History
Shri Kamakshi Temple, located in Shiroda, Goa, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a powerful and compassionate form of Shakti. The name "Kamakshi" translates to "She whose eyes fulfill desires," and the goddess is venerated as a manifestation of love, fertility, and strength. This temple is one of the prominent Shakti temples in Goa and holds deep religious significance for the local Hindu community, especially the Saraswat Brahmins.
The temple's architecture reflects traditional Goan temple design, featuring a beautifully decorated sanctum, a domed roof, and a central lamp tower (deepastambha). The idol of Goddess Kamakshi is adorned with fine ornaments and silk attire, and daily rituals are performed with devotion. The temple complex also includes a sacred water tank and open courtyards used during festivals and religious gatherings.
Major celebrations such as Navaratri and the annual Zatra draw large crowds, with devotees participating in vibrant processions and traditional music. Surrounded by serene landscapes, the Shri Kamakshi Temple offers a peaceful spiritual retreat and continues to be a symbol of divine feminine energy and cultural tradition in Goa.
Greatness:
The Shri Kamakshi Temple, located in Shiroda, Goa, is a sacred and beautifully preserved shrine dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, an incarnation of the Divine Mother and a powerful form of Shakti. Originally hailing from the ancient Kamakshi tradition of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, the deity was brought to Goa by devotees fleeing religious persecution during the Portuguese era, and the temple stands today as a symbol of resilience and unshaken devotion.
The temple’s serene setting, traditional Goan architecture, and richly decorated interiors create an atmosphere of peace and spiritual reverence. The goddess is worshipped as the embodiment of compassion, wisdom, and divine power, with rituals and offerings meant to invoke her blessings for protection, prosperity, and well-being. Major festivals such as Navaratri and the annual Zatra are celebrated with grandeur, drawing devotees from across the state and beyond. The Shri Kamakshi Temple remains a cherished spiritual center, preserving the legacy of Shakti worship in Goa with grace and devotion.
Specialities:
The Shri Kamakshi Temple, located in Shiroda, Goa, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a powerful and compassionate form of Shakti (Parvati). The name “Kamakshi” translates to “She whose eyes fulfill desires
symbolizing the goddess’s role as a granter of boons and protector of devotees. The temple is an important spiritual center for the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community and others in the region.Originally located in Raia, the idol was relocated to Shiroda during the Portuguese colonial period to protect it from religious persecution. The temple today stands as a symbol of cultural preservation and religious resilience. Architecturally, it showcases a blend of traditional Goan temple design with a deepastambha (lamp tower), a sacred tank, and a calm, open courtyard, all contributing to a serene spiritual atmosphere.The temple celebrates festivals like Navaratri, Jatra Utsav, and Shigmo with grandeur, attracting devotees from across Goa and beyond. Shri Kamakshi Temple is not just a place of worship but a beacon of devotion, tradition, and the enduring strength of divine feminine energy.
Festivals:
- Navratri
- Shigmo Festival
- Jatra (Annual Temple Festival)
- Chaitra Purnima
Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
FAQs
Shri Kamakshi Temple is located in Shiroda village, in Ponda Taluka, South Goa, India. It is around 35 km from Panaji and about 12 km from Ponda town.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a powerful form of Shakti (Parvati), revered here as the Mother of Compassion and Strength.
Goddess Kamakshi is worshipped as the Kuladevi (family deity) of many Goan Saraswat Brahmin families.The idol of Kamakshi here is unique, often seen seated in Padmasana (lotus position) with a gentle yet commanding expression.
The idol of Goddess Kamakshi is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu).It is among the few temples in Goa that retains its original location, untouched by Portuguese destruction.
