The Saraswat Temples, Goa

The Saraswat Hindu Temples in Goa had managed to survive the attack of the Portugal regime. The temples were moved from one place to another in order to protect them from the Portuguese. The presiding deities of these temples were at times preserved and worshipped even in the houses of the pujaris, till they were finally settled in their present day dwellings. Some of the old temples of Goa were noted for their natural beauty and simple architecture. The have certain common features like being surrounded by betel nut trees, coconut groves and lakes of pure water.

Among the oldest Saraswat Temples in Goa are the Mangesh Samsthan of Priol, the Shanthadurga Samsthan at Kavlem, the Ganapati Samsthan at Khandole, the Mahalakshmi Samsthan at Bandewade and the Sri Nagesh Maharudra Samsthan at Bandora. The Sri Nagesh Maharudra temple did not move from Bandora (Bandewade) even during the period of the Portuguese inquisition unlike other temples. Atrunja Taluka is a place, which is now called Ponda. It is a land with valleys and mountains and an ideal place for the Gods amidst coconut and areca nut groves. Ponda has several Hindu temples. A special characteristic of the Saraswat temples is that it gives priority to the local Christian devotees.