Nestled in the serene village of Priol, approximately 22 kilometers from Panaji, Shree Manguesh Temple stands as one of Goa’s most revered and iconic Hindu temples. Dedicated to Lord Manguesh – a manifestation of Lord Shiva, – this sacred site is not only a spiritual center but also a monument of architectural elegance and historical significance.
Origins and Significance
The deity Sri Manguesh, worshipped in the symbolic form of a ling (phallic icon), is regarded as the Kuladevata (family deity) of one clan of the Saraswat Brahmins and several other Goan communities. The temple holds particular spiritual importance for families belonging to the Vatsa and Kaundinya Gotras, including those with surnames such as Shenoy, Bhandary, Rajadhyaksha, Dalvi, and Bhise. The spiritual head of the Sri Manguesh Saunsthan is the esteemed Shrimad Swamiji of Sri Kavale Math.
Such is the prominence of the deity that the surrounding region came to be known as “Mangeshi”. Notably, the legendary Mangeshkar family of Indian classical music traces its ancestral roots to this sacred area.
The Portuguese Era and the Great Exodus
During Portuguese colonial rule in Goa, widespread religious persecution led to the destruction of numerous Hindu temples. To safeguard the sacred ling of Lord Manguesh from desecration, devotees resolved to relocate it to a safer place in Antruz Mahal or “Antruz Mahal” which was then under Adilshahi rule.
However, finding refuge was difficult due to the fear of Portuguese reprisals. At great personal risk, the local Gavda community – an indigenous tribe of Goa – stepped forward to help. They concealed the ling in a “gairi” (cow dung pit) to protect it. Once conditions became safer, the ling was secretly ferried across the Zuari River (then called Aghanasshinni) under the cover of night and brought to Antruz Mahal, now known as Ponda. A small shrine at Cortalim today marks this pivotal stop in its journey.
The group eventually reached the village of Priol (now Mangeshi) on the auspicious day of Tulsi Lagna, also known as Vhadli Diwali. The priest who hosted them – belonging to the Abhisheki family – was performing the Tulsi Lagna ritual at the time and asked them to rest it on a nearby masonry plinth (peddh). After completing the ceremony, he conducted the pran-pratishtha (consecration) of the Shiv Ling at its current location.
This moment marked the beginning of the transformation of the site into the grand Sri Manguesh Temple we see today – a spiritual beacon that now draws thousands of devotees.
The original temple at Kushasthalli (now Cortalim) was destroyed around 1540 AD by Portuguese forces under the command of Captain Diego Rodrigues, stationed at Rachol Fort. The destruction was carried out under the orders of Frei Miguel Vaz, as part of a campaign that targeted many temples in Salcette and other areas under Portuguese control.
Architecture and Aesthetic Grandeur
The ling was relocated to its present location in 1560. At that time, the shrine was a modest structure. The current temple was constructed much later under Maratha patronage, nearly 150 years after the relocation. In 1739, the Peshwa’s gifted the village of Mangeshi to the temple on the recommendation of their Sardar Shri Ramchandra Malhar Sukhtankar, a devoted follower of Lord Manguesh. The land was acquired from the Raja of Soundem.
Over the centuries, the temple has undergone multiple renovations. A notable milestone was the installation of a Golden Kalash (sacred pot finial) atop the dome on Magh Purnima, February 17, 1973.
A grand arched gateway (dwar) marks the entrance, leading to a nearly 300-meter stone-paved path flanked by ornamental balustrades. The architecture blends traditional Hindu and Goan styles in perfect harmony. One of the temple’s most iconic features is the Deep Stambh, a seven-story lamp tower in the Saraswat style, once used to illuminate festive nights before the advent of electricity. This is surmised to be the tallest Deepstambh amongst Goan temples.
The Sabha Griha (assembly hall), adorned with 19th-century chandeliers, can seat over 500 people and opens into the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), where the idol of Lord Manguesh is enshrined. The temple precinct also includes smaller shrines dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, and other deities.
A peaceful courtyard features a temple lake, bordered by paved walkways and staircases, with a central Tulsi Vrindavan. This lake plays a central role in rituals such as Sangodd, during which the deity is taken on ornately decorated canoes, bound together (Sangodd), around the water.
Rituals and Traditions
The temple observes a detailed schedule of daily rituals. Each morning begins with Shodshopachar pujas such as Abhishek, Laghurudra and Maharudra, followed by Maha Aarti at noon and Panchopachar Pooja in the evening. Every Monday night, the idol is taken out in a ceremonial Palkhi procession, accompanied by devotional music.
Two longstanding traditions stem from the temple’s relocation. On Tulsi Lagna, the Utsav Murti (Festivity icon) is carried to the ‘original resting spot’ (Peddh) of the ling and returns only after the Tulsi Vivah is completed. Another distinctive practice involves a divine oracle, where flower petals are offered and interpreted as a sign of divine approval. In recognition of their historic role in protecting the ling, the Gavda community of Kushasthalli is granted priority over the temple Mahajans in this ritual.
The Grand Jatra Festival
The temple’s annual festival, or jatra, is celebrated over nine days, from Magh Shukla Saptami to Magh Purnima (typically late January to early March). The festivities include elaborate processions, rituals, and devotional performances, culminating in a grand finale featuring the Maha Rath (giant chariot), which is pulled with thick ropes by devotees in the early morning hours.
The Legend behind the Name “Manguesh”
The name “Manguesh,” unique to Goa, is seldom associated with Lord Shiva elsewhere in India. According to legend, Shiva once lost everything to Parvati in a game of dice. Ashamed and sorrowful, he retreated into the forest in a self-imposed exile.
Unable to bear the separation, Parvati searched for him. To test her devotion -or perhaps as a divine jest – Shiva took the form of a ferocious tiger to frighten her. In fear, she cried out, “Trahi Mām Girish!” meaning, “Oh Lord of the Mountains, save me!”
Moved by her plea, Shiva revealed himself. Over time, the phrase “Mam Girish” evolved in local dialects into “Manguirish”, and eventually into Manguesh, giving the deity his distinctive Goan identity.
A Spiritual and Cultural Treasure
Today, Sri Manguesh Temple is more than a place of worship – it is a living testament to Goa’s spiritual resilience, cultural identity, and architectural heritage. Managed by the Sri Manguesh Devasthan Committee, the temple continues to uphold its age-old rituals and grand festivals.
Located near other historic temples in Ponda, Sri Manguesh Temple is a must-visit on any cultural tour of Goa. Amidst lush greenery and sacred serenity, this timeless temple continues to inspire devotion and awe in all who visit.