Mangeshi Shiva Temple – Mardol,Goa
Location:- Located at about 20 kilometers from the state capital of Panaji, is a beautifully maintained temple which is hundreds of years old. The temple derives its name from the village it is situated it. Mangeshi Village is located in the Ponda Taluk of Goa. The place is serene and surrounded by green hills of Mongri.
Main Deity:- Lord Mangesh or Manguesh or even Mangireesh is another form of Lord Shiva. He is the kuldevata or presiding family diety for many of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin families in India.
Legend:- There are various stories surrounding this pilgrimage place. According to one such story, Lord Shiva appeared as a ferocious tiger in front of his wife Parvati. Out of fear, Parvati used a wrong chant and instead of saying “Traahi Maam Girish” (Help! Mountain lord) she said “Trahimangireesh”. The name Mangireesh stuck and Lord Shiva is known as Mangireesh or Mangesh in this region.
The Skanda Purana says that after the war with Kshtariyas, Sage Parshuram invited Brahmins from various Gotras to perform a Yajna for lord Shiva. Each group brought their own idol and placed them in various villages that sage Parshuraam granted them. The Brahmins of Vatsa and Kaundinya gotra placed their idol at Kushasthal and hence their family deity was born. During the Portuguese invasion of Kushasthal, the idol was moved here in Mangeshi, so that it is shielded by the hills.
Architecture and Specialties:- Architecturally, many similarities can be drawn between this temple and the Shantadurga Temple. The temple precicnt also has a pond.
It can be said that the temple was constructed during the 18th century. The temple has stone pillars and a huge Deepstambha (tower of lights). The inner sanctum also consists of a hall that is called the Sabha Griha.
Interestingly, the famous musical family of India, the Mangeshkars belong to this village. This temple is their family deity.
Festivals/Prayers:- Mondays are considered special days for Lord Shiva. Every monday evening a special aarti is done and the idol is taken out on a procession.
Abhishekam is done every morning. There is a huge Jatrotstav (grand procession) done during the hindu month of Maagha.
Contact Number:-+91 832 234 3338
Address:- Mangueshi, Priol, Mardol, Goa 403404, India
Website:http://shrimangesh.org/
Timings – 6 am to 10 pm
How to Reach:-
By Road – Goa is a world renowed tourist spot and the roads here are well connected. This place is a 30-45 minutes drive from Panjim.
By Air – The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport
By Train – Nearest major railway junction is Madgaon
Nearby Places to visit:-
Shantadurga temple
Cathedrals of Old Goa
Reis Magos Fort
Image Courtesy – Wikipedia
Location: Mardol, Goa, India
