Mahadeva Temple,Tambdi Surla -Goa

Mahadeva temple in Tambdi Surla, is a 13th century monument  nestled among the foot of Anmod hills in  a small clearing. It is surrounded by dense growth of trees and a there is a small river flowing nearby. The Sivalinga inside the sanctum is intact though centuries have gone by but the Nandi facing the Lord here is headless. That does not deter devotees from offering worship to the  Lord's mount.

The atmosphere in the inner portion of the temple is very strong and magical and  a few minutes of meditation can purify the mind and soul.The brightly glowing oil lamps create a brilliant  aura around the deity.

The  temple is very small but the ornamental work on stone is marvellous. The intricate work on the ceilings, the pillars and tower looks fresh even today.The temple is believed to be built by Kadamba kings who ruled Goa between 12- 14th century.

Mahasivarathri  is celebrated here in a grand manner and thousands gather at the temple to offer worship.

The temple is 65 kms from the capital city of Panaji- Goa

Pictures of post here
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipMzH0K6Wfniwh114vUB1Oobp28YcFDKOjMZeCyA

Damodar temple Zambaulim -Goa

Damodar temple, belonging to GSB community (Gowda Saraswath Brahmins), is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in Zambaulim, 22kms from Madgaon. It is situated on the banks of  river Kushavati . The holy water of the river is believed to cure skin diseases.

There is also an idol of Lakshmi Narayana inside the sanctum. There are shrines for  Goddess Chamundeshwari  and  Siva  on either side of the main temple.  

The enchanting idol of Lord Siva was consecrated at the present site after the Portuguese demolished  the original temple  in 1567. Both Christians and Hindus here rever Lord Damodar.

Accommodation facilities are available in the temple complex for the community members.

For other temples in Goa- view here.

https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOpNOou_vrD7gCwz0JbBhqBdADie5o8NOypaWKu

Nagesh temple- Ponda, Goa

 Nagesh  Maharudra temple is  yet another Siva temple in Bandora village  in Ponda. . This temple also houses Lakshmi Narayana and Ganesha shrines. The temple was built in 1780 AD

Nagesh Lingam here is a swayambhu( self.-manifestation) believed to have miraculous powers.

The history of the temple is not known. This temple was  left untouched during the religious persecution by the Portuguese rulers. There are inscriptions in the temple which throws light on the antiquity of the temple. The mandapam in front of the temple has intricate wooden carvings which depict various stories from Hindu epics.

Shri Nagesh Maharudra temple is situated on Fermagude-Kavalem-Ponda road.
Location of the temple is provided along with labels. For other posts on Goa temples On My Pilgrimage click here

How to reach: Nearest railway station Madgaon . Ponda is 16 Kms. from the railway station.

Dabolim is the airport in Goa.

Accommodation - Most of the temples have accommodation facilities for the community members. Budget and luxury hotels are available here.

Kamakshi Temple - Shiroda , Goa

Kamakshi temple, in Shiroda is more than 500 years old. Kamakshi is an incarnation Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Siva. The temple complex houses three more shrines dedicated to Shanta Durga, Lakshmi Narayana and Rayeshwar (Siva). The temple doors here are embellished well with silver foil work. This village of Shiroda is situated 12Kms from Kavlem taluk of Ponda. To read more about Kamakshi , click Kamakshi Amman of Kanchipuram Just outside this temple there is a small shrine dedicated to Aanjaneya . See the last three photos.

How to reach: Goa is well connected by air and rail and road.

Madgaon is the nearest rail station.which is about 20 Kms. from this temple.

There is also accommodation facilities available in this temple for the community members.

Mahalakshmi temple- Ponda, Goa

In this temple resides Goddess of wealth- Mahalakshmi. This temple is in Ponda . One can enjoy the richness and grandeur of the temple as it is a befitting tribute to the Goddess of wealth. The entrance and the doors have rich ornamental designs covered with silver and gold foils. A golden image of Lakshmi is set atop the door leading to the sanctum. The main deity here is adorned with rich silks and finery. There are two shrines on either side of the main temple one for Lakshmi Narayana and other for Ganapathi.

How to reach: Nearest railway station Madgaon . Ponda is 16 Kms. from the railway station.

Dabolim is the airport in Goa.

Accommodation - Most of the temples have accommodation facilities for the community members .Budget and luxury hotels are available here.

Mahalasa Narayani temple- Goa

There are many kuladevata temples in Goa, set up by Saraswats who originally lived on the banks of river Saraswathi. Kuldevatas are family deities or deities belonging to each Gotra, among the same community . During the Portuguese rule many Saraswaths migrated from Goa. They were worshippers of Siva and Sakthi. When they fled they carried their family deities with them and set them up wherever they established their settlements but the main temples remained in Goa itself. Many travelled down South and were confused regarding the worship and rituals. The great Guru Madhwacharya guided them well and they started worshipping Vishnu and later the temples in Goa were forgotten or neglected.

But now they visit these kuldevata temples to seek the blessings of the deities which were worshipped for ages by their ancestors. This is a small introduction about the kuldevata temples.

I do not know the legend surrounding each temple. I enjoyed the beauty and architecture of each temple which was unique and cleanliness in each temple was beyond comparison. A common thing I found was, these temple do a have a huge structure - a deepa sthambha of a different kind compared to the ones we see in South Indian temples. They appear more like minarets which are illuminated in the evenings, a sight to behold. Each temple also has sparkling and dazzling chandeliers which give brilliant glow all round.The well lit temples, cleanliness and purity certainly refreshes and brings peace to mind.

The first temple I visited

Mahahlasa Narayani temple- This temple is in Mardol, Goa and the temple looked grand with beautifully carved wooden pillars with intricate patterns and silver doors. There is another shrine devoted to Lakshmi Narayana here and devotees offer worship to this deity first before entering the main temple of Mahalasanarayani. This goddess is the reincarnation of Vishnu and is feared by the devotees and people used to take oath here under the 'Justice bell'. Justice dispensed by taking oath under this bell was even recognised by Portuguese courts.

How to reach: Nearest railway station is Madagaon and the airport Dabolim which is about 35 kms.

Good hotels are available in Panaji, Vasco, Madgaon and Ponda.

Each temple also has accommodation facilities, however this is generally made available for the people of the Saraswath community.

Here are the pictures

Pilgrimage along Konkan Coast

Here's  a glimpse of my wonderful, exciting, fabulous and  spiritual journey I took  recently along the konkan coast- to places like  Goa, karvar ,Mangalore with my family . We had loads of fun enjoying the natural picturesque beaches of Goa, boat rides and of course the  favourite 'my pilgrimage'.

First phase of my trip was in Goa and I was excited because this is the place our ancestors belonged to . They migrated down South about 400 years ago, fearing conversions from Portuguese and have been living there since. It was quite exciting to see the place where I could speak my Mother tongue, Konkani  as most of the people  were quite familiar with the same and I felt quite at home. My heart yearned to be there but  I had to come down to earth. I would take you through the enchanting experience of mine in  my future posts.So keep watching and enjoy the same  sitting in the cool comforts of your home.

My friends, I will be visiting all of you very soon,. See you.

Here's a jhalak....(glimpse) of the places I visited and I am going start with Amcha Goa ( My Goa) . .......:-)