Temples and Churches in Goa

The temples of Goa are in essence like most Hindu temples in India, based around a deity which is worshipped. The architecture of Goan temples is a little different mostly because of historical reasons. Churchs are important factor in Goa’s social, cultural and religious life. For example, the contribution of the Church to education in Goa is immense. Today the churches are all part of the Archdiocese of Goa and function with its help, many are also protected sites.

List of Main Temples in Goa

Shanta Durga Temple: Shantadurga temple is a large temple complex 33 km (21 mi) from Panaji at the foothill of Kavalem village in Ponda Taluka, Goa, India. The temple is dedicated Shantadurga, the Goddess who mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. The deity is also called ‘Santeri’ colloquially. Shantadurga is the Kuldevi (family deity) of many Konkani Saraswats, Karhade Brahmins and Bhandaris.

Mangueshi Temple: The temple is located at Mangeshim in Priol, Ponda Taluka,1 kilometer from Mardol close to Nagueshi, 22 km from Panaji the capital of Goa and 26 km from Margao. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mangueshi, an incarnation of Shiva. Shri Mangueshi is the Kuldevta (family deity) of many Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Karhade Brahmins ,and Bhandaris.

Mahalaxmi temple: The first temple to be approved for construction by the Portuguese in their 300+ years of control was the Mahalaxmi temple in Panaji, approved in 1818 after bitter opposition.

List of Churches in Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus: The Basilica of Bom Jesus is located in Goa, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule.

Church of Our Lady of Springs: The ancient church was under the control of the Vicar of the diocese of Karwar, facing the city of Goa. This Church is stated to be the oldest Christian church in India, outside of Kerala and visited by devotees from Karwar, Binaga and other villages of Karnataka and Goa.

Church of St. Anne, Talaulim: The Church of St. Anne is a religious monument located in Santana, Goa, India. It is an example of baroque architecture.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Goa: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim, Goa is one of the oldest churches in Goa, which existed from the year 1540.

St. Michael’s Church, Anjuna: St. Michael’s Church, Anjuna, in Goa, is one of the oldest churches in Goa, built in 1613.

Se Cathedral: The Se Cathedral (Se Cathedral of Santa Catarina) is a cathedral in Old Goa, India, dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. It is the cathedral of the Latin Rite Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, and the seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies. It is one of the oldest and most celebrated religious buildings in Goa and is one of the largest churches in Asia.