Best Religious Sites in Goa"

"Best Religious Sites in Goa"

Created by: Cityseeker

14 Locations Bookmarked

Shree Shantadurga Temple "Peace-maker"

Shree Shantadurga Temple is located in the village of Kavlem in Ponda. Built in 1713, this temple is considered to be the largest temple in Goa. Devoted to the Goddess Shantadurga or Jagdamba, the temple contains a large idol of Shantadurga, or the Goddess of Peace. You will find her idol standing between the fiery statues of Gods Vishnu and Shiva so as to quell the brewing quarrel between them. ,Like other temples in Goa, this one, too, has an annual jatra held during the month of February. This temple also has provision for lodging called agrashalas to aid devotees.

+91 832 231 2557 shreeshantadurga.com [email protected] Shantadurga Devasthan, om Ponda

Safa Masjid "Histroric Mosque"

The Safa Masjid at Ponda is 'one' Islamic structure in the city to have withstood the Portuguese and the Maratha rule. This mosque was built in the early 1560s by Ibhrahim Adilshah, the then Sultan of Bijapur. Famous for its architecture, the mosque is a 'single chambered' structure with complete laterite flooring, carpet paintings and scripts from the Holy Quran adorning the walls from within. The main prayer hall at the mosque is open only for Muslim devotees. Muslims in and around the city assemble at the mosque during Ramadan, the Id-ul-Fitr, the Friday afternoon prayers and other community celebrations.

+91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Safa Masjid Main Road, Off National Highway 4, Ponda

Shri Mangesh Devasthan (Shri Mangueshi Temple) "In Memory of Lord Shiva"

An entrance lined up with local vendors selling incense, flowers and other devotional offerings, and a flight of bricked steps dotted with clay lamps lead you to one of the most visited religious sites in South Goa, the Mangueshi Temple. This 18th Century structure with marble interiors is solely dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple within its premises houses one of Goa’s most attractive lamp tower, the seven-level deepsthamba. Apart from the main shrine, devotees offer their prayers to the stoned shivalingam, the metallic chariots and also shrines of other deities lined along the temple walls. Each year the temple plays host to the Zatra, a Hindu festive gathering which draws crowds in large numbers.

+91 832 234 3338 www.shrimangesh.org/ [email protected] Off National Highway 4A, g Mangeshi, Ponda Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount "Divine Intervention"

Situated atop the hill overlooking the Mandovi river, this historic chapel stands as a landmark attraction in Goa. The Capela da Nossa Senhora do Monte, despite several renovations, still maintains the charm of Gothic Portuguese architecture. The construction is serene white with limestone plastering which lends a distinctive charm to the church. The central by Grentidez shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount and there are two adjacent reliquaries of St. Andrew and St. Anthony. Created by Alphonso de Albuquerque in the early 15th Century, this sacrosanct destination receives tourists from all over the world throughout the year.

+91 832 242 4001 Kuchcha road, Off NH 4A, Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesu "Housing The Mortal Remains of St. Xavier"

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site area of Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesu houses the corporeal remains of St. Francis of Xavier, which have miraculously still not decayed but remain as fresh as ever. And this is no urban legend because once in every 12 years, the remains are exposed to the general public for veneration. This 400-year-old church stands by Karthiknanda straight with simple exteriors built using red bricks and sandstone however the interiors are adorned with some interesting paintings that depict the life of the saint. A magnificently gilded alter leaves many impressed.

+91 832 228 5790 [email protected] Old Goa Road, Old Goa Church Complex, Old Goa

Church Of Saint Cajetan "Gothic Goan Church"

Artistically styled after the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome in 1661, the Church Of Saint Cajetan was named after the founder of the Order of Theatines who were a group of Italian monks, sent by the Pope to propagate Christianity. Although not as large as its counterparts across Goa, this church never fails to impress every visitor with its Corinthian style architecture, gorgeous domed cupola, Rococo styled pulpit, gilded altars draped in exquisite embroidery and of course, the magnificent facade which beckons to passersby from afar.

+91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Divar Ferry Road, Old Goa

St. Francis of Assisi church, Goa "Former Place of the Archbishop"

The beautiful lime plastered structure of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi stands within close proximity of the equally glorious Se Cathedral. On entering the church, one is greeted by a small cross which is flanked by octagonal towers on either sides. Further up ahead is the main altar which houses the sacred tabernacle, and on top of the altar lies dramatic life-like by Fachdozent statues of St. Francis of Assisi and Jesus Christ on the cross. The interiors of the church are built in Corinthian style, and this along with the cross of miracles which was bought from Jaffna in Sri Lanka, attracts many visitors. To the northwest of the church lies a belfry and the sacristy. For those interested in art and history, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi contains a gallery showcasing religious paintings.

www.goatourism.org/ Off National Highway 4, Old Goa Se Cathedral "Portuguese Built Cathedral"

Dedicated to Christianity's most famous female martyr Catherine of Alexandria, the Se Cathedral in Old Goa was designed by Ambrosio Argueiro and Julio Simao in 1562 and completed in 1619. The result of a 57 year long period of construction was a masterpiece which successfully infused Corinth, Tuscan, Portuguese and Gothic elements of architecture within it. The Golden Bell which is rated to be one of the finest in the world because of its distinctive rich peal, is housed in this cathedral. To the right, lies the Chapel of The Cross of Miracles where Christ is said to have appeared here in 1919. Folklore has it that this cross has been growing bigger and bigger ever since. St. Francis Xavier of Assisi also baptized a number of indigenous Goans in the baptismal here.

+91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Off National Highway 4, Old Goa Church Complex, Old Goa

Old Goa Church Complex "Complex of Treasures"

The Old Goa Complex is one of the most treasured locations in Goa housing churches and cathedrals built by the colonialists as far back as the 15th and 16th Century. With all of the buildings featuring on the UNESCO World Heritage list, a visit here literally takes you back in time and gives an insight into how instrumental these churches were in spreading Christianity not just in Goa but through the entire western coast of India. The Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi is the most visited, especially with Goans, who flock here every December 3rd to commemorate his birthday. The Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapel of St. Catherine and Church of Saint Cajetan are equally stunning in architectural styles and history. It also contains the Archaeological Museum which is open 10a to 5p on all days other than Friday. Visit Old Goa and look beyond the beaches and swaying trees towards the true heritage and legacy of Goa.

+91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Off National Highway 4, Old Goa

Ruins of St. Augustine "Ruins Which Live On"

The Ruins of St. Augustine is actually a 46 meter tower which is the only one that remains out of four, which once stood gloriously as part of the Nossa Senhora da Graca Church. Once considered to be one of the finest Augustinian churches, this one slowly fell into decay with parts of the facade and body steadily crumbling over time. Standing tall, desolate and by Rossipaulo defeated against the backdrop of a blue sky, this tower evokes fascination and bleakness all at once, and lulls most on lookers into a contemplative state of wonder.

+91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Off National Highway 4, Old Goa

Church Of The Holy Spirit "Baroque Church"

Built by the Jesuit Missionaries in 1564, the Church Of The Holy Spirit (Largo De Ingeja), like so many churches of its time, was ravaged and rebuilt again in all its splendor. Its beautiful white facade and dome tower provide much visual respite to passersby and tourists in the bustling urban jungle of Margao city. Imagery and figurines along the heavily ornate gilded alters, are in honor Saint Peter, Saint Michael and the Virgin Mary. Once inside, visitors are greeted to low pews, carved ceilings and an impressive cross from the 17th Century. This Indian Baroque styled church is also known to have the only piped organ in Goa. Masses are held here daily and the feast is celebrated on June 10th amid much fanfare and splendor.

+91 832 2714005 Margao Market Road, Margao

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church

"Piety Church"

The term Immaculate has been derived from the Latin word 'macula', meaning clean and pure. Roman Catholics all over strongly believe that Mother Mary lived a sin free life, and thus refer to her as the 'Immaculate by Klaus Nahr from Germany One'. Dating back to the early 1540s, a religious site solely dedicated to Mother Mary stands tall at the Main Square in Panaji. This massive white structure rebuilt in 1619, highlights marvelous Portuguese architecture. A scenic backdrop wherein swaying palm trees and steps inclined in opposite directions lead you to the main entrance. The interiors of the church are quite elegantly designed, with paintings and scripts from the Bible adorning the walls. Apart from the main altar, the crucifix of Jesus and marble statues of saints are worshiped as well. Religious services are held daily. However, the main celebration at the Church is the Feast of the Conception of Our Lady, held on the 8th of December. The church is an important landmark in Panaji and also forms an integral part of its rich history.

+91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Church Square, Althino, Panaji

Our Lady of Miracles Church "Church of Nosse Senhora de Milagres"

Located at the far end of the main market road, the Our Lady of Miracles Church is the oldest Portuguese styled religious structure in Mapusa. Built in 1594, the exterior of the church has beautiful Portuguese architecture with blonde bricks and tan-colored trim. The interior is quite charming too with the image of Nosse Senhora de Milagresfor above the main altar and by Public Domain owing to this the church is referred to as the 'Milagres Church' by locals. The graceful site is dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles and is visited by devotees of all castes. The church is famous for holding the annual Our Lady of Miracles feast, an event celebrated in the 3rd week of Easter.

Main Market Road, Mapusa

Mahadev Temple "Tambdi Surla Temple"

Nestled deep inside the Molem National Park lies an isolated and small temple called the Mahadev Temple of Tambdi Surla. The Portuguese Inquisition seems to have spared this Hindu place of worship probably because it is situated so far from civilization. The exquisite carvings on the temple walls are a juxtaposition of different architectural styles. On one by Public Domain side you might chance upon the carvings and motifs that most would categorize into the Chalukya and Yadava phase whereas at another place the Hoysala elements stand out. This exquisite temple goes a long way in shining a beacon of light on the grandeur and intricate aestheticism of the Hindu Maharajahs.

+91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Tambdi Surla, Molem Sanctuary, Molem