Travel to Ponda

Population : 14,700
S.T.D Code : 0834

¤ Temple Attractions

Ponda can be described as the Hindu heart of Goa. It is famous for the five important temples that are situated around the town, and also has the largest mosque in Goa. Most of these temples look relatively new as they have been restored after being destroyed by the Portuguese. That explains why there are no temples around the coast, which was the prime territory of the Portuguese. Besides the regular tourist who likes to spent his holiday vacations in Ponda, the city is also considered as a pilgrimage center for the devotees who come to worship and seek blessings from the holy deities. Ponda is also an important transport link.

¤ The Safa Mosque

Adil Shah constructed the Safa Mosque in 1560. The architectural style of the mosque is predominantly Goan, with the exception of the arches that indicate a distinct Bijapuri influence (for more information on the Bijapuri Style of architecture, see Bijapur). The mosque has a beautiful backdrop of wooded low hills that rise in the background.

¤ Shri Mangesh Temple

The 18th century, Shri Mangesh Temple, lies on the north west of Ponda in Priol. Considered to be the most important temple in Goa, it belongs to the typical Goan Hindu temple style of architecture, which is a curious mix of the Hindu and Portuguese style. This picturesque little temple is built on a hilltop amidst sprawling farmlands. The temple has shrines of Parvati (consort of Shiva – Destroyer of the Universe) and Ganesha (the elephant-god of Prosperity and Wisdom). A beautiful seven-storeyed deepstambha (lamp tower), typical of Goan temple architecture, stands in the temple complex.

2km from the Shri Mangesh Temple, is the Mahalsa Narayani Temple. The Vishnu (Preserver of the Universe) Temple is known for the Garuda pillar (the half-man half-eagle vehicle of Vishnu), which stands on the back of a turtle with Garuda perched on top of it. The temple also has a deepstambha, and finely-carved columns depicting the ten incarnations of Vishnu.

¤ Nagesh Temple

The Nagesh Temple is situated 4km west of Ponda. Nagesh or the ‘God of Serpents’ refers to Shiva (Destroyer of the Universe). The temple was built in 1413. The mandapa (an assembly hall, generally pillared, preceding the sanctum sanatorium) has woodcarvings that narrate stories from the Hindu epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple compound also houses a five-storeyed deepstambha. Not far from the Nagesh Temple, is located the Mahalakshmi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga (the Goddess of War). According to the date inscribed in Marathi on the temple, the monument could have been built in 1413.

¤ Shantadurga Temple

Set amidst tranquill forests and hills, the Shantadurga Temple lies 3km from Ponda in Queula. Shantadurga, one of the consorts of Shiva, is a form of Durga (the Goddess of War) and the Goddess of Peace. Legend has it that once, the Destroyer and the Preserver had a mammoth fight that plunged the entire universe into chaos. Shantadurga stepped in as the arbitrator and succeeded in reconciling the warring parties, thus saving the universe from eternal doom. The temple makes a preferred holiday pilgrimage center for the devotees thronging from far and wide. Hence she stands in the temple shrine in between Shiva and Vishnu (Preserver of the Universe) as a symbol of peace.

The Shantadurga Temple was built in 1738, and is the biggest temple in Goa. A distinctive six-storeyed deepstambha and ratha (chariot) with some gilt work adorn the temple grounds. It is interesting to note that amongst some other features of the temple, the dome shows a definite influence of church architecture.