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.

Shanta Durga temple- Kavalem, Goa

Shanta Durga temple is in Kavalem, Ponda and is as attractive as the earlier temples I saw.in Goa. Durga is really a very powerful deity who was created for killing Mahishasura, the demon  and is always seen sitting on her  mount, the lion, wielding lethal weapons.  But the Goddess Durga here has  a serene look like her name Shanta((Peaceful) and She is sitting in a relaxed position with legs stretched in front as if waiting to see her devotees. The deity is decorated in rich silks and jewels. The  temple has brilliant glass lamps and chandeliers. The deepa sthambha gets lighted in the evenings.

There is also a shrine for Lakshmi Narayana on right side,This temple has beautiful tank with crystal clear water similar to Mangesh temple  and I could find a Tulsi in the tank.  Tulsi is worshipped in each and every Saraswat household too. People can spend time relaxing here as there are beautiful seating arrangements around the temple. An excellent place to relax and the Goddess ensures Peace and tranquility.

How to reach:

Kavalem is Ponda is 16 Kms from Madagaon  which is the nearest railway station.

Accomodation facilities are available in the temple complex itself for the community members and a canteen offering excellent food at very economical rates.