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South Goa is one such place where spirituality and history come together to enrich the visitor’s experience with a large number of temples. They are not only places of worship but with old architecture rested, they work like repositories of ancient Goan culture. From grand temple complexes amidst lush landscapes to tiny shrines set among quiet villages, the temples of South Goa speak volumes about the strong roots of religious traditions. Each of the temples in South Goa has its own magic, representative of varied spiritual practices and cultural heritages. Making South Goa a destination for all those in search of spiritual solace and immersion into culture.
10 Temples In South Goa
Discover the spiritual and cultural richness of magnificent temples that tell stories of South Goa’s glorious religious past.
1. Shri Chandreshwar Bhutnath Temple
Photo: Prajakt Kamulkar / Wikimedia Commons
The Shri Chandreshwar Bhutnath Temple is one of the most famous temples in South Goa, situated at Chandranath Hill in Quepem. The gods and goddesses enshrined in this temple are devoted to Lord Shiva, and it is among those that present a panoramic view of the countryside but with easy access. The temple architecture is very simple but graceful. The serene atmosphere adds to the place’s attraction towards spiritualism. On the full moon day, a lot of devotees visit to see the reflection of moonlight on the Shiva Linga, which is considered very auspicious.
2. Shri Damodar Temple
Photo: SADDP / Wikimedia Commons
Located on the Kushawati River bank in Zambaulim, the Shri Damodar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Lord Damodar. The temple is well maintained, with beautiful carvings and a riverside setting that gives peace, adding to its attraction. The annual Shigmo festival at the Shri Damodar Temple is one of the significant events, where one can witness colourful processions, cultural programs, and traditional rituals. It has become a central point in the religious and cultural life of South Goa.
3. Shri Shantadurga Fatarpekarin Temple
Photo: Fredericknoronha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Shri Shantadurga Fatarpekarin Temple is in Fatorpa, in the region of South Goa. This temple is home to the goddess of peace, Goddess Shantadurga. It’s a vast temple complex, a large courtyard in the centre with a serene pond, an oasis of peace for devotees and visitors who come there. The place comes alive during the main annual Jatra festival, which sees thousands of devotees coming to its precincts to partake in the blessings of the goddess enshrined here.
4. Shri Mallikarjuna Temple
Photo: Melanie Ferns / WIkimedia Commons
One of the oldest temples in South Goa, the Shri Mallikarjuna Temple is located in the small village of Canacona and dates back more than 200 years. The temple, surrounded by greenery, is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna, an appearance of Lord Shiva, which makes it a very quiet place for worship and meditation. Though the temple is popular for its idiosyncratic rituals and colourful festivals especially the Jatra, which takes place annually devotees come pouring in from all over Goa and nearby states.
5. Shri Mahadev Temple
Photo: Mahabalaindia / Wikimedia Commons
Hidden deep within the village of Tambdi Surla, the Shri Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest and best-preserved temples in South Goa. Belonging to Lord Shiva, this temple finds its place deep in the middle of the jungle; it increases the aura of calmness and serenity and the place becomes more spiritual. The beautiful temple, although small in size, makes for a definite visit for those interested in the ancient heritage of Goa. The remoteness of the location is an added beauty as it provides peace from the more crowded areas filled with tourists.
6. Shri Bhagwati Temple
Photo: Kshama.nar / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the coastal village of Paroda, Shri Bhagwati Temple is one of the main temples dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, a form of Goddess Durga. Grand in its architecture, a wide courtyard leads into a big hall filled with elaborate carvings and a towering deepstambha. The temple is an important spiritual hub for the locals. The festival of Navratri, which is conducted here annually, is really grand and attracts a lot of devotees from all over Goa. The serenity in this temple, complemented by the spiritual ambience of its surroundings, makes it the right place to catch a moment of silence.
7. Shri Betal Temple
Photo: Aruna / Wikimedia Commons
The temple is located in Loliem village of South Goa and is dedicated to Lord Betal, who is considered Lord Shiva’s incarnation and guardian god. This unique deity of the temple, combined with the traditional Goan type of architecture, makes it an important religious place in this area. The temple had a beautiful environment around it with lush greenery that offered a peaceful environment to the visiting devotees. The annual festival was conducted in the temple in traditional methods, combined with cultural programs to make it an important event for the local community.
8. Shri Navdurga Temple
Photo: Fredericknoronha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in the village of Madkai, Shri Navdurga Temple is one of the highly revered temples in South Goa, consecrated to Goddess Navdurga, or rather a form of Goddess Durga. The temple is extremely old, with a building that contains a huge hall with well-carved pillars and a sanctum decked with traditional Goan motifs. It is a major site of pilgrimage, especially during the festival of Navratri, during which the place is decorated nicely and special rituals are arranged. The calmness around and the spiritual atmosphere of the place pull lovers of the divine and tourists in great numbers.
9. Shri Ramnath Temple
Photo: Drshenoy / Wikimedia Commons
The Shri Ramnath Temple is located in the village of Bandora inscribed in South Goa. This deity is regarded as Lord Ramnath, who is an incarnation of lord Shiv. The temple also firmly ranked amongst the paramount spiritual hubs for the Saraswat Brahmin society. The temple deity is visible grasping a lingam. The architectural style reflects tradition with a modern touch in its making, alongside the inclusion of a commodious courtyard and a gorgeously decorated sanctum. The temple is a centre of religious activities, especially during an annual festival that entices devotees from all over Goa and other states.
10. Shri Kamakshi Temple
Photo: Gaurav.gawand / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the serene village of Shiroda, in South Goa, the Shri Kamakshi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple is well known for its prevalent serene atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and the unique deity of the goddess Kamakshi. The place is elaborate with a huge courtyard and a peaceful lake, hence perfectly made to be a retreat of spirituality for the devotees. In this festival, there are innumerable programs arranged ranging from traditional rituals to big pomp-show cultural programs that attract devotees from across Goa.
These temples in South Goa symbolise interesting tapestry in spiritual, cultural, and historical experiences. Each temple, with its own distinct deity, architectural style, and way of worship, states volumes about the deep-rootedness of religious traditions in this region. If you are a devotee finding spiritual solace or a traveller interested in exploring Goa’s cultural heritage, these temples are a must-visit to understand the spiritual ethos of the land. Serene environs, past philosophical richness, and glittering fiestas truly make each visit to these temples a memorable one. Come travel through the sacred landscapes of South Goa and explore the divine beauty of its temples.
Cover Photo: Kumararun85 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
