Mangeshi Temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Goa and a prominent pilgrimage destination, admired for its unique architecture. Guests can experience Hindu traditions and ceremonies, as they learn about Goa's abundant spiritual history as related to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The Mangeshi temple is an opportunity to experience the spirituality of Goa.
The Sri Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla, is one of Goa's oldest temples and is devoted to Lord Shiva with a Shiva Linga and a sculpture of a headless Nandi. Locals presume a large king cobra dwells near the Shiva Linga, making it an uneventful location in Goa among visitors who enjoy pilgrimages.
Shree Mangeshi Temple Goa History
The Mangeshi Temple Goa has a significant history in the context of Portuguese expansion; it is one of the temples that was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1567. The Portuguese destroyed the temple when they annexed Salcete as part of their territory. The original temple was located in the village of Kushastali, which is situated on the south bank of the Zuari River; the village is currently referred to as Cortalim as a result of Portuguese conquest.
The Portuguese destroyed the original temple to erect a church in its place, but they took the lingam of Lord Mangiesh directly to Priol, where it resides now. Kushastali served as a ferry terminal across the Zuari River throughout Portuguese rule.
Following the transformation, for almost 4 centuries, the deity lay nestled in the palm groves in the valley. Then, at some point during the mid-18th century, Ramchandra Sukhtankar, a wonderful patron of the Maratha Court, refurbished the lingam and persuaded Raja Sonda to either donate the land to build the temple or provide funds for its protection.
Since the 18th century, Priol's assets would not allow for normal maintenance and renovations, as Raja Sonda's significant endowments donated Ponda to the Portuguese.
Shree Mangeshi Temple Architecture
The most impressive feature of the Mangeshi temple is the high white tower, with its ornate carvings, colourful frescoes and beautiful stiff sculptures, alluding to the master craftsmen of old. The Mangeshi Temple Goa is distinguished by its enormous seven-story deepstambha or lamp tower, which highlights the significance of the shrine. The deepstambha has interacted and incorporated other Hindu architectural features and elements into its design with highly detailed carvings, delicate flourishes and embellishments. It is especially striking when lit during the Mangeshi temple's spiritual festivals.
As you step inside the Mangeshi temple’s inner sanctum, it is filled with auspiciousness that will instill a sense of spirituality and devotion. The main deity, Lord Mangiesh, who is Lord Shiva, is enshrined in the inner sanctum of the temple. The idol is lavishly dressed in traditional garments with beautiful jewellery, while the devotees are engaged in prayer and seeking blessings at this sacred site. Mangeshi Temple receives a steady footfall each year from devotees and tourists.
However, the temple comes to life at various times during festivals, especially during the elegant Shivaratri celebrations. The atmosphere is filled with melodic chants of devotion, the incense drifts invitingly in the air and colourful processions bring the festival alive with the celebration of devotees paying homage to Lord Mangeshi. The Mangeshi Temple Goa occupies a special place in the hearts of the people as an example of their cultural heritage. While the temple is associated with records from the sixteenth century, it evolved while being moved from Cortalim to its present site in Mangeshi. The temple has stood the test of time, witnessing the rise and decline of empires, and has remained a spiritual focal point for generations.
Mangeshi Temple Timings
The Mangeshi Temple is the temple of Lord Shiva located in the village of Mangeshi in Ponda Taluka, Goa. The Mangeshi Temple Timings are 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. To make your visit memorable, you must keep in mind the state of the weather and the different cultural events surrounding the temple at some point in the year. The climate in Goa is classified as winter, summer, and monsoon seasons.
Best time to visit Mangeshi Temple
The best time to visit Mangeshi temple Goa is between November to February, but lets know what each season has to offer-
Winter Season (November to February)
The best season to visit is the winter months in Goa. (Instead of being a haphazard affair, November to February is a delightful winter month when temperatures hover between 20 degrees and 30 degrees, and the wind blows cool while the air is fresh to engage in the scenic surroundings of Mangeshi Temple). In addition to the climate, notable occasions like Diwali and Christmas are also celebrated with great pomp and display in Goa.
Summer Season (March to May)
The summer months in Goa (March to May) see an increase in temperatures, with averages ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Although the weather is hot and humid, this season has a lack of crowds, allowing for ease of movement within the temple premises.
Monsoon Season (June to September)
The monsoon months in Goa (June to September) see heavy rainfall in the area during this time of the year. The rain and green scenery, along with a decreased number of visitors, make this an interesting time to visit Goa. However, it’s worth mentioning that the temple may be much busier with local pilgrims for festivals such as Shigmo or Ganesh Chaturthi.
It can also be difficult to participate in outdoor activities due to the rainfall. Nevertheless, a visit to the temple during the monsoon can be a nice experience, and you can enjoy the serene atmosphere of rain-drenched landscapes.
How To Reach Mangeshi Temple
Reaching the Mangeshi shrine is super easy. You can reach it by road, rail or air. Follow the instructions below for the same:
By Road
The temple is located in the village of Priol, in the Ponda taluka of Goa, at Mangeshi. The distance from Panaji, Goa, to Mangeshi is 20 km, or 10 km to Ponda on the same road. The Mardol-Bus Stop has many government-operated buses and private buses that run in and out of the state.
By Train
The nearest train station is Karmali Railway Station or Old Goa, located on the Konkan Railways. You can get a bus or take a cab from there to Mardol-Bus Stop, with the other train stations in Goa being Madgaon, Panaji, Vasco Da Gama, and Sanvordem.
By Air
The airport Dabolim is the airport in Goa, located 30 km from Panaji.
Places To Visit Near Mangeshi Temple
There are many great places to visit near Mangeshi Mandir. Let’s list them down below:
1. Baga Beach
Baga Beach is an amazing location near Mangeshi Temple to experience the charm and vividness of a beach destination, in the absence of beach shacks, nightlife or water sports. The nature of the beach destination is inviting, embracing all aspects of enjoying the beach, including wholesome, family activities or adventure-filled water sports.
2. Colva Beach
Colva Beach is another renowned tourist destination that you must include in your list of places to see in Goa. Popular for its long stretch of coastline, fine white sand, swaying palm trees, and Colva Beach, it is located 33 kilometres from the Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 8 kilometres from the Margao Railway station. It is one of the perfect places to visit near Mangeshi Temple Goa.
3. Anjuna Beach
Nestled in the colourful coastal region, Anjuna Beach is one of the best places to visit in Goa and a true hippie's paradise, offering an excellent mix of beachside relaxation and a buzzing flea market.
It is one of the wonderful summer vacation spots around the world! This is an outstanding spot to chill out and enjoy the lazy ambience and opportunities for fun, beachside sports, unique flea markets, and falling coconut trees! It's one of the best places to visit near the Mangeshi Temple.
Anjuna Beach is famous for its quirky beach huts, lively dance floors, and a wealth of water sports, making it a haven for both adventure junkies and those seeking tranquillity.
4. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Dudhsagar Waterfalls is a multi-tiered waterfall situated on the Mandovi River in Goa. The waterfall is regarded to be one of the tallest in India, with a height of 1017 feet. The waterfall is located in the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, which borders the states of Karnataka and Goa.
Dudhsagar means "sea of milk" in the nearby Konkani language and gets its name based on its appearance, as if the water cascading down the rocks is a sea of milk. The waterfall consists of four tiers with incredible ways to access each tier. The bottom of the waterfall can be accessed via the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. It is part of the breathtaking sites near the Mangeshi Temple.
5. Basilica of Bomb Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Old Goa. It houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. The Basilica is a historical monument, built in the Baroque style of architecture, with connections to ancient history in Goa. In fact, it is over 400 years old and attracts many tourists and pilgrims daily.
6. The Archaeological Museum, Old Goa
The Archaeological Museum in Goa is a delightful museum that was established not too long ago. It was inaugurated in 1964 by the Archaeological Survey of India in the Convent of St Francis of Assisi, located at the centre of the Portuguese capital of Old Goa. The objects displayed are divided into eight galleries. In this museum, we can see Goa's Portuguese past besides its early history with our own eyes.
Conclusion
To summarise, Mangeshi Temple Goa is a sacred place to explore the spiritual aspect of Goa. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa and a worthwhile pilgrimage destination due to the impressive architecture. Visitors can enjoy Hindu rituals and ceremonies and learn about Goa's spiritual and historical past, including its connection to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Visit this sacred pilgrimage with your loved ones if you want to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. He himself is the deity of this temple, and devotees from all across the nation gather in this shrine to worship him.
