What is the significance of Mangeshi Temple?

Mangeshi Temple is the largest and most visited Hindu temple in Goa, dedicated to Lord Manguesh (a form of Shiva). It was relocated from its original location in Cortalim to Priol during the Portuguese Inquisition in the 16th century when Hindu temples were being destroyed.

What makes Goan temple architecture unique?

Goan temples like Mangeshi blend Hindu temple architecture with Portuguese colonial influences, creating a unique syncretic style. Features include the Deepastambha (lamp tower), European-style balustrades, domed roofs, and octagonal towers - elements not found in temples elsewhere in India.

What are the timings of Mangeshi Temple?

The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Morning aarti is at 7:00 AM and evening aarti at 7:30 PM. There is no entry fee.

What is the significance of Mangeshi Temple?

Mangeshi Temple is the largest and most visited Hindu temple in Goa, dedicated to Lord Manguesh (a form of Shiva). It was relocated from its original location in Cortalim to Priol during the Portuguese Inquisition in the 16th century when Hindu temples were being destroyed.

What makes Goan temple architecture unique?

Goan temples like Mangeshi blend Hindu temple architecture with Portuguese colonial influences, creating a unique syncretic style. Features include the Deepastambha (lamp tower), European-style balustrades, domed roofs, and octagonal towers - elements not found in temples elsewhere in India.

What are the timings of Mangeshi Temple?

The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Morning aarti is at 7:00 AM and evening aarti at 7:30 PM. There is no entry fee.

Mangeshi Temple

Ponda, Goa

Main God

Lord Shiva

Timings

Check locally

Location

Ponda

Type

MAJOR

Explore More Temples

Featured

Arunachaleswarar Temple

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

A Pancha Bhoota Stalam representing fire, at the foot of sacred Arunachala Hill.

Lord Shiva

Plan Visit

About Mangeshi Temple

Mangeshi Temple in Priol, Ponda, is the largest and most visited Hindu temple in Goa, dedicated to Lord Manguesh (a form of Lord Shiva). The temple was relocated to its current location in the 16th century during Portuguese rule to protect the deity from destruction. The temple showcases a unique blend of Hindu and Portuguese-Christian architectural styles, featuring a distinctive seven-story deepstambha (lamp tower), an octagonal tower, and European-style balustrades. The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to other deities and is the center of the annual Jatra festival celebrated with great fervor.

Darshan Timings

general5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

aartiMorning Aarti at 7:00 AM,Evening Aarti at 7:30 PM

Darshan Guide

Arrival & Deepastambha

Arrive at the temple complex and note the towering Deepastambha (lamp tower), a distinctive feature of Goan Hindu temples. The seven-storey lamp tower is lit during festivals.

Main Temple Darshan

Enter the main temple to take darshan of Lord Mangesh (Shiva). The temple blends Goan-Portuguese and traditional Hindu architecture - a unique style found only in Goa.

Nandi & Subsidiary Shrines

Visit the Nandi mandapa and other subsidiary shrines including those dedicated to Parvati, Ganesh, and other deities within the temple compound.

Location & Directions

Priol, Ponda, Goa 403404

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

By Bus

Kadamba Transport (KTCL) buses from Panaji (22 km, 50 min). Buses from Ponda (5 km). Private buses from Mumbai (12 hours) via Konkan Railway

By Air

Goa International Airport (Dabolim/Manohar International) - 30 km from the temple

By Rail

Karmali Railway Station - 10 km. Old Goa Railway Station - 12 km. Madgaon Junction (Margao) - 35 km with better connectivity

Local Transport

Taxis, rented scooters/bikes (very popular in Goa), and local buses from Panaji and Ponda. The temple is in Priol village, Ponda taluka

About the Main God

Lord Shiva

The destroyer and transformer in the Hindu trinity.

Explore all Lord Shiva Temples

Frequently Asked Questions

(3)

Temples & Travel

Services

Mangeshi Temple

Explore More Temples

Arunachaleswarar Temple

About Mangeshi Temple

Darshan Timings

Darshan Guide

Arrival & Deepastambha

Main Temple Darshan

Nandi & Subsidiary Shrines

Location & Directions

How to Reach

Photo Gallery

About the Main God

Lord Shiva

Nearby Heritage Sites

Churches and Convents of Goa

Frequently Asked Questions

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple

Grishneshwar Temple (Ghrishneshwar)

Nearby Heritage Sites

Churches and Convents of Goa