The Saraswat Temples, Goa

The Saraswat Hindu Temples in Goa had managed to survive the attack of the Portugal regime. The temples were moved from one place to another in order to protect them from the Portuguese. The presiding deities of these temples were at times preserved and worshipped even in the houses of the pujaris, till they were finally settled in their present day dwellings. Some of the old temples of Goa were noted for their natural beauty and simple architecture. The have certain common features like being surrounded by betel nut trees, coconut groves and lakes of pure water.

Among the oldest Saraswat Temples in Goa are the Mangesh Samsthan of Priol, the Shanthadurga Samsthan at Kavlem, the Ganapati Samsthan at Khandole, the Mahalakshmi Samsthan at Bandewade and the Sri Nagesh Maharudra Samsthan at Bandora. The Sri Nagesh Maharudra temple did not move from Bandora (Bandewade) even during the period of the Portuguese inquisition unlike other temples. Atrunja Taluka is a place, which is now called Ponda. It is a land with valleys and mountains and an ideal place for the Gods amidst coconut and areca nut groves. Ponda has several Hindu temples. A special characteristic of the Saraswat temples is that it gives priority to the local Christian devotees.

Sri Ramnath Samsthan, Ramnathim (Ponda)

The Sri Ramnath Samsthan was originally located at Lotulim in Salcette taluka and was shifted to its present location in Bandivadem in the16th century. Other deities worshipped in the temple are Sri Laxmi Narayan, Sri Shanteri, Sri Kamakshi, Sri Siddhinath, Betal and Kalabhairava.

Sri Samsthan Mahalakshmi, Bandivadem, Bandora (Ponda)

Sri Samsthan Mahalakshmi was shifted to this place from Colva in Sasasthi (Salcette) in 16th century AD during the Portuguese invasion. The associate deity is the Ravalnath. The temple has a beautiful chowka, which is famous for its grandeur and beauty.

Sri Nagesh Maharudra Samsthan, Bandivadem, Bandora (Ponda)

Sri Nagesh Maharudra Samsthan is one of the few temples, which was not affected by Portuguese ill treatment and remains at its original place. The temple was constructed in 1780 AD. The affiliated deities of the temple are Sri Laxmi Narayan, Sri Ganapati, Ravalnath and Betal. Other temples associated with the Samsthan are Goddess Karado and Purvachari. The annual jatra of the temple is held in the month of Chaitra during Ramanavami. Shivaratri is also celebrated with Rathotsava on Magha Amavasya (next day). The temple has Agrashalas with well-equipped rooms and halls for wedding purposes. The Talai or the water tank is famous in Goa for its crystal clear water throughout the year.

Sri Ganapati Samsthan, Khandole (Ponda)

Sri Ganapati Samsthan was originally at Navelin in Diwadi Island. It was shifted to Narve in Bicholim and then to present location. It is believed that the deity was first placed in the present Goa Vella, which was the capital of the Kadambas. After the downfall of the Kadamba Empire, it was shifted to Diwadi Island. The chief festival of the temple is the Ganesh-Navarathra and is celebrated on Magha Shuddha Chaturthi.

Sri Navadurga Samsthan, Kundaim (Ponda)

The deity of Sri Navadurga Samsthan is from Gaucim in Tiswadi taluk. The associate deities are Adinarayana Gramapurusha, Mahadeva, Ganesh, Betala, Ravalnath and Malikarjuna. The Laxmi Narayan temple, situated early, was shifted from Azossim in Tiswadi Taluk during Portuguese persecution in 16th century AD.

Sri Navadurga Samsthan, Madkai, Mardol

Sri Navadurga Samsthan was originally situated at Gancim in Tiswadi. The associate deities worshipped in the temple are the Gramapurusha, Narayana, Betala, Ravalnath and Ganapati. The palaki or the palanquin of Sri is taken out on the Shukla Navami every month. The annual Jatra is held in the month of Kartika from Vadya Chaturthi to Dashami. The Navaratri is also celebrated here.

Sri Devakikrishna Ravalnath Samsthan, Marcel (Ponda)

Sri Devakikrishna Ravalnath Samsthan is probably the only temple in India where lord Krishna is worshipped along with Devaki as Devakikrishna. The main deity Devakikrishna and its associated deities of Bhumika Devi, Laxmi Ravalnath, Mallinath, Katyayani, Chodaneshwar and Dhada Shankar were originally placed at Choodamani Island. They were taken to Mayemwadem in Bicholim and then moved to its present location at Marcel.

Sri Mahalasa Narayani Samsthan, Mardol (Ponda)

Sri Mahalasa Narayani Samsthan is the most important temple in Goa. It was originally located at Varunapur (Verna) in Sastri taluk. The Portuguese records say that it was one of the most brilliant temples destroyed by them. It was shifted to Antruj Mahal, Ponda in the16th century AD. Sri Shanteri and Sri Laxmi Narayana are affiliated deities along with Dhada. Shankar, Kala Bhairav, Bhagwati and various family purushas are worshipped here. Navaratri Festival is celebrated with great pomp and show.

There are rooms in the temple with modern facilities in newly built Agrashalas. Goddess Mahalasa was a much-feared deity of the temple. Even Portuguese courts recognized the justice dispensed by taking oath under the "Justice Bell".

Sri Mangesh Samsthan, Mangeshim, Priol

Sri Mangesh Samsthan was originally built at Kushastali (Cortalim) on the banks of the river Aghanashini. It was to its present location in 1560 A.D. the affiliated deities of the temple are Sri Laxmi Narayan, Sri Sri Surya Narayana and Sri Veerabhadra. Navaratri and Shivaratri are observed by celebrating the Makharotsava.

Sri Vijayadurga Samsthan, Kerim (Ponda)

Sri Vijayadurga Samsthan was originally situated at Sankhavali along with Sri Shanthadurga and Sri Laxmi Narshima. Annual jatra is held in the month of Magha up to Shivaratri and also on Navaratri.

The temple was renovated recently.

Sri Shanthadurga Samsthan, Kavlem (Ponda)

The deity of Sri Shanthadurga was shifted from Kadalivana (Quelossim) to Kavlem in the 16th century AD. Sri Laxmi Narayana is the affiliated deity worshipped in the temple. The annual jatra is celebrated from Magha Suddha prathipada to Shukla panchami. Navaratri is also celebrated with organization of the Makharotsava. The temple is well equipped with Agrashalas and many halls with modern amenities.

Sri Kamakshi Samsthan, Shiroda (Ponda)

Sri Kamakshi Samsthan was moved from Raia in Salcette Taluka. The associate deities of the temple are Sri Laxmi Narayana, Sri Shanthadurga, Sri Rayeshwar, Sri Mahadeshwar, Betal, Kalabhairav and Gramapurusha. Annual jatra is held on Shivaratri as well as Navaratri / Dussehera.

The temple is equipped with Agrashalas having rooms with modern amenities and a hall for purpose of marriages.

Sri Shanthadurga Samsthan, Gothana-Veling (Ponda)

The deity of Sri Shanthadurga was also shifted from Sandoval in Salcette Taluka. The affiliate deities are Kshetrapal, Sri Dandapani, Gramapurusha and Purushas. The deity of the temple is established on a Varula or the snake hill. The annual Jatra is held from Ashwina Pratipada to Vijayadashmi in Navaratri.

Sri Laxmi Narasimha Samsthan, Veling (Ponda)

Sri Laxmi Narasimha Samsthan was situated in Sankhavali (Sanchole in Salcette) and was later shifted with other deities of Sri Vijayadurga and Sri Shanthadurga to present Sylvan environs. The temple still has wooden bars relief and carvings. The painting and carvings in the temple chowka depicts Sri Narasimha Purana are beautiful and are worth seeing. Annual Jatra is held in the month of Magha.

Sri Chanmundeswari Mahamaya Kudturikaria Samsthan, Avadem (Quepem)

Sri Chanmundeswari Mahamaya Kudturikaria Samsthan was originally located in Kudatari in Salcette. The affiliate deities of the temple are Sri Shanteri, Sri Laxmi Narayana, Sri Ganapati, Sri Ravalnath and Sri Siddeswar. The Navaratri festival is celebrated with the organization of the Makharotsava etc. The annual Jatra is held for 3 days from Pushya Shukla Triyodashi up to Poornima.

Sri Damodar Samsthan, Zambaulim, Quepem Post

Sri Damodar Samsthan was originally situated in Mathagrama (Madgaum) and was shifted to Panchamahal, which was under the King of Sunda. The affiliated deities of the temple are Sri Ramnath, Sri Chamundeshwari, Sri Mahakali and Sri Mahesha. The annual Jatra is held from Ashwin Poornima to Vadya Chaturthi. The Shigmotsava and Gulal of Zambaulim are famous in Goa and all the people participate in it irrespective of caste and religion. The temple was renovated.