Shanta Durga Temple, Goa

Shri Shantadurga Temple is situated at the foothill of Kavalem village in Ponda Taluka, Goa. A small laterite mud shrine was built and the deity was installed here. The mud-shrine was converted into a beautiful temple whose foundation stone was laid in 1730 and the temple was completed in 1738 and renovated in 1966

The temple is dedicated to Shantadurga, the goddess who mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. The deity is also called 'Santeri' colloquially. Local legends tell of a battle between Shiva and Vishnu. The battle was so fierce that the god Brahma prayed to Goddess Parvati to intervene, which she did in the form of Shantadurga. Shantadurga placed Vishnu on her right hand and Shiva on her left hand and settled the fight.

Shantadurga is shown as holding two serpents, one in each hand, representing Vishnu and Shiva.

History

According to historical records, the temple started as a mud shrine which was later converted into a temple in 1728 during the reign of Shahu Maharaj of Satara at the request of one of his ministers. The temple of Shantadurga was originally located in a temple at Cavellossim. During the time of the Portuguese Inquisition, the idol of Shantadurga along with the idol of Shree Mangeshi was transported across the Zuari River to its current location which was under the Adilshahi Kings of Bijapur. Mangeshi temple is located in Priol near Ponda.

The temple building is a fusion of Indo-Portuguese architecture. Unlike other temples of Goa, the temple has a pyramidical shikhara (rising tower), Roman-arched windows, and a flat dome encircled by balustrades. Standing amid lush greenery, the temple painted in maroon, peach, and white color exudes serenity and peace.

Architecture

The original temple at Quelossim (Keloshi) in Salsete was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1564. The goddess was shifted to Kavalem and worship was continued there. The site on which the original Temple of Shantadurga stood at Quelossim (Keloshi) is known as “Deoolbhata” and it is in the possession of the Temple Committee.

The current temple was constructed during the reign of Maratha ruler Chattrapati Shahu of Satara in about 1738 A.D. Naroram Mantri (Naroram Shenvi Rege) originally from Kochara village in the Vengurla region was a Mantri (minister) in Shahu’s Court (Grandson of Shivaji Maharaj)around 1723. He obtained finances to construct the new temple for the goddess from Shahu. The temple construction started around 1730 and, with the help of other Mahajan, the present temple was completed. Due to his efforts, the village of Kavalem was bequeathed to the Temple by Shahu in 1739.

The temple complex is on the slope of the foothills of a mountain chain, surrounded by lush vegetation. There is the main temple and three smaller temples of other deities which have been built on three sides of the temple. The temple consists of a collection of pyramidal roofs with a dome. The pillars and floors are made of Kashmir stone. The temple has a huge tank, a Deepastambha, and Agrashalas (guest houses).

Many renovations have been completed over the years to the main temple and the temples of the other deities as well as to the Agrashala. The temple has recently banned the entry of foreigners into the temple citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason.