Mangeshi (Shiva) Temple, Goa, India

[Guest guest]

distress to this part of Goa were only sheds covered with coconut leaves and

supported by trunks of betelnut trees. The Portugals had banned the

construction and repairs of temples. It would therefore appear that the first

temple in forest area of Mangeshi could be no better than a shed. Subsequently,

the temple might have been built around 1744. It was supported by wooden pillars

which have been preserved. The devotees enriched the temple and it is probable

that ancillary temples were built thereafter over a period. The intermittent

outbreak of rebellions in Goa obliged the Portuguese to abandon their policy of

antagonism to Hindus and to enact progressive legislation in 1866. Twenty years

had, however, to go before Shri Mangesh Temple could be brought under the Act

and Goa could be assured of political stability and security.

Thus marked the beginning of new phase for Goa of which Mangeshi is but a part.

This temple was a source of inspiration to many for spiritual pursuits. Towards

the end of eighteenth century, Naik Swami, who was resting in the temple on his

way to Kashi, dreamt that Mangeshi was nothing else but Kashi itself. He

accordingly spent the rest of his life in Mangeshi itself to serve the Lord.

Among the numerous books written by him mention may be made of the poetic

translation in Marathi of Shri Shiva Gita. His death anniversary is observed on

Vaishakh Vadya Dwadashi Incidentally, the major festivals in the temple are

celebrated at night. The night probably provides a better opportunity for

displaying the human skill and imagination in arrangement of lights and

grandeur. As one enters the temple, he finds himself in a room called Mandap.

>From here, the drum is beaten to inform everybody

in the hamlet that the Lord is ready to meet them in congregation. This happens

at noon and at night before the AARATI starts or the PALAKHI is taken out.

More more information of the Temple check the official link: Home page

http://www.shrimangesh.org/ History http://www.shrimangesh.org/history.html

Other deities http://www.shrimangesh.org/deities.html More images

http://www.shrimangesh.org/temple.html Video

http://www.shrimangesh.org/video.html Audio

http://www.shrimangesh.org/audio.html Festivals

http://www.shrimangesh.org/festivals.html Contact to the Temple :

http://www.shrimangesh.org/contact.html

http://hindutemples.50megs.com/mangeshi.html

New and Improved Mail - 1GB free storage!

Meet your soulmate! Asia presents Meetic - where millions of singles gather