Goa is one of the fascinating travel destinations packed with many flavours, including culture, Portuguese history, sizzling nightlife, trance parties, & beachside fun with water sports activities. The coastal island has always been a favourite pick among backpackers when planning vacations with family or friends. However, beyond beaches, temples in Goa also make a worthwhile visit.
Hence, this buzzing place lets you not only celebrate a carefree life but also immerse yourself in spirituality by finding solace in temples. This is something that you hardly expect in any other destination in India. So, let’s help you with the Goa itinerary plan, including the prominent holy sites you should visit.
Exploring spirituality at the temples in Goa, an amazing tourist paradise
Besides numerous beaches & other attractions, temples in Goa are some treasured sites that deserve to be on your itinerary list. Below are those holy sites you must visit.
Shanta Durga Temple
If you want to experience Goa beyond beaches, there are temples to explore. Shanta Durga Temple is one such holy site you should visit. It is a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, the reigning deity. People worship her as a mediator between Lord Shiva & Lord Vishnu. The one prominent feature that makes it worth visiting is its appealing structure with Roman arched windows and pyramidical Shikara.
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Location: Kavalem Village, Ponda
Brahma Temple
There are many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, but you will hardly find any temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. However, when coming to Goa, you will spot a Brahma Temple that houses a well-structured idol of the deity dating back to the Kadamba period. It is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma that you should include in your travel bucket list.
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Location: Valpoi, Satari
Saptakoteshwar Temple
Among many revered holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva is Saptakoteshwar Temple, located in Narve, Goa. It is well-known for its architectural beauty, with a unique mandapa made in the European style. This temple cannot be reached via road. You have to take a ferry journey from the island of Divar to reach it.
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Location: Narve, Bicholim
Mangeshi Temple
Next on the list is Mangeshi Temple, one of the oldest temples in Goa, established approximately 450 years ago. It is one of the largest temples frequented by devotees. This temple is dedicated to Lord Mangesh, known to be one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva. When entering the temple complex, you will spot a seven-story octagonal lamp tower. During the festive seasons, it is lighted with oil lamps, which makes it a visual treat for tourists.
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Location: Mangeshi Village, Priol
Mahalasa Narayani Temple
One of the most fascinating places in Goa is Mahalasa Narayani Temple. It is one of the rarest and most unique temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his female form, i.e.Mohini or Mahalasa. It has a 12.5-meter high brass lamp, which is known to be one of the world's highest lamps.
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Location: Mardol, Ponda
Maruti Temple
When visiting Goa for vacation, it’s not possible to miss visiting Maruti Temple, a holy shrine whose presiding deity is none other than Lord Ram’s ardent devotee, Lord Hanuman. Among many of his names is Maruti, which means swift like air. On Tuesdays, the temple is thronged with devotees standing in long queues.
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Location: Altinho, Panjim
Where to stay in Goa to visit the temples
If you want to visit temples in Goa, there are many top hotels & resorts to plan your stay. These hotels blend all luxuries to provide comfort for their guests, making their stay memorable among many top options to go with. If you are looking for a staycation near the beaches, jüSTa Morjim Beach Resort is the right choice.
Among boutique hotels, jüSTa Casa Frangipani makes an ideal pick, & if you are expecting a more leisurely stay at a villa with a private pool, then your search ends at Almada Villa by jüSTa Casa Frangipani, Assagao. All these hotels are best in leaving no stone unturned in making you feel comfortable with their exceptional services, ranging from rooms to other miscellaneous amenities.
Conclusion
The temples in Goa are a significant part of your journey to this coastal island in India, famous for its sandy beaches, thrilling nightlife, adventure sports, trance parties, Portuguese colonial structures, & lip-smacking seafood. Today, in this article, we gave you an overview of the holy shrines to visit where you can find mental peace and solace.
