Temple in Goa

Although Goa is a predominantly a Christian state one can find a number of temples in the city. The place has a balanced mix of Hindu and Christian religion. When we talk of Goa the prominent sightseeing options that come to our mind are the beaches and the Churches of Goa. However, the famous temples that exist since time immemorial in Goa form an important part of Goa sightseeing.

The modern Goa that we see today was mostly a cluster of small villages in old days when Portuegse came to settle here. Every small fishing village had their own clan God that they used to worship. Most of the present temples in Goa are basically devoted to these clan Gods. For example, Mangeshi Temple is the clan temple of Mangeshi village.

After Portugese came to Goa they started converting people to Christianity. However, those who were able to save themselves from this conversion managed to protect their Clan Gods in make shift temples due to fear of attack from the Portugese. Ponda, is a region in Goa, that was saved from Portuegese subjugation. Thus most of the Hindu Temples in old days existed in Ponda. The place is still famous as the heartland of Hindus, as most of the important temples of Goa still exist here.

The Temples in Goa have a modern architecture as compared to the rest of India because they were reconstructed after Portuegse left Goa. The architecture of Goa temples is not typically Hindu but rather a mix of Portugal and Maratha influence. For example, the curvilinear Mandapa of Goa temples is a result of Portugal way of construction. Deepmala, or a tower for lighting diyas has been taken from Maratha style of architecture.

Temples of Goa are a must see who want to experience the Hindu devotion for religion even after it has been attacked and destroyed by foreign rulers again and again. The temples are interesting places for architectural interest and historical influences on Goa.