Goa Temple Tour: Go On A Spiritual Journey at These 11 Temples in Goa (2024)
Unless you are into architecture and history, you won’t probably even think of temples in Goa. Located in western India, Goa is known for its popular stretches of beaches. Before being ruled by the Portuguese, Goa used to be governed by the Maratha rulers who constructed a number of spectacular temples. While Goa isn’t regarded as one of the pilgrimage tourist sites in the country, you can visit these temples to understand history a little better and appreciate the architecture.
Goa Temple Tour: Go On A Spiritual Journey at These 11 Temples in Goa
1. Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple: Located 56 km away from Goa, Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple in Maem is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Goa. While the temple itself adorns itself with Mughal architecture, the temple hall borrows from the European architecture. Devotees from different parts of the country come here during the annual temple festival which happens on Gokulashtami or Krishna Janmashtami.
Location: Temple Road, Narve, Maem, Goa
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM (Open All Days)
2. Maruti Temple: Known for its splendid architecture, the Maruti Temple in Panaji is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Located 31 km away from Goa, the temple lights up at night and can be seen from a distance. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful temples in Goa, this temple is said to be historically significant. You can see the Maruthi idol from the road through an opening in the basement wall. The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the 10-day long annual festival that happens during February.
Location: Nanu Tarkar Pednekar Rd, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM
3. Mahalaxmi Temple: Located 34 km away from Goa, Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the most widely visited temples in North Goa. This temple enshrines the presiding deity of the Panaji village. This temple features 18 images that represent the different sects of the Holy Bhagavata. Lord Mahalaxmi here adorns herself with a linga on the head and is regarded as the Lord of wealth and peace. Many devotees come here during the festivals of Navaratri and Chaitra Purnima.
Location: Bandivade, Ponda, North Goa, Goa
Timings: 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM
4. Mahadeva Temple: Located in Surla, Mahadeva Temple is situated 38 km away from Goa. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the 12th-century temple has been declared as a protected monument. Designed in Kadamba architecture, this is the only Kadamba temple to have suffered from religious intolerance. The pillared entrance hall here is made of basalt stones and features a three-stepped entrance to the lingam. Many devotees come here during the Mahashivaratri festival.
Location: Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanguem, Surla, Goa
Timings: NA
5. Shri Shantadurga Temple: Located 27 km away from Goa, Shri Shantadurga Temple in Quepem is one of the must-visit temples in South Goa. Despite belonging to the Goud Saraswat Brahmin community, both Hindus and Christians come here to worship the deity. There are many smaller temples of Shantadurga across Goa but the most visited ones are the Shantadurga temple in Kavlem in Ponda, and another one in Quepem. During your visit to Goa, you must come here and experience the peace and harmony here. Devotees from different parts of the country come here during the Jatra Utsav festival.
Location: Ghudo-Avedem, Quepem, Goa
Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM
6. Shri Damodar Temple: Located in Margao, Shri Damodar Temple is approximately 28 km from the city centre. Dedicated to Lord Damodar, this temple on the banks of the Kushavati river is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Goa. According to a popular belief, the Kushavati river is said to have healing powers. The palanquin of Lord Damodar is carried out around the temple premises during the festival here.
Location: Fatorda, Margao, Goa
Timings: NA
7. Mahalasa Temple: Located 37 km away from Goa, Mahalasa temple is another famous temple near Goa. It is believed that the temple sprouted when the Goddess struck the small pool inside the temple with her toe. This temple is dedicated to Mohini, the female avatar of the Lord Vishnu. There are hundreds of stories behind how the temple came into existence. During your visit here, you must experience the arati.
Location: Mardol, Ponda, Goa
Timings: 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM
8. Mangeshi Temple: Located 38 km away from Goa, Mageshi Temple is one of the most significant temples in Goa. This Hindu temple in North Goa attracts thousands of visitors every year. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple adorns itself with a fusion of modern and traditional art. With hundreds of diyas, the Deep Stambha here is worth experiencing at night. Devotees come here during Ram Navami, Navaratri, Maha Shivaratri, and Jatra Utsav.
Location: Dinanath Mangeshkar Rd, Mangeshi Village, Mardol, Goa
Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM
9. Shri Nagesh Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shankar, Shri Nagesh Temple is located 33 km away from Goa. With miraculous myths, this temple attracts hundreds of visitors from different parts of Goa. This temple takes pride in not being rebuilt ever. The temple here surrounds itself with a high range of hills and lush green patches. You should visit the temple during the Shivaratri celebration.
Location: Bandiwade, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa
Timings: NA
10. Brahma Temple: Featuring 5th-century architecture, the Brahma temple in Satari is located 49 km away from the city centre. Being one of the most divine temples in this region, this temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma. The Lord Brahma exists in the form of Trimurti here. According to a popular belief, everyone visiting this temple receives blessings from Lord Brahma.
Credit : Shekhar Mane Image Source
Location: Brahma Taluka Carambolim, Satari, Goa
Timings: NA
11. Shri Kamakshi Temple: Located 15 km away from Goa, Shri Kamakshi Temple in Shiroda is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi who is known for being the reincarnation of the Universal Mother Goddess. Unraveling the best opportunity for you to experience a divine atmosphere, this temple is located in a water tank here. Many devotees from all over the state come here to get a spiritual experience.
Location: Shiroda, Goa
Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM
Everyone should visit Goa at least once in their lifetime. Whether you want to party on the beach or go on a sunset cruise, Goa offers you all. If you are not much into partying, these temples are the best places for you. Unraveling the best opportunity for you to revisit history and cherish architecture, these 11 temples will take you on a spiritual journey.
