Mangeshi Temple
Mangeshi Temple In Goa
The 450-year-old Mangeshi Temple in Goa is located in Priol village of Ponda taluka. It is also known as Shri Mangesh Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple stands out in the village with its simple yet exquisite structure. The temple architecture features several domes, pilasters, balustrades, and a tower. In the complex, facing the statue of Lord Shiva there is a prominent Nandi Bull and a beautiful seven-tiered Deep Stambha (lamp tower). The temple also features a magnificent water tank, which some believe is the oldest part of Mangeshi Temple in Goa.
Mangeshi Temple Architecture
The architecture of Mangeshi Temple is a delightful sight for tourists. It is constructed in an entirely quintessential Goan style. There are a number of striking features about the Mangeshi Temple in Goa. One of them is the unique Deepastambha. It is a seven-story lamp tower constructed in the shape of an octagon. The golden arches add a dash of glamour to the white lamp tower. It looks majestic especially during the night. Another feature of the Temple is the figure of Nandi Bull, Lord Shiva’s carrier. The Sabha Griha is a large spacious hall which can accommodate over 500 devotees. The decor in the hall includes chandeliers from the nineteenth century. The central part of the Sabha Griha leads to the main Garbha Griha, which houses the sacred statue of Mangesh. The temple built in typical Goan architecture stands out against a sylvan backdrop of rolling green hills, making it a popular religious landmark to visit in Goa.
Mangeshi Temple History
The Peshwas donated the land of Mangeshi village to the temple in 1739 by Shri Ramchandra Malhar Sukhtankar, a staunch follower of Shri Mangesh. The temple has been renovated twice from its original structure during the reign of the Marathas in Goa and again in the year 1890. The final renovation, when a golden Kalasha (vessel) was placed atop the dome, took place in 1973.
Mangeshi Temple in Goa is one of the most famous places to visit in Goa. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Manguesh which is an incarnation of Shiva. The Sanskrit words "mam girisha" got associated with Shiva and over time these words got abbreviated to Manguesh. The complex also houses shrines of Goddess Parvati and God Ganesha.
Daily pujas in Mangeshi Temple in Goa are performed regularly. Every morning, pujas like Abhisheka, Laghurudra, and Maharudra are performed by the temple priests. There is also a Maha Aarti at noon and Panchopchar Pooja at late evening. Find out Mangeshi Temple timings here. Another feature of the Temple is the figure of Nandi Bull, Lord Shiva’s carrier. During the time of Ratha Yatra, an important festival, a lot of tourists visit the place. It happens during the month of Magha Purnima.
How To Reach Mangeshi Temple
Mangeshi Temple in Priol is located about 22 kilometres east of Panaji or Panjim, the capital of Goa. It takes about 50 minutes to travel the distance between Panaji and Mangeshi Temple via car. The temple is located about 2 km in Priol off road from Panaji-Ponda highway. The distance between Ponda and Mangeshi Temple is about 7 km. The nearest airport from Mangeshi Temple is Dabolim Airport, it’s the only international airport in Goa. It lies about 37 km from the temple in Goa. To travel from Goa Airport to Mangeshi Temple, hiring a taxi is the best way to travel.
The major railway terminus of Madgaon in Goa, about 25 km away, is the nearest train station from Mangeshi. The station has rental taxis and bus services to Ponda. From Ponda, one can take another bus to reach the temple.
Timings For Mangeshi Temple (2020)
The Mangeshi Temple timings for darshan are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. The temple remains closed for a couple of hours in the afternoon. There is generally no queues for darshan at the temple. The average time spent by visitors in this temple is approximately 30 minutes.
Timings
Monday to Sunday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tips for Mangeshi Temple
- Visit during aarti timings in early morning for a holistic experience
- There is no entry fee to visit Mangeshi Temple in Goa
- One can book accommodation in advance from Mangeshi Temple website
- Photography and videography is allowed in the temple