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Temples and Museums in GOA

Spend the most amazing time in GOA exploring Temples and Museums with Travel Bazaar.

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Temples of Goa

With a majority of Hindu population, it is no wonder that Goa is filled with a number of Hindu temples. The temples of Goa are known for their aesthetic beauty and attractive architecture. The origins of the unique design and feature of temples in Goa can be traced back to the influence of the varied cultural influences of the state.
Each temple has a story behind it that is passed on from one generation to another. The Temple of Shiva at Tambdi Surla is said to be one of the oldest temples in Goa. It belongs to the 13-14th Century AD which was before the reign of the Portuguese. But the roots of the oldest temple, the Pandava Caves, can be traced back to the 1st Century AD.
Most of the Hindu temples in Goa were destroyed and removed during the days when Portuguese was taking over Goa. Subsequently, many of the temples were rebuilt and re established much later.

Mahalasa Narayani Temple

Mahalasa Narayani Temple has a place in the list of unique temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Mahalasa or Mohini, the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is rare to come across a temple in India where Vishnu is worshipped in both the male and the female form. The history of the temple can be traced back to the 17th century.

An interesting feature of the temple is the beautiful brass oil lamp that is 12.5 meters in height and is believed to be among the largest in the world. This lamp is lit on all the major festivals celebrated in the temple, offering a pleasing sight to visitors. A huge brass bell is also present in the temple; it doesn’t have a ringer though. In earlie r days, the ringer used to be attached to the bell only when someone wanted to testify.
According to the prevalent legend, anyone who lies while the bell is being rung is punished with death within three days by the presiding deity of the temple.

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Tambdi Surla Temple

Steeped in antiquity, the Sri Mahadeva Temple, commonly known as Tambdi Surla Temple, is a hidden gem nestled in the dense forests of Goa. This ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva has an aura of mysticism. What sets it apart is the fact that its carved out of a single stone. While there is only one location, its remote setting provides a sense of exclusivity.

To witness the temple’s splendour, time your visit to the Mahashivratri festival in February in Goa, when the temple resonates with the spiritual energy of countless devotees.

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Maruti Temple

Overlooking the capital city of Panjim sits the Maruti temple in Mala, Panjim. It’s a spacious establishment that adds to the charm of Fontainhas’ Latin Quarters. If you’d like to catch a sunset, spend a few hours in peace or just check out more of Goa’s temple architecture, drive up the slope at the end of Fontainhas to get here.

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Shri Damodar Temple

The Damodar Temples in Goa form a trinity of spiritual sanctuaries dedicated to Lord Damodar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. These three temples, situated in Vasco, Zambaulim, and Margao, remind us of a past when the deity had to be moved due to unfavourable conditions. However today, each village has its own charm, especially during specific festivities held at each temple. In Vasco, every August, locals celebrate the grand Damodar Saptah which goes on for a week. Devotees queue up to get darshan, food stalls are set up and the entire town of Vasco is buried under a fair with amusement parks and shops.

Every March, Margao and Zambaulim, witness Gulotsav, a festival where locals feast and play with red coloured powder (gulal). It’s a week-long event that you cannot miss!

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Mangeshi Mahadev Temple

With a history of more than 450 years, Sri Mangeshi Temple in Goa is one of the largest and most visited shrines in this land of sea and sun. It is dedicated to Lord Mangesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as a linga here. The temple architecture is an enticing sight of balustrades, domes, and columns. A magnificent water tank is part of the temple complex. At the entrance, you will come across a seven -story octagonal deep stambha or lamp tower. Constructed in Goan temple architecture style, this majestic tower becomes a sight to behold when lit with oil lamps during festive nights.

If you visit this temple on a Monday evening, you will be able to witness the weekly procession of Lord Mangesh in a palanquin; it takes place before the evening aarti.
Interestingly, you are not likely to come across another temple dedicated to Lord Mangesh in any other part of India. So, don’t miss out on visiting this temple on your trip to Goa.

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Saptakoteshwar Temple

Considered to be one of the six main shrines of Lord Shiva in the whole Konkan area, Saptakoteshwar Temple attracts attention due to its architectural beauty. An amazing feature of the temple is its dome, constructed in the Mughal style. The mandapa is built in the European style, while the tall deep sthambha is unlike any at other temples in the state. The main pillared hall in the temple features lovely arches as well as chandeliers. The deity of the temple is Lord Saptakoteshwar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, whose idol is enshrined inside a wooden sanctum.

While the temple is a beauty in itself, reaching the temple can also be a lovely experience. You can take a ferry ride to reach the temple from the island of Divar. Whether you are a devotee of Lord Shiva or not, this magnificently built shrine should be on your list of must-visit temples in Goa.

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Museums of Goa

Fort Aguada Jail Museum

A former prison within a seaside fort has now been turned into an interactive museum.

The fort has two levels, Upper Aguada Fort and Lower Aguada Fort. It was built in 1612 by the Portuguese for defense, particularly to restrict the entry of enemy ships. Within the fort premises was a freshwater spring, hence the name Aguada (Agua is water in Portuguese). Water was stored in a huge tank in the Upper Fort and brought down to the Lower Fort, where it was supplied in wooden casks to passing ships, which stopped to replenish their freshwater stores. In the 1930s, the southern part of Lower Aguada Fort was turned into a prison. Many freedom fighters during the Goa liberation movement were imprisoned here. The place continued to serve as a prison till 2015.

Today the jail complex has been turned into an interactive museum that highlights the history of Goa, from the Portuguese Era through Goa’s freedom struggle in the 20th century, and into modern times. The complex has maintained some interesting architectural curiosities from the old days such as a bell tower, a bartizan, etc. Within the complex, a temple and a chapel share a common wall. The premises look out towards the sea and the mouth of the river Mandovi. On the other side of the river is Goa’s capital, Panaji.

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Bigfoot Museum

The Bigfoot Museum in Goa offers a unique and fascinating journey into the world of cryptids, folklore, and mysterious creatures. This quirky museum showcases the owner’s collection of artifacts, sculptures, and exhibits related to mythical creatures and local legends, providing an offbeat and entertaining experience for visitors. Located in Saligao, it adds a touch of the mysterious to Goa’s vibrant cultural scene.

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Palacio do Deao

Palacio do Deao in Goa is a splendid mansion that serves as a testament to the rich Portuguese colonial history in the region. Built in the 18th century, this architectural gem seamlessly blends Indian and Portuguese influences, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past. The palace, surrounded by lush gardens, now operates as a charming heritage homestay and a cultural destination where guests can immerse themselves in the bygone era of Goa’s colonial legacy.

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Ancestral Goa, Loutolim

This outdoor cultural museum located at Bigfoot in Loutolim, Goa, features a recreated ancient Goa village.It was created by Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares with a notion to preserve the Art, Culture and Environment of the coastal state. Right from the time when Hindus and Muslims ruled Goa, to the time when the Portuguese colonies were formed, Ancestral Goa has it all. Ancestral Goa is just 10 kilometres away from Margao and 25 kilometres away from Panaji.

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Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum in Goa has a splendid collection of artefacts belonging to prehistoric and late medieval era. The museum was once an ancient Franciscan Monastery. The Archaeological Survey of India founded the museum in 1964 but was recognised only after 1984. One can find an array of antiques including coins, statues, ivory and wood sculptures, paintings, portraits, maps, inscriptions, stonework, ceramics, etc.

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