, Portuguese, Mughal, and European architectural styles. 

1. Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple

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One of the many noteworthy Hindu temples in Goa, Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple, is distinguished by its mandap, or temple hall, built in Mughal style, as well as its tall lamp tower. To participate in the essential Gokulashtami annual temple ceremony, visitors from throughout the country travel to the holy location. 

Location: 403403 Temple Road, Narve, Maem, Goa 

Hours of operation: 6 AM to 7 PM daily 

Major attraction: European architecture 

2. Maruti Temple 

 

Maruti Temple is included in Goa’s list of well-known temples. On your trip to Goa, you must stop by the Maruti Temple. Due to the lengthy but fascinating history surrounding the construction of this temple, Maruti Temple is an excellent destination for history buffs. Lord Hanuman, also known as the Monkey God, is worshipped here. When in Goa, pay a visit to Maruti Temple to learn more about the fascinating tale that led to its construction. 

Location: Altinho, Nanu Tarkar Pednekar Rd, Panaji, Goa 403001 

Hours of operation: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM 

Major attraction: Beautiful architecture 

3. Mahalaxmi Temple

 

Mahalaxmi Temple, one of North Goa’s most significant and famous Hindu temples, is home to the God that rules Panaji Village. In the sanctum of this magnificent temple, there are about 18 holy images that represent the various sects of the Holy Bhagavata. Many people travel to Goa throughout the year to visit the Mahalaxmi Temple. The Mahalakshmi deity, who has a linga on her head, is revered as the Goddess of riches and harmony.  

Location: Goa, North Goa, Ponda, and Bandivade 

Hours of operation: 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM. 

Main attractions: Navratri and Chaitra Purnima festivals

4. Mahadeva Temple

 

Mahadeva Temple is old enough to be categorised as one of Goa’s ancient temples and is listed as a protected monument. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, he is a distinctive self in terms of architecture. A three-stepped entrance to worship the linga is in a pillared entrance hall composed of the finest basalt stones. All year long, Goa’s Mahadev Temple attracts both believers and enthusiasts of nature.

Location: Sanguem, Surla, Goa 403406, next to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary 

Visitation hours: N/A 

Major attraction: Mahashivratri Festival 

5. Shri Shantadurga Temple

 

Interestingly, there are three locations in Goa where you can visit the Temple of Shantadurga. In Goa, there are Shantadurga temples in Kavlem, Pemem, and Quepem. Because both Christians and Hindus worship the same deity in Quepem’s Shantadurga Temple, it is a true testament to the unity of God. As its name implies, this tranquil location is a genuine representation of peace and harmony. It is also one of the many temples in South Goa that must be visited. 

Location: 403705 Ghudo-Avedem, Quepem, Goa 

Visitation hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Major attraction: The Jatra Utsav festival 

6. Shri Damodar Temple

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The deity of Lord Shiva’s incarnation as Lord Damodar resides in the Shri Damodar Temple, located on the banks of the Kushawati River. Many believers think the Kushavati River’s healing power may cure physical ailments. The idea of Lord Damodar is transported about the temple grounds according to rites performed there in a palanquin.  

It takes approximately fourteen halts during the procession to stand still and sing bhajans. Visit this well-known Goan temple on your subsequent vacation there if you want to experience the hues and sounds of calm. 

Location: 403602 Fatorda, Margao, Goa 

Visitation hours: N/A 

Major attractions: Song and festival festivals. 

7. Mahalasa Temple 

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The Mahalsa Temple is one of the well-known temples in Goa, housing a variety of beliefs. Some claim that the Goddess struck the small pool of water inside the temple with her toe, causing it to sprout. One must participate in the daily rounds of worship held at the temple grounds or the aarti sequences to have a spiritual experience. 

Location: Ponda, Goa, Mardol 403404 

Visitation hours: 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM 

Major Attraction: Water pool 

8. Mangeshi Temple

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The Mangueshi Temple in Goa is another noteworthy Hindu temple in the state of Goa, which is primarily full of them. One of the top tourist attractions in North Goa, this temple is well-known for the Deep Stambha to the north of the building, which is most beautiful at night when lit by many Diya’s. The Mangueshi Temple, a stunning fusion of contemporary art and traditional Hindu patterns, should be on your list of must-see local temples. 

Location: Mangeshi Village, Dinanath Mangeshkar Rd, Mardol, Goa 403401 

Visitation Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 

Major attractions: Ram Navami, Navratri, Maha Shivratri, and Jatra Utsav. 

9. Shri Nagesh Temple 

Source: Wikemedia 

The Nagesh Temple is one more prominent and noteworthy temple in Goa. The Naguesh Temple is renowned for its solid and durable foundation. It is the only temple in Goa that has just undergone renovations and has never been rebuilt. You will not miss the opportunity to view the exquisite reflections of the images made in the temple pool. It is what draws many visitors to the Naguesh Temple from throughout Goa. 

Location: Ponda, Ponda, Bandiwade, Donshiwado, Goa 403401 

Visitation times: NA 

Major attraction: Shivratri celebrations 

10. Brahma Temple 

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The Brahma Temple in Goa is a must-visit if you want to tour a divine temple. The centre of the property is occupied by the tall and beautiful statue of Lord Brahma. The Trimurti form of Lord Brahma is depicted on his idol. It is thought that everyone who visits Lord Brahma would be blessed. Furthermore, this draws a sizable Hindu population to all Goa temples. 

Location: Carambolim Brahma Taluka Satari Goa 403506 

Time of visits: NA 

Major Attraction: 5th-century architecture 

11. Shri Kamakshi Temple 

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The Shri Kamakshi Temple, another magnificent structure, is set in a breathtaking environment that further enhances its beauty and allure. When a pilgrim travels this far, he needs a divine atmosphere.

In contrast to other well-known temples in Goa, Kamakshi Temple is the only one with a water tank inside the sanctum. Tourists come from across Goa because of the location’s exquisite beauty and holiness. 

Location: 403103 Shiroda, Goa 

Hours of Visitation: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM 

Major Attraction: Architecture from the late 16th century 

12. Laxmi Narasimha Temple 

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It appears like Goa is everything but temples as the list continues to increase. With its antique appeal, the Laxmi Narasimha temple in Goa stands out from other temples. India will never experience a decline in temple tourism because there is a temple in every neighbourhood and a greater number of worshippers. Laxmi Narasimha Temples is one of the older Goan temples and is renowned for its freshwater spring that fills the temple tank and its exquisitely carved carvings. 

Location: 403404 Veling, Mardol, Goa 

Hours of operation: 6:30 AM to 12:45 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM 

Major Attraction: The location itself 

13. Shri Ramnath Temple

Source: Wikemedia 

Ramnath is historically regarded as one of the manifestations of Lord Shiva, to whom Lord Ram offered worship and prayed before crossing the river into Sri Lanka. As a result, Shri Ramnath Temple, one of the well-known Hindu temples in Goa, is of utmost significance in Hindu culture. The deepstambh and the idols of other Gods besides Lord Ramnath are something you cannot miss while visiting this temple. 

Location: Ramnath Devasthan Shree Ramnath Devasthan Ramnathim Ponda Goa 403401 

Hours of operation: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM 

14. Shri Bhagavati Temple 

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Shri Bhagavati Temple is reputed to be 500 years old and is devoted to Goddess Bhagwati, a manifestation of Goddess Laxmi. The temple is exquisitely constructed, with two enormous black elephants greeting visitors at the entryway. Due to the large number of people it draws during Dusshera, Shri Bhagavati Temple is probably well-known among other Goa temples. To experience vibrant and energetic celebrations, visiting this temple before the festivities begin is best. 

Location: Ponda, Goa 403401 (Yashwant Nagar, Dhavali). 

Visitation hours: N/A 

Major Attraction: Dussehra celebrations 

15. Shri Rudreshwar Temple 

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Shri Rudreshwar Temple, the last but certainly not least on the list of temples in Goa, offers a lovely atmosphere. The temple, also known as the abode of Lord Shiva, is located next to the Harvalem waterfalls. In addition to seeking salvation, wealth fulfillment, and health alleviation, pilgrims participate in temple rituals. The waterfall is in front of the gorgeous image of Rudreshwar among wonderful glittering rains. One of Goa’s most exquisite temples is Rudreshwar. On your spiritual Goa tour, do not miss the opportunity to experience the mesmerising splendor of the Gods. 

Location: Sanquelim, Goa, 403505, Rudreshwar Colony 

Visitation hours: N/A 

Major Attractions: During Mahashivratri, the sanctuary is very lovely and joyful. Hindu pilgrims also come to this temple to participate in funeral rites. 

16. 1008 Shri Adinath Digambar Jain Mandir 

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The temple’s grounds also serve as a Dharamshala, offering amenities including only vegetarian meals and comfortable lodging choices. White marble creates the God in the temple’s sanctum, which radiates serene energy. All Jain tourists should visit 1008 Adinath Digambar Jain Mandir, the only Jain temple in Goa. 

Location: Mugalli, close to Rosery Chapel, on Davorlim Road in Margao, Goa 403601 

Visitation hours: N/A 

Important feature: Interiors 

How to reach Goa?

By air

As a well-liked vacation place and relaxing locale, Goa is well-connected by air to all the major towns in the nation. Regular flights are available from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai to this tropical paradise. However, the quickest way to get to Goa is to fly from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which takes around an hour. 

Goa’s Dabolim Airport is 26 kilometres from Panaji, the state’s capital. Despite being mostly served by domestic carriers, this airport also receives international flights as the tourist season approaches. The airport offers an ATM, prepaid taxi counter, currency exchange, and standard services. The airport also features dining establishments and shopping centres to keep you occupied while you wait for your trip. International travellers typically land in bustling cities like Delhi and Mumbai. 

From November to February, a few Russian, German, and British charter airlines also provide direct flights to the Dabolim Airport. 

By rail

From Mumbai in the north to Mangalore in the south, the length of the Konkan Railway, estimated to be 760 kilometres (about 472.24 mi), is vast. The largest station, however, and one with strong connections to other regions of the nation, is Margao’s Madgaon Railway Station. The Goa Sampark Kranti Express and Trivandrum Express are frequent trains between Delhi and Madgaon. About 38 kilometres separate the capital city from the Madgaon Railway Station. The Vasco da Gama station is another railroad stop located 29 kilometres distant. As soon as you exit the train station, taxis will await you. 

You can go to your location in about six hours and 24 minutes for a relatively low price by rail. If you want to go to the North Goa beaches like Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, etc., try to board a train that stops at Thivim because the main railway station is in Madgaon, which is in North Goa. The picturesque landscapes and lush green trees that pass you as you travel to Goa by rail are a visual pleasure. 

By road

If you wish to take a road trip to Goa, hire a car and travel to this beach paradise while the sea’s salty smell fills your senses and beautiful scenery passes you by. The quickest route by car departs from Mumbai, which is only 14 hours distant. The National Highway 4, which connects the Mumbai-Pune Expressway with Belgaum and Goa, is the quickest route from Mumbai. Buses from and to Goa travel to and from several places, including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hampi.

By sea

A new cruise ferry service operating between Mumbai and Goa will be available at your beck and call if you are travelling from Mumbai and would like to spend some time near the water. This one-day trip, known as Angriya Cruises, is said to be an overnight pleasure. It has an infinity pool, a spa, and two restaurants. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4 PM, the ship departs from Mumbai’s Victoria Docks and arrives at Goa’s Mormugao cruise terminal at 9 AM. 

FAQs 

Which Goa temple is the largest?

The largest temple in Goa is the Mangueshi temple, which may be found at Priol, Ponda, Goa, at the Mangeshi Village.

How old is the Mangueshi Temple?

The Mangueshi, which was constructed in 1560, is thought to be Goa's largest temple.

Which North Goa temples are the best?

The best temples in North Goa include Shantadurga Temple, Shree Nagesh Maharudra Mandir, and Manguesh Saunsthan.

Which Goa temple is the oldest and worth visiting?

Goa is a historically highly wealthy state; there are numerous oldest temples. Some of the oldest temples to visit in Goa are Shantadurga Temple, Ramnath Temple, and Mahalaxmi Temple.

What season is ideal for visiting Goa?

Given that the weather is typically milder and more pleasant than the rest of the year, November through February are the finest times to visit Goa. The excellent weather enables tourists to unwind on the beaches and enjoy the exciting nightlife in the party capital.

What additional attractions are there in Goa besides the beaches?

In Goa, Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Cabo de Rama Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Anjuna Flea Market, Goa's Butterfly Conservatory, Mahadeva Temple, Kamakshi Temple, and a long list of other locations are just a few attractions that are not beaches.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com