History
Shri Nageshi Temple, located in Bandora near Ponda in Goa, is an ancient and revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Nagesh, a form of Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in Goa and holds deep religious and historical significance for the local Hindu community, especially the Saraswat Brahmins. The temple is known for its serene surroundings and its role as a spiritual center that has preserved traditional Goan temple culture.
The temple’s architecture reflects a blend of indigenous Goan and Dravidian styles, featuring a beautifully designed sabhamandap (assembly hall), deepastambha (lamp tower), and a striking water tank within the premises. The sanctum houses the Shiva Lingam representing Lord Nagesh, and daily rituals and special ceremonies are conducted with devotion. Festivals like Maha Shivaratri and the annual Jatra (temple fair) attract thousands of devotees.
Shri Nageshi Temple is not only a place of worship but also a testament to Goa’s resilient spiritual heritage, having survived the challenges of colonial rule and continuing to thrive as a vibrant center of faith and tradition.
Greatness:
The Shri Nageshi Temple, located in Bandora (Ponda), Goa, is an ancient and revered shrine dedicated to Lord Nagesh, a form of Lord Shiva. Steeped in history and spiritual significance, this temple is one of the few in Goa that withstood destruction during Portuguese colonial rule and continues to thrive at its original site. Devotees worship Lord Nagesh here as the compassionate and protective deity who removes fears and grants inner strength.Architecturally, the temple reflects the elegance of traditional Goan Hindu design, featuring a distinctive deepastambha (lamp tower), beautifully painted interiors, and a peaceful temple tank. The temple’s serene atmosphere and lush surroundings add to its charm, offering a spiritual escape for both locals and pilgrims. Special festivals like Mahashivaratri and Navaratri are celebrated with great devotion and grandeur. Shri Nageshi Temple remains a vital spiritual and cultural landmark in Goa, symbolizing resilience, faith, and divine grace.
Specialities:
The Shri Nageshi Temple, also known as the Nagesh Temple, is a prominent and ancient Hindu temple located in Bandora, near Ponda in Goa. Dedicated to Lord Nagesh, a form of Lord Shiva, this temple holds immense spiritual significance for devotees
especially those from the Goud Saraswat Brahmin and other local communities. It is one of the oldest temples in Goa that survived Portuguese colonization due to its inland location.The temple features traditional Goan Hindu architecture, including a deepastambha (lamp tower), a water tank, and intricately designed mandapas (halls). The sanctum houses a Shiva Lingam believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested), radiating powerful spiritual energy. The temple complex is also known for its beautiful murals and serene surroundings, which enhance the devotional experience.The Mahashivaratri festival is celebrated here with great devotion, drawing large crowds of pilgrims. As one of the key Shiva temples in Goa, the Shri Nageshi Temple remains a vibrant center of worship and cultural heritage, embodying the region’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions and resilience.
Festivals:
- Mahashivaratri
- Shigmo Festival
- Navratri & Vijayadashami (Dasara)
- Kartik Purnima
Timings:
- Morning: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
FAQs
Shri Nageshi Temple is located in Bandora (Nagueshi), Ponda taluka, in the state of Goa, India. It is around 25 km from Panaji (Goa’s capital) and 17 km from Margao.
The temple is dedicated to Shri Nagesh Maharudra, a powerful form of Lord Shiva, often depicted as the serpent king (Nagesh).
This is one of the few temples in Goa that was never destroyed during the Portuguese colonial rule and remains at its original location.The temple is revered as a Kuladevata (family deity) by many Saraswat Brahmin families.
Historical continuity: Unlike many Goan temples, it remains in its original form and location.Sacred tank (tirtha kund): Believed to have healing properties.Deep devotion and daily Vedic rituals preserve the sanctity of the temple.
