Mangueshi Temple, or Shri Mangesh Devasthan, is one of the most sacred and splendid temples in Goa. Located at Mangeshi Village in Priol, Ponda taluk, it is dedicated to Shri Mangesh, an incarnation of Shiva. Shri Mangesh is worshipped here as a Shiva linga and is the kuldevta (family deity) of many Goud Saraswat Brahmins. The temple is also the spiritual headquarters of Shri Kavale Math, a religious institution of the Goud Saraswat Brahmins.
The temple is one of the largest and most frequently visited temples in Goa and attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world famous tourist attraction in Sourth Goa, visit during South Goa Local sightseeing. In this article, we will explore the location, timing, entry fees, significance, things to do, and some frequently asked questions about this magnificent temple.
Location of Mangueshi Temple
Mangueshi Temple is located at Mangeshi Village in Priol, Ponda taluk, Goa. It is situated on a hillock surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees. It is about 21 km from Panaji, the capital city of Goa, and 26 km from Margao. It can be easily reached by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport, about 30 km away. The nearest railway station is Karmali Railway Station, about 12 km away. There are also buses and taxis available from Panaji and other parts of Goa.
Timing / Entry Fees Mangueshi Temple
Mangueshi Temple is open to visitors every day from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple, but donations are welcome. Photography is allowed inside the temple premises, but not inside the sanctum sanctorum. Visitors are advised to dress modestly and respectfully, and to maintain silence and decorum inside the temple.
How to Reach Mangueshi Temple
Mangueshi Temple can be easily reached by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport, about 30 km away. The nearest railway station is Karmali Railway Station, about 12 km away. There are also buses and taxis available from Panaji and other parts of Goa.
Things to Do / Must See Mangueshi Temple
Mangueshi Temple is a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, art, or religion. The main attraction of the temple is its majestic façade and its huge tower that houses a golden kalasha (holy vessel). The golden kalasha was fitted atop the tower in 1973 and has a height of 3.5 meters and a weight of 10 kg. The tower also has seven storeys and has a height of 40 meters.
The temple is also known for its exquisite Portuguese-Goan architectural style and its intricate carvings and paintings. The temple complex consists of several structures such as the sanctum sanctorum, the mandapa (hall), the sabhamandapa (assembly hall), the deepastambha (lamp tower), the agrashala (guest house), etc. The interior of the temple is spacious and elegant, with a high ceiling and a large chandelier. The main altar is dedicated to Shri Mangesh and has a silver-plated idol of him. The altar also has a large painting depicting his legend.
The temple also has several shrines of other deities such as Nandikeshwar (the bull mount of Shiva), Ganesha (the elephant-headed god), Parvati (the consort of Shiva), Lakshmi Narayan (the goddess of wealth and Vishnu), Devaki Krishna (the mother and child form of Krishna), etc. The temple also has a museum that displays various artifacts related to the history and culture of Goa and Hinduism.
The temple also offers various rituals and ceremonies such as daily pujas (worship services), abhishekas (bathing of the idol), artis (waving of lamps), palanquin processions, festivals, etc. The temple also hosts various cultural events such as music concerts, dance performances, etc.
Significance of Mangueshi Temple
Mangueshi Temple is a significant monument for several reasons. It is one of the oldest temples in Goa and one of the finest examples of Portuguese-Goan architecture and art in India. It is also one of the most sacred temples in Goa and one of the most revered temples among the Goud Saraswat Brahmins.
The temple is also a historical place that reflects the resilience and faith of the Hindus in Goa. The temple had its origins in Kushasthali Cortalim, a village in Salcete taluk that fell to the invading Portuguese in 1543. In 1560, when the Portuguese started Christian conversions in Salcete taluk, the Saraswats of Vatsa Gotra moved the Mangesh linga from Kushasthali to its present location at Mangeshi in Priol village that was then ruled by the Hindu kings of Sonde of Antruz Mahal (Ponda). Since then, the temple has been rebuilt and renovated twice during the reign of the Marathas and again in 1890.
The temple is also a spiritual place that inspires devotion and enlightenment among its visitors. The temple is dedicated to Shri Mangesh who is an incarnation of Shiva who manifested into a tiger to scare his wife Parvati. Parvati who was frightened at the sight of the tiger went in search of Shiva and cried out “Trahi Mam girisha!” (Oh Lord of Mountains save me!). Upon hearing her words Shiva turned himself back to his normal form. The words “mam girisha” became associated with Shiva and over time got abbreviated to Manguirisha or Mangesh. He is considered as a benevolent god who grants boons to his devotees.
FAQ
When was Mangueshi Temple built?
The original temple was built in Kushasthali Cortalim in 1560. The present temple was built in Mangeshi Village in Priol in 1890.
Who designed Mangueshi Temple?
The architect who designed Mangueshi Temple is unknown but it is believed that he was influenced by Portuguese-Goan style.
How often is the golden kalasha displayed?
The golden kalasha is displayed on special occasions such as Mahashivaratri (the great night of Shiva) which falls in February or March every year.
How long does it take to visit Mangueshi Temple?
It takes about an hour to visit Mangueshi Temple and its museum.
What are some other attractions near Mangueshi Temple?
Some other attractions near Mangueshi Temple are:
Nagesh Temple: A temple dedicated to Nagesh or Nagnath who is another form of Shiva.
Mahalasa Narayani Temple: A temple dedicated to Mahalasa Narayani who is an incarnation of Vishnu or Parvati.
Safa Masjid: A mosque built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II in 1560.
Tropical Spice Plantation: A plantation that grows various spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves etc.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: A sanctuary that hosts various animals such as deer, leopard etc.
Conclusion
Mangueshi Temple is a wonderful destination that offers a blend of history, architecture, art, and religion. It is a place that appeals to all kinds of travelers and provides them with an enriching experience. It is a place that showcases the resilience, faith, and culture of Goa and India. It is a place that deserves to be visited and admired by everyone who loves to explore the wonders of the world
