Shri Mangeshi (Mangueshi) Temple is located at Mangeshim in Priol (Ponda Taluk),1 kilometer from Mardol close to Nageshi.

Where is Mangueshi temple?

It is 22 km from Panaji, the capital of Goa and 26 km from Margao (Madagaon). This temple is one of the largest, most enchanting, serene and most frequently visited temples in Goa.

(Photo - jan_k)

The temple wasn't actually here

This temple actually had its origins in Kushasthali, Cortalim, a village in Saxty (Salcette) which fell to the invading Portuguese in 1543.In the year 1560, the Portuguese started Christian conversions in Salsette.  

The Saraswats felt insecure and shifted the Mangeshlinga from the original site at the Kushasthali or Cortalim on the banks of river Agranashini (Zuari) to its present location at Mangeshim in Priol.

A little history of the Mangeshi temple   

The present temple structure came up during the  Maratha rule, some 150 years after the Mangeshlinga  had been moved from the initial temple. The Peshwas donated the village of Mangeshi to the temple in 1739. Ironically, in 1764, just a few years after it was built, this area too fell into the hands of Portuguese.  

But by then the Portuguese had become quite tolerant of other religions. So, this structure remained untouched.

What is the main deity here?

The temple is dedicated to Lord Mangeshi, an incarnation of Shiva. He is also referred to as Saib (The Lord of Goa) by Hindus.

The Mangeshlinga is said to have been consecrated on the mountain of Mangireesh (Mongir) on the banks of river Bhagirathi by Lord Brahma, from where the Saraswat brahmins brought it to Trihotrapuri in Bihar.

They carried the Linga to Gomantaka and settled at Mathagrama,  establishing their most sacred and ancient temple of Mangesh on the banks of the river Gomati or Zuari as it is called today. Lord Mangesh is worshipped here in the shape of a Shivalinga. 

Attractions at the Mangeshi temple

The 400-year-old Shri Mangesh Temple stands out with its simple and yet exquisitely elegant structure. The temple is noted for the pillars which are considered to be the most beautiful among the temples in Goa

Go back to temples in Goa

or go on a theme holiday of Goa