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Sri Mangesh Temple
 This temple actually had its origins in Cortalim, a village in Salcete. Salcete fell into Portuguese rule in 1543 and was dutifully preserved until the arrival of the Inquisition from Europe in 1567, when it was destroyed. However, before it was destroyed, many of its artifacts were smuggled across the Zuari river into Ponda (Priol), which at that time was not under Portuguese rule. The original site was a very simple structure, and the current structure was only built under Maratha rule, some 150 years after it had been moved. Ironically, just a few years after it was built, this area too fell into Portuguese hand in 1764, but by now, the Portuguese had lost their initial religious zeal and had become quite tolerant of other religions, and so, this structure remained untouched. Hindus in Goa believe Mangesh to be form of Siva. |
 The temple complex consists of a spacious courtyard surrounded by the temple itself and rooms for weddings and pilgrims. The temple also has a magnificent water tank (not shown), which is believe to be the oldest part of the temple. The lamp tower depicted on the left rises immediately inside the entrance gate and is almost Baroque like in its appearance - no doubt influenced by the Portuguese structures across the river. This pictures and anecdotal information were obtained from the book "Window on Goa" by Maurice Hall (Quiller Press, London, 1992, 214 p.). It is an excellent book containing a wealth of information and pictures on Goa. You can buy it online from http://www.amazon.com/. For 18 bucks ($ US), this book is a steal! |