Mangueshi Temple – Must visit temple in Goa

Last Updated on March 30, 2020 by Augustin Fernandes

Shri Mangesh Temple, also known as the Mangueshi Temple, is located at Ponda in the village of Mangeshi in Priol. The Mangueshi Temple is one of the largest temples in Goa, and is the most sought after and visited temples here.

The temple holds the magnificent deity of Lord Mangueshi, who was an incarnation of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. Only in Goa does one recognize Shiva to be called Lord Mangueshi.

History of Mangueshi Temple

The Mangueshi Temple was built originally near the banks of the River Zuari in the village of Kushasthali, which was later renamed ‘Cortalim’ after the Portuguese invaded Goa in 1543.

The invasion of Goa, by the Portuguese, resulted in the temple being destroyed and dismantled, as the Portuguese rulers began converting the taluka of Cortalim into a Christian upbringing.

The temple was later moved and rebuilt in the village of Priol, which was ruled by the Hindu kings of Sonde, in the district of what is now known to us as ‘Ponda’.

Since then, the temple has been renovated twice during the reign of the Marathas.
Its final structure was renovated in 1973 when a holy vessel was fitted at the top of one of its highest dome.

The story behind The Temple

The story behind the temple of Mangueshi is quite intriguing for those who love to know about the origins of creation

One day Lord Shiva his Wife Parvati were playing a game of dice. The game ended in a humiliating for Shiva who wanted to prank his wife in return for the loss he had faced at her expense.

One day before Parvati (his wife) came home Lord Shiva turned himself into a tiger to frighten her. Parvati became frightened at this sight and ran out to call her husband; speaking these words, “trahi mam girisha” which translates into “Oh Lord of Mountains, save me!” Shiva then turns himself back into his original form.

These words spoken by Parvati were later abbreviated into Manguesh, and hence the Temple being called Mangueshi.

The Structure and Features of the Temple

The temple was rebuilt in its final form in the typical Goan style of architecture.

The uniqueness of the temple is a sight many tourists and visitors come to admire. The temple has a unique Deepastambha, which is a seven storey octagonal lamp tower, painted white with golden arches, inbuilt within it.

The temple also consists of several domes, pilasters, and balustrades, and is considered to be particularly beautiful at night when the lamp tower is lit with lighting as well as the main altar.

The figure of Nandi Bull regarded as Lord Shiva’s carrier is another glorifying aspect of the interiors of the temple.

The temple also accommodates a 500 capacity hall called the Sabha Griha, which can be utilized for functions and festivals.

Best time to visit Mangueshi Temple

Every year at the end of the month of February, the Lord Shiva deity is decorated with unique ornaments and taken around the village of Manguesh, to celebrate the main annual festival of the temple during the Magha Purnima.

The pulling of chariots known as the Ratha Yatra is the major attraction of the festival.

Tourists from all over the world come and join in the celebrations of the main occasion at The Mangueshi Temple, which is quite enthralling and colorful.

Place to visit near Mangueshi Temple

1. Shantadurga Temple Kavlem:

Shri Shantadurga Temple is situated at Kavalem village in Ponda and around 30 Km from Panjim and 8 Km from Mangueshi.  Foundation stone was laid in 1730 and the temple was completed in 1738 and renovated in 1966

2. Safa Masjit Shahapur,  Ponda:

On the outskirts of Ponda one can see the historic Safa Masjid or known otherwise as the Shifa Shahourie Masjid. This historic structure is a historian’s delight. The Safa Masjid of Ponda is a proud representative of medieval Goa’s history and culture.

3. Sahakari Spice Farm, Ponda:

Sahakari Spice Farm is situated amidst lush green surroundings at Kurti, in the taluka of Ponda. This farm spice plantation is extremely popular amongst tourists for its rich cultural heritage.

4. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa:

The ancient, historical Portuguese Church located in ‘Old Goa’, was India’s first known Basilica. This church is loved by the locals as well as the tourists who especially travel to Old Goa to have a look at this famous Basilica

5. Se Cathedral, Old Goa:

Se Cathedral of Old Goa is one of the oldest and biggest churches to be seen in Asia. The construction of this magnificent masterpiece began in 1562 and was completed in the year 1619.Se Cathedral Church

6. St. Augustine Church, Old Goa:

St. Augustine Church Goa is declared as a world heritage site in 1986, the ruins of this church now attract tourists from around the globe, who visit the site with sheer delight at the sight of this magnificent tower which remains standing tall till today.

7. The Archaeological Museum, Old Goa:

The convent, adjoining the church of St. Francis of Assisi, was converted into a museum and was set up by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1965

How to reach to the Mangueshi Temple

Getting to the temple is fairly simple and straightforward. Tourists normally prefer catching a bus from the Kadamba Depo in Panaji, (KTC) bus stand.

The Mangueshi Temple to Panajim is 22 km and can be reached in 45 mins with no traffic congestion. Other routes may include hiring a taxi or renting a private vehicle to the temple.

The temple can also be reached from Madgao by bus and similarly from all other major bus stands in Goa.

The Mangueshi Temple timing

The temple open at 6:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm, so do make sure to plan your journey accordingly to the timing best suitable to you.

Conclusion

With its high domes and white and gold red paint, one can easily see why the Mangueshi Temple is more than just a temple. It’s a place for people to come and admire a bit of history and appreciate the background behind the story of one of the biggest, most beautiful temples in Goa.