Shantadurga Temple Ponda, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach

Ponda Shantadurga Temple- Guide

Shri Shantadurga Temple is located in a village called Kavalam in Ponda about 30 kilometers from Panji, the capital of Goa. The temple is dedicated to Sri Shantadurga, another form of Goddess Parvati. Apart from Shantadurga, the idols of Lord Shiva, Shankar and Lord Vishnu are also installed in the temple. Shri Shantadurga Temple is an individual belonging to Gaur Saraswat Brahmin community and Devjana Brahmin community. Shantadurga Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Goa. Informally, the deity here is also called ‘Santeri’.

History of this Temple

The Ponda Shantadurga Temple was initially located at Cavelossim, but the temples were being destroyed by the Portuguese. So this temple was established as a small temple made of laterite soil in a village called Kavalam. Later this temple was rebuilt by Shahu Raje, the Maratha ruler of Satara on the request of his minister Naro Ram. The construction work of the temple was completed in the year 1738.

Ponda Shantadurga Temple is dedicated to Sri Shantadurga, a form of Goddess Parvati. The goddess Shantadurga of the temple is holding a snake in each of her hands that leads Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The goddess is addressed by the name Shantadurga because of pacifying the fight between the two deities.

Best time to visit Ponda Shantadurga Temple

One of the main attractions of Shantadurga Temple is a golden palanquin. Which is taken out at the time of festival for the deities of the temple. The deities are made to sit in golden palanquins during the journey undertaken during the festival. This festival is organized in the month of December. The festivals celebrated here are Tulsi Vivah, Palki Yatra, Muktabharani, Lalki Utsav and Kala Utsav.

Ponda Shantadurga Temple Timings

Ponda Shantadurga Temple opens at 5:00 AM in the morning and close at 10:00 PM in the evening. Morning aarti is performed at 7:00 AM in the morning and evening aarti is performed at 8:00 PM in the evening.

Places to visit near this Temple

Shree Nagesh Mandir

This temple is dedicated to naga devta. This temple is located at a distance of about few kms away from this temple.

Mangeshi Temple

This temple is dedicated to mata Mangeshi. This temple is located at a distance of about few kms away from this temple.

Sri Mahalasa Temple

This temple is located at a distance of about few kms away from this temple.

Majorda Beach

This is the famous beach near this Temple which is located at a distance of about few kms away from this temple.

The Holy Spirit Church

This Spirit Church is the famous church of goa. This Church is located at a distance of about few kms away from this temple.

Also Read: Badrinath Temple Garhwal, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach

How to reach Panji Shantadurga Temple

By Air- The nearest airport from Ponda Shantadurga Temple is Goa Airport which is at a distance of 34 km from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.

By Train- The nearest railway station from Ponda Shantadurga Temple is Vascodigama railway station which is at a distance of 35 km away from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.

By Road- Roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities of the country so you can easily reach this temple by using your own vehicle or by any public buses or taxi from any part of the country.

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