Shri Mangueshi Temple is is the most spectacular temple in Goa and looks exquisite from all quarters. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa. It is based in the taluk of Ponda at Priol, it is based 22 km from Panjim. The main deity worshipped is Lord Mangueshi, another name for Lord Shiva. Onlookers find this temple’s beauty unparalleled and never miss a chance to come here and pay respects. The lush green cover surrounding the temple is worth seeing. During the Portuguese invasion of 1567, the original temple was razed to the ground. It was revived at Priol in the middle of 18th century by a great general of the Maratha dynasty, Ramchandra Sukhtankar. This temple is a mandatory place to visit in Goa tour packages. 

The Unique Experience

This temple is also known as Mahalaxmi temple Goa. If authentic Goan Hindu temple architectural style is to be seen, it can be seen only at this famous 400 years old Mangueshi temple. Come here to get enamored by its simplistic facade dominated by white and blue towers, a water pond, a few shrines and a seven-tiered lamp tower. This temple is Goa’s most visited and one of the richest temples.

Legend

The linga installed at this temple has a mythological connection to it. It so happened that once during a game of dice, Shiva lost everything to Parvati, even his home at Kailash. He left his home and came to Kushasthali in Goa. Parvati came searching for him in the thick forests of Goa and encountered Shiva disguised in the form of a huge tiger. Frightened, she uttered ‘Trahi mam Girisha’. On hearing this, Shiva transformed back into himself and reunited with Parvati. From that day on, he retained the name Mam Girish. The village Mangeshi is the abbreviated form of Mam Girisha. 

More About the Mangueshi temple Goa

Inside the complex of the Mangueshi temple, there is an important idol of Nandi Bull along with a water tank plus a large courtyard. There are rooms that are often given out for weddings and rituals. The temple has 19th-century chandeliers, pictures of various forms of Shiva and a Sabha Griha. There is a Garbha Griha where devotees get a darshan of Lord Mangesh. 

Mangeshi Temple dress code

Recently Mangeshi Temple has imposed dress restrictions. The temple authority does not allow any skin show. Skirts and shorts are not allowed to get an entry in this temple. 

What else?

Come here during Magh Poornima to celebrate the yearly three-day festival at this temple. A procession carrying the deity is taken out with full fervour in Ponda.