Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple Goa – Feel the divine presence| Incredible India

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January

17.4 - 35.2 °C

February

17.9 - 36.2 °C

March

20.2 - 35.5 °C

April

22.6 - 35.3 °C

May

23.0 - 35.4 °C

June

22.2 - 34.4 °C

July

22.4 - 31.5 °C

August

22.7 - 31.2 °C

September

22.7 - 32.2 °C

October

21.7 - 35.0 °C

November

19.6 - 35.4 °C

December

18.3 - 34.9 °C

Major Airports :

Dabolim Airport (GOI), Goa

Manohar International Airport (GOX), North Goa

Nearest Railway Station :

Madgaon Junction Railway Station (MAO)

Hallowed halls of timeless devotion

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Saptakoteshwar Temple is one of the great Shiva temples in the Konkan area, its aura exuding power and an unsaid sense of strength.

Believed to have been constructed over 1,500 years ago, this ancient temple holds immense religious significance for devotees who flock here seeking blessings and spiritual solace. Set against a backdrop of tranquil forests and meandering streams, the temple's architecture reflects a blend of Hindu and Portuguese influences, offering a unique glimpse into Goa's rich cultural heritage. Saptakoteshwar Temple is not merely a place of worship but a timeless symbol of devotion and reverence.

Coins of faith

Saptakoteshwar is an avatar of Lord Shiva and amongst devout followers, were the Kings of Kadamba.

It is believed that King, to please his wife Kamaldevi, a devout Shiva disciple, built the temple so that she could offer her prayers, find solace in the shelter of Shiva, and perform rituals regularly. 

Gold coins that were retrieved from the vaults of the kings and royalty of that time, have the inscription Saptakotishvaralabdha – Varaprasada on them. It translates to " With the grace of Lord Saptakotishwara". This was a testament to the faith of the Kadamba dynasty in Lord Shiv. The coins were known as Saptakotisha-Gadyanakas.

Turbulent times

 The life of the Saptakoteshwar temple has not been linear. It has faced turmoil, violence, and displacement through the eras. Post the Kadamba dynasty, the reign of Bahmani Sultan Allauddin Hasan Gangu witnessed an extremism that lasted for 14 years. These times saw vandalism, destruction, and uprooting of many temples around the town. It was during this period that the Linga at the Saptakoteshwar temple was dug up by soldiers.

When Vijayanagar King Harihararaya overthrew the Mughal emperor, he rebuilt the temple with love and care in equal measures and restored it to its original glory. However, that didn’t last long. Soon the Portuguese arrived, invaded, and built a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora De Candelaria.

The Linga, a holy symbol for Hindus, was used as a well shaft. It hurt the sentiments of the locals and in time, they were able to transfer it to Bicholim. A new temple was built by the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the people of Goa were finally at peace with the opulent temple for their Lord Shiva.

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Timings

Opening time - 07:00 AM

Closing time - 7:00 PM

Experience

A guide to 7 unforgettable adventure experiences in and around Panjim, Goa

Merging influences in art

Given its history of various influences, it is little wonder, though still surprising, that Saptakoteshwar Temple's architecture encompasses elements of Mughal influence, punctuated with a European-style hall and a tall lamp tower. The tower is called Deepastamba and its position in the temple has significant archaeological relevance.

Divinity chiselled in stone

The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, but the idol of Kalbhairav also holds religious and historical significance. As you walk through the temple, you will discover various interesting facets of its construct. There are the padukas (feet) of Dattatraya carved on the stone. A little ahead of the Deepastamba are two huge laterite pillars. There’s also a man-made tunnel-like structure and a sacred tank known as Panchaganga Tirtha.

Where the Gods lie

The temple is nestled in a small village called Narve in Goa. You must drive or ride through kilometres of green pastures to discover this small, humble setting. The lanes are unapologetically narrow and are lined with colourful Portuguese houses. As you make your way through the village, you will notice a blend of Indian and European influences. The carvings on the wood, the tiles, and the balconies all lend a distinct charm to the area.

Soon enough, you will come across a yellow and white temple that invites you in with its aura. You'll know you've arrived at the Saptakoteshwar Temple

Around the neighbourhood

Beyond the temple, you can head over to the exemplary Big Foot Museum and take a tour through the lives of a typical Goan village home. Do also visit the Dudhsagar Falls, a stunning waterfall that urges you to take a moment and relax.