Shree Shantadurga Mandir

About

Nestled in the serene village of Kavalem in Ponda Taluka, Goa, Shree Shantadurga Temple stands as a testament to devotion and resilience. Legend has it that, on a moonless night, devotees crossed the Juari River with the deities on their heads, seeking refuge under the rule of the Muslim king Adilshaha. The temple at Keloshi was eventually demolished, but the devotees found a new home for Shree Shantadurga in Kavalem. Nestled at the foothill of Kavalem village, the temple, initially a mud shrine, was transformed into a beautiful structure in 1738. Dedicated to Shantadurga, the goddess who mediated between Vishnu and Shiva, the temple's tranquil surroundings add to its spiritual allure. With its pyramidical shikaras, Roman-arched windows, stained-glass panes, and vibrant colors, the Saraswat architectural style captivates visitors. The temple complex includes a main temple, three smaller temples for other deities, a huge tank, a Deep Jyoti Stambh, and guest houses.