Off lately I have been writing reviews about temples in Goa. I was surprised to see that there are not many reviews here about the beautiful temples we have in Goa. I want the visitors to know that there is more than beaches to Goa.
The temple that I am going to write about today, is an ancient temple dating back to 13th century, built by the Kadamba dynasty and its so beautiful that we keep visiting it at least once a year. I fall in love with this place, every time I go here and during my last weekend’s unplanned visit here, I was thinking my readers here should also experience the sheer joy and satisfaction one can feel by coming here - hence this review!
Where? This is very important to note as this place is somewhat interiors and far from the main city of Panaji, about 65-70kms! But the drive is going to be a pleasure as you will pass through forests, wild life sanctuaries (Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park), cashew-nut plantations, coconut and beetle-nut plantations etc - its going to be a serene drive full of flora and fauna. Since this is a far off place and interiors, I would not recommend public transport at all. You need to have your own vehicle or hire a cab.(Two wheeler ride would be a tiring one).
Start from Panaji and arrive at Ponda(about 30kms), take road to Mollem/Anmod-ghat(Ponda-Belgaum highway), travel about 15-20kms and just about few kms before Mollem, take a left to go to Sakorda(see the signboard). From here the interior road begins, however it’s pretty straight from here with lot of signboards to direct you to this temple. In case you feel lost - ask any locals. From the Mollem road, it would be another 15-20 kms.
Temple and vicinity: The temple is amidst forest and as you arrive near to it, one would feel nice and calm as the place is very quiet with lot of greenery around. There is a huge spring next to the temple and is gushing with heavy water during monsoons. (Some people trek upto its origin, to enjoy a heavy waterfall).
Now, comes the center of attraction - the temple! It’s an ancient Shiva(Lord Mahadev) Temple, which is believed to built by carving out a whole single rock. Built by Hemadri in a Hemadpanthi style from basalt. Its a finest piece of craftsmanship!
It has a Garbhagriha, which has the linga(symbol of Lord Shiva) - which is the main place of worship, an Antarala and a pillared Nandi Mandapa. It’s ceiling is also made out of stone. The interiors and side walls have carvings, which are signs of skilled craftsmanship of those times - you will be amazed to see them! One needs to have a close look at the pillars, side walls etc to get a glimpse of finest details of the carvings - if you are a Historian, this will specially interest you.
Others: I was taken by surprise to see how clean and neat the surroundings are maintained by the government (This is a preserved site by the Archaeological Survey of India). They have developed a nice lush green lawn surrounding the temple(awesome place for photography). Moreover, the toilets were so clean - I seriously could not believe, India can have such well maintained public wash-rooms!(Hopefully, anybody decides to visit this place by reading this review, will also maintain them clean).
As you arrive, there is a huge place for parking, where there are some local stores selling items to be offered to God - flowers/coconuts/incense sticks and tea/snacks/soft drinks etc. From here, you need to walk some 100 steps towards the temple, over a small bridge built over the stream I mentioned earlier.
The temple celebrates festival of Mahashivratri with pomp and gaiety during which thousands of devotees from all over Goa throng this place. The locals also believe that a huge king cobra is a permanent resident of this temple/surrounding. (I leave this to reader’s imagination:-).
Best time to visit is during monsoons and I bet you would not repent having spent your precious time reading this review! Every time I come across a picture of this temple, clicked by someone during monsoons - I feel so nostalgic that I feel like going to this place time and again!