The temples of Goa date back to over a
thousand years. Visiting these temples makes one realise that they
have not been touched by commercialization. The history of the
earliest known temples in Goa date back to over a thousand years.
Commercialisation has not yet overtaken the sanctity of the temples
in Goa, as in some other parts of India. The temples have been well
maintained and deserve to be visited.
Shri Datta Temple -
Dattawadi
Shri Datta Mandir is located at a distance of 37 kms from Panaji at
Dattawadi, Sanquelim, and 40 kms. from Margao, this century old
temple of trimurty (Hindu) has a backdrop of a beautiful hillock
covered with dense groves of areca palms. The most important
festival, which is attended by devotees from all over Goa, is Datta
Jayanti that falls in the month of December.
The deity is believed to have cured many people of unsound mind.
The entire interior consists of white marble.
Shri Bodeshwar
Temple - Mapusa
It is a small shrine dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba or Bodgeshwar,
locally known as Bongini. The god is regarded as agngavani i.e. to
whom vows are made and who fulfills desires of the devotees. On the
fulfillment of desires, people offer presents to the God as promised
by them earlier. A very big fair is held in the month of
December/January when thousands of devotees flock to this temple.
Shri Mahalaxmi
Temple - Panaji
Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is located at the Altinho foothill of Panaji
and was built on contributions made by devotees in 1817. The deity
is Goddess Mahalakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Wealth, made of black
stone, with four hands and is placed in a silver canopy. This is the
peaceful or Satvik form of Devi. According to the Shakti cult
(worship of power), Mahalakshmi is the original Goddess who takes
forms according to three aspects or gunas viz. Brahma (peaceful,
calm form or satva), Vishnu (creative action or rajas) and Shiva
(destruction or tamas). The deity originally from Mayem in Bicholim
taluka was transferred to the present site.
Shri Damodar Temple,
Zambaulim
Shri Damodar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on
the banks of the Kushavati River, which is said to have medicinal
properties.
The original temple of this deity was situated in Margao. The deity
was transferred to its present location in the year 1567 when the
Portuguese brought down the original temple and built the Church of
the Holy Spirit in its place.
The main festival celebrated at this temple is Holi. Loads of
devotees from all over Goa join in the celebrations. This colourful
event is celebrated with pomp and gaiety for several day


