Bandora Sri Nagesh Maharudra Temple- Goa

Address

Bandora Sri Nagesh Maharudra Temple- Bandiwade, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa 403401 Phone: 0832 233 5039

Deity

Sri Nagesh Amman: Parvati

Introduction

• Location: Nagesh Maharudra Temple is located in Bandora Village, near Ponda Town, in the North Goa district of Goa, India.
• Significance: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered the Kuladevatha (family deity) of the Gauda Saraswat Brahmins.

Puranic Significance:

• Legend of the Shivalinga: The temple’s origins are linked to a grove of Shami trees. A cowherd observed that one of his cows would regularly visit a particular spot and spontaneously shower milk there. Investigating this phenomenon, the cowherd dug at the spot and discovered the Shivalinga. According to the Sahyadri Skanda Purana, this deity was brought to the region by Parashurama along with the Saraswath Brahmins who migrated south.
• Historical Context: The temple, historically known as Nagnath, remained unaffected by Portuguese religious persecution in the 16th century due to its location in the Antruj region, which was not under Portuguese control. The temple’s importance is further evidenced by inscriptions and archaeological finds, including sculptures of Shiva-Parvati and Ganesh dating to the 7th century CE.

Special Features:

• Architecture and Structure: The temple is oriented to the west and features a picturesque tank in front. It includes a sacred Nandi bull at the entrance, with additional minor shrines dedicated to Poorvachari, Betal, and Raval Nath.
• Mandapa: The temple’s mandapa, or assembly hall, is flanked by galleries showcasing exquisite wood carvings. These carvings depict stories from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as wooden images of Ashtadikpalakas (guardians of the directions) and Gandharvas.
• Swayambhu Shrine: The Shri Nagesh temple is renowned as a “Swayambhu” shrine, meaning the Shivalinga is self-manifested. The miraculous origin story, involving the cowherd and the milk-showering cow, adds to the temple’s mystical aura.

Festivals:

• Annual Jatra: Held from Chaitra (March-April), coinciding with Ramanavami.
• Shivaratri: Celebrated grandly with a Rathotsava (chariot festival) on Magha Amavasya (the day after the new moon in Magha month, January-February).

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Nearest Bus Station

Verna

Nearest Railway Station

Ponda

Nearest Airport

Goa

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