Goa

Shiva temples in Goa

शिव

Most of Goa's Shiva temples are temples that moved. In the 16th century, under Portuguese rule, devotees carried the linga of Manguesh from Cortalim to the hills near Ponda and the linga of Saptakoteshwar from Divar island across the river to Narve. The one old temple that never moved, the Mahadev at Tambdi Surla, survived because it stood deep in forest. All four places in the list are free to enter.

← Goa

Shiva

The destroyer and transformer, the great yogi. In the sanctum he is usually worshipped as a lingam rather than a statue.

Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple, Narve

Shri Shantadurga Temple, KavlemDetails →

Mahadev Temple, Tambdi SurlaDetails →

Shri Mangeshi TempleDetails →

Goa in the app Open

Four places and their stories

Shri Mangeshi, Priol: the great temple of Manguesh

Shri Mangeshi is dedicated to Shiva as Manguesh, the family deity of many Goud Saraswat families. The linga was brought here in 1560 from Kushasthali, today's Cortalim. Look for the seven-storey deepastambha (lamp tower) and the large temple tank, believed to be the oldest part of the complex. About 25 km from Panaji, according to the temple.

Mahadev, Tambdi Surla: the one that stayed

The Mahadev temple is the oldest temple standing in Goa: a Kadamba-era Shiva shrine of the 12th–13th centuries, cut from basalt at the foot of the Western Ghats, about 65 km from Panjim near Mollem. The scale is small and the carving fine, across the ceiling of the mandapa (pillared hall); a stream runs past. It is a Monument of National Importance and a working shrine, open 8:30–17:30 according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Saptakoteshwar, Narve: rebuilt on Shivaji's order

Saptakoteshwar was a patron deity of the Kadamba kings. When the island shrine on Divar was lost in 1560, devotees carried the linga across the river to Narve; Chhatrapati Shivaji ordered the temple rebuilt in 1668, and his inscription sits above the sabhamandap (assembly hall). A modest state-protected building in a green river valley, open 7:00–19:00 daily according to the temple. Pair it with the Naroa ferry to Divar island.

Shri Shantadurga, Kavlem: Shiva at the goddess's side

Shri Shantadurga belongs to the goddess who, by tradition, made peace between Vishnu and Shiva. Her metal image at Kavlem holds two small figures, Vishnu and Shiva, which is why Shiva appears in this list. Shoes off, and the temple committee turns away shorts, mini-skirts and sleeveless tops.

Shivaratri and Mondays

Maha Shivaratri (the great night of Shiva) falls on 6 March 2027. It is one of the main festivals at Shri Mangeshi, and Shri Shantadurga lists a Maha Shivratri rath (chariot procession) in its festival calendar.

At Mangeshi every Monday the festival image of Manguesh is carried round the temple in a palanquin before the evening aarti; the procession is called the Shibikotsav. It is the simplest way to see the temple in festival mode on an ordinary week. The main gate closes at 21:30.

For Shivaratri across India, see Maha Shivaratri.

How to plan the trips

The temples lie in three directions, and each is its own outing. Ponda pairs Mangeshi with Shantadurga, both in Ponda taluka. Tambdi Surla is a full day inland on forest roads; there is little around the temple, so bring water and food, and it combines with the Mollem forests. Narve is a quiet half-day with the river and Divar.

Uber and Ola do not run in Goa: take GoaMiles, the state Goa Taxi app or a rented scooter. For Goa's other temples and its churches, see temples in Goa.

✅ Dress code and etiquette

Shoes off — At all four, at the threshold or the steps.
Cover up — Mangeshi has had a dress code since 2011; Shantadurga refuses shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans and short T-shirts, and makes visitors in such clothes wear a shawl. Coming from the beach, bring a sarong.
Free entry — None of the four charges for entry.

❓ FAQ

Which is the oldest Shiva temple in Goa?

The Mahadev temple at Tambdi Surla, a Kadamba-era shrine of the 12th–13th centuries and the oldest temple standing in Goa.

What is the most famous Shiva temple in Goa?

Shri Mangeshi near Ponda, dedicated to Shiva as Manguesh, with its seven-storey lamp tower.

What are the timings of Shiva temples in Goa?

Tambdi Surla: 8:30–17:30 (Ministry of Tourism). Saptakoteshwar: 7:00–19:00 (temple site). Mangeshi publishes no darshan hours, but its main gate closes at 21:30.

What should I wear to Mangeshi temple?

Modest clothes; the temple has had a dress code since 2011. Shoes come off before you enter.

When is Maha Shivaratri in 2027?

On 6 March 2027, one of the main festivals at Shri Mangeshi.

Sources (10)