Contrary to popular perception, Goa is home to some of the most famous temples of Hindus. During the Portuguese occupation, the temples in Goa were subject to rampant destruction and devotees had to clandestinely smuggle the deities for fear of persecution. The idols were kept in makeshift shrines until the Portuguese allowed the first temple to be built in 1818. Hence most of the Goa temples are of recent built in comparison to other Indian temples and the temple architectures display marked deviations from standard practices. Following are some of the prominent temples of Goa:
Mallikarjun Temple
Located amidst an enchanting landscape teeming with lush greenery, the Mallikarjun temple is renowned for its colorful festivals observed with pomp and pageantry. Built by the ancestors of the Kshatriya Samaj in 16th century, the Mallikarjun temple was subsequently refurbished in 1778.
Mahalaxmi Temple
Located at the heart of the Panaji city, the Mahalaxmi temple is a sacred shrine for Hindu devotees. The Mahalaxmi temple enshrines the deity of Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth. Mahalaxmi is also regarded the presiding deity of the Panaji city. The Mahalakshmi temple assumes significance for being the first Hindu temple to be built in Goa after the Portuguese invasion by Alfonse de Albuquerque.
MahalsaTemple
The opulent Mahalsa temple is one of the most famous temples in Goa. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalsa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hence the temple is also as the Mahalsa Narayani temple, Narayan being another name for Vishnu. The Mahalsa temple is located one kilometer afar from the Mangueshi temple, another prominent temple in Ponda.
Mangueshi Temple
Located about 21 km from Panaji, the Mangueshi temple stands tall amidst the scores of Hindu temple that dot the Goan landscape. One of the survivors of the destruction unleashed by the Portuguese, the Manguesh temple was originally located at Kushasthali (present day Cortalim).
|