Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple, Goa

One of the many important Hindu temples in Goa, Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple stands with the architectural beauty of the Mughals, the mandap or the temple hall with designs from the Europeans, and a tall lamp tower. Devotees from all over the country visit the holy place to attend an important annual temple festival called Gokulashtami. So, do not miss out on this magically beautiful place on your next trip to Goa.

History

Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple GoaAcclaimed as one of the six revered temples of Lord Shiva in the Konkan area, the Saptokoteshwar temple has a chequered history dating back to the 12th century. During that period Saptakoteshwar was the patron deity of the kings of the Kadamba dynasty. In 1352, when Bahamani Sultan Hassan Gangu usurped the Kadamba kingdom, his armies vandalized the linga of the Saptakoteshwar temple.

In 1367, Vijayanagar King Hariharraya conquered Hassan Gangu’s troops and restored the lost glory of the Saptakoteshwar temple. After a calm of about two hundred years, the temple idol (linga) had to be removed once again to escape the marauding armies of the Portuguese conquerors. The temple was finally rebuilt at Narve by the orders of great Maratha king Shivaji.

The presiding deity of the temple is Saptakoteshwar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Shiva appeared at this place to grant the wishes of seven holy sages who prayed for seven crore years. This incarnation of the Lord is known as Saptakoteshwar (apt means seven and Koteshwar means lord of crores). The Gokulashtami festival of the temple draws thousands of devotees from Goa and other parts of India.

Architecture

The famous Saptakoteshwara temple is a standing specimen of medieval architectural style. The architecture is very nice to see and ancient. Only the tall lamp tower or Deepastamba is designed in a distinctive style. The Saptakoteshwar temple has a small entrance hall with bells. The main five pillared halls are decorated with arches. The ceilings of the temple are designed with intricately designed chandeliers and the Sanctorum wall is made of plain wood. The Mandapa is designed in European style. The Archamurti- Shivalinga is called ''Dhara-Linga''. The surroundings of the temple are tinged with several Brahminical laterite and stone caves. In the vicinity of it existed a Jain Math, the ruins of which are still visible. It was probably an important Jain temple patronized by the Kadamba rulers before they shifted loyalty to Sri Saptakoteshwar.