History of Mangeshi Temple, Goa

Certain temples hold a unique place in the hearts of people due to their elaborate historical and architectural significance. Mangeshi Temple in Goa is one such temple with an astonishing story.... (1/10)

Lord Brahma sanctified the Mangesh Linga on the Mangireesh (Mongir) mountain on the banks of river Bhagirathi. Later, the Saraswat Brahmins brought the Linga to Trihotrapuri in Bihar.

They carried the linga to Gomantaka and settled at Mormugao, on the bank of Zuari river and then a temple was established here to worship Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Mangesh.

Soon, this area came under the rule of the Portuguese and in 1560, when the Portuguese started Christian conversions in Mormugao, the Saraswats of Vatsa Gotra moved the Mangesh Linga from the original site to its present location at Mangeshi temple to protect Shiv Linga.

The temple has been renovated twice during the reign of the Marathas. The Peshwas donated the village of Mangeshi to the temple due to the suggestion of Shri Ramchandra Malhar Sukhtankar in 1739.

Pic - Statue of Bajirao I , Pune

This region later came under the rule of Portuguese but this time it was safe as their influence of conversion into Christianity was subsided by that time. So the temple was safe. The final renovation of the Mangeshi temple took place in 1973.

Historical Significance -

Lord Shiva was playing tricks with Goddess Parvati and for that, he turned himself into a Tiger. Goddess Parvati was scared of the Tiger and called the Lord for help. While calling Lord Shiva, the panic-stricken Goddess Parvati uttered the words....

"Trahi Mam girisha!” which translates to “Lord of Mountains, save me!” and since then, the word Mam girisha was used for Lord Shiva and over the time, this word came to be known as Mangesh. Hence, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Lord Mangesh.

Architectural Beauty -

This temple which is standing for 450 years now, has a marvelous structure. The temple is a complex of many domes and balustrades and magnificent columns. The temple complex contains a Water Tank which is considered as the oldest part of this temple.

A seven-story Deepstambha adorns the temple and adds to its beauty. The temple looks more beautiful at night due to a large number of lamps which are illuminated during the night time. A grand Nandi welcomes the visitors to the temple of Lord Shiva.