Shree Shantadurga Temple

Shri Shantadurga Saunsthan

Shree Shantadurga Temple is a renowned Hindu temple located in the small village of Kavalem in Ponda Taluka, Goa. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Shantadurga, who is one of the forms of the Hindu goddess Durga. Shantadurga is worshipped by many Hindus as the goddess of peace, prosperity, and harmony.

The Shree Shantadurga Temple is one of the most popular temples in Goa and is visited by many devotees every day. The temple complex is spread over a large area and is surrounded by lush green forests, which add to the beauty and serenity of the temple.

The history of the Shree Shantadurga Temple dates back to the 16th century, when the Portuguese invaded Goa and destroyed many Hindu temples. The original temple of Shantadurga was located in the village of Cavelossim, but it was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The idol of the goddess was later relocated to its current location in Kavalem, where a new temple was built in the 18th century.

The architecture of the Shree Shantadurga Temple is a beautiful blend of Indian and Portuguese styles. The temple complex consists of several buildings, including the main temple, the Sabha Mandap, the Nayan Mandap, and the Garbhagriha. The main temple is a two-story structure, with a beautiful facade and intricate carvings. The Sabha Mandap is a large hall where devotees can gather and offer prayers to the goddess. The Nayan Mandap is a smaller hall where the idol of the goddess is placed for devotees to worship. The Garbhagriha is the innermost sanctum of the temple, where the idol of the goddess is kept.

The idol of Shantadurga is one of the most striking features of the temple. The idol is made of black stone and is depicted as a serene and peaceful goddess, with four arms holding various weapons and symbols. The idol is adorned with beautiful clothes and jewelry, and is worshipped by devotees with great devotion and reverence.

The Shree Shantadurga Temple is famous for its annual Zatra festival, which is celebrated in the month of Magh (January/February) every year. The festival is a celebration of the goddess Shantadurga, and is attended by thousands of devotees from all over Goa and other parts of India. During the festival, the idol of the goddess is taken out in a grand procession, accompanied by music and dance performances.

Apart from the Zatra festival, the Shree Shantadurga Temple also celebrates several other festivals throughout the year, including Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and devotees offer prayers and perform various rituals to seek the blessings of the goddess.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Shree Shantadurga Temple is its location. The temple is situated in the midst of a beautiful forest, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The temple complex also includes a large pond, which adds to the natural beauty of the area. The temple authorities have taken great care to preserve the natural surroundings of the temple, and have planted several trees and shrubs in the area.

The Shree Shantadurga Temple is not just a place of worship, but also a center of cultural and educational activities. The temple runs several schools and colleges in the area, providing education to hundreds of students every year. The temple also organizes various cultural events and activities, such as music and dance performances, to promote the rich cultural heritage of Goa.