Ponda In Goa
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. |
