Shanta Durga Temple, Goa – A Complete Guide. Vacations and trips not only boosts our mind and provides positivity but visiting some places actually helps us connect with our soul and makes us feel the tranquillity around us.
Often with the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we tend to ignore the divinity that has been living within us for centuries.
Rightly called the land of diverse culture, India has numerous temples, churches, mosques, monasteries that cater to the spiritual needs of mankind. Along with the destinations flourishing with natural beauty, these sacred monuments are also an integral part of tourism.
About Shanta Durga Temple
With a flourishing history of more than 450 years, the Santa Durga Temple is located in Goa, popularly known for its happening beaches. An integral part of the Gouda Saraswat Brahmin Committee, the temple is a private one with numerous pilgrims and devotees visiting it every year.
What makes the temple unique and popular is the deity worshipped here. The Shanta Durga is a goddess that mediates between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. According to local tales, once a war took place between Shiva and Vishnu, and there was no sign of victory.
The fight was getting fierce when Lord Brahma prayed to Parvati to intervene. She took the form of Devi Shanta Purna and stopped the battle by taking both the Gods in each hand. The idol of the goddess can be seen holding two serpents, one in each hand, representing Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
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The Architecture of Shanta Durga Temple
The architecture of the temple is completely different from that of traditional temples. It is built in Roman colonial style with a pyramid-like structure. The temple has two halls, an entrance hall, and the main hall.
There are shikars rising from the roofs. There are numerous glasses painted in Roman style in bright colours like blue, red, yellow, etc.
The regal Deepstambha or Lamp Tower is one of the chief attractions in the temple complex. With numerous glittering chandeliers, stone carvings and the colour combination of peach, white and maroon, the temple has a peaceful appearance.
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Shanta Durga Temple Timings
The temple is open on all days of the week. You can choose to visit this temple any day between Monday and Sunday. The temple remains open from 7.00 AM to 10.00 PM. You can choose to visit it anytime during this duration.
Shanta Durga Temple Entry Fee
The temple is flooded equally by local and foreign tourists, every day as it is located in a prime spot. You don’t have to purchase any ticket to enter this temple, irrespective of your age or country.
How to Reach Shanta Durga Temple
As the temple receives numerous visitors every day, it is well connected by air, water and roads.
By Air
Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport to reach the temple. You can board a flight from the major cities to reach the airport after which you can take a cab or taxi.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Shanta Durga Temple is Thivim Railway Station. As the station is very small, not all trains stop here. You can also board a train to the Vasco De Gama Station.
By Road
As the temple is located on the Panji-Margao highway, it is very easy to reach the temple by road. You can either board a taxi, cab or bus.
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Best Time to Visit Shanta Durga Temple
As the place is a private temple, you can consider visiting it anytime you feel free to. But the summer months receive high temperature; the scorching heat makes the weather uncomfortable to enjoy. The winter months are comparatively soothing and more recommended.
In the month of December, the festival of yatra takes place. Locals flood the premises, and the idol is taken out from the temple in a procession. You can also visit the temple during Lalkhi Utsav, Tulsi Vivah and Kala Utsav.
Nearby Attractions To Shanta Durga Temple
Shree Nagesh Maharudra Temple
Famous for its legendary myths and folklores, Shree Nagesh Maharudra Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Rudra form. The temple houses an ancient Shivalinga that is considered to be holy by the locals.
The temple is surrounded by hills on all of its sides except the fourth on which the River Aghanashini flows.
With numerous lush green valleys on all sides to enjoy along with springs and fresh air, the temple offers tranquillity to its visitors.
Shree Ramnath Temple
Located in Ramnathim in Goa, Shree Ramnath Temple is also called Ramnathi. The temple follows the Panchayatan. According to this principle, a temple is dedicated to five deities. Shri Ramnath, Kamakshi, Shanteri, Laxmi Narayan and Ganapati.
According to traditional tales, after Rama killed Ravana, he wanted to penance as he has killed a Brahman. So he installed a Shivalinga and prayed to it. This deity is presently worshipped here.
With an enormous deepstambha and serene environment, the temple is one of the popular tourist spots for pilgrims and Hindu devotees.
Shri Mangueshi Temple
Located in Mangeshi Village of Goa, the Shri Mangueshi Temple is one of the most visited temples in the Konkan Belt. In this temple, Lord Manguesh is worshipped, who is one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva.
Along with Shiva, the temple also worships Devi Parvati, Ganesha, Nandi, etc. the temple is about 450 years old and holds an important value in the spiritual lives of the locals. With an elegant deepstambha, domes and balustrades, the temple is a wonderful place to visit.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a Roman Catholic Church in Goa and one of the most famous churches. The church complex was built in 1594.
Considered to be one of the oldest churches in the country, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous for its architecture. The floors are made up of marble and have multiple altars.
The interior has intrinsic carvings with precious gemstones studded in it. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the church once you are in Goa.
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