Bandora Sri Nagesh Maharudra Temple- Goa

Address

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

Diety

Sri Nagesh Amman: Parvati

Introduction

Nagesh Maharudra Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Bandora Village near Ponda Town in Ponda Taluk in the North Goa district of Goa, India. Nageshi is Kuladevatha of Gauda Saraswat Brahmins.

Puranic Significance

In the past, this area was adorned with a grove of Shami trees. A curious cowherd noticed that one of his cows regularly visited this spot and spontaneously showered milk at a particular location. Intrigued by this phenomenon, the cowherd decided to dig at the spot and unearthed 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. The reference to this event can be found in the 53rd line of the Sahyadri Skanda Purana.

The temple is oriented to the west and features a picturesque tank in front of it. At the entrance of the temple, you can find the sacred Nandi bull. Nearby, there are minor shrines dedicated to Poorvachari, Betal, and Raval Nath. The temple’s mandapa, or assembly hall, is flanked by galleries on both sides. These galleries showcase exquisite wood carvings depicting stories from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata on one side, while the other side displays wooden images of Ashtadikpalakas (guardians of the directions) and Gandharvas.

The Saraswats established the deity Nagesh Maharudra at Bandivade. This temple, unlike others, remained safe from religious persecution by the Portuguese rulers in the 16th Century. The Antruj of Ponda Mahal was not under Portuguese dominion, allowing for the migration of Saraswat deities like Shanta Durga and Ganapati to Antruj.

Archaeologists have excavated sculptures of Shiva-Parvati and Ganesh from the temple premises, dating them to the 7th century CE based on their style. Historically known as Nagnath, an inscription in the temple references a land gift in favor of Shri Nagesh and Shri Mahalaxmi for religious services. This gift was made on Kartik Poornima by Shri Mayeen Shenvi Wagle, a royal officer, in the year 1413 A.D. or 1335 Saka, during the rule of King Veer Pratap Devaraya of the Vijayanagara Dynasty.

The temple was subsequently rebuilt in the year 1780 A.D. by Shri Wadiye from Kumbarjuvem on behalf of his mother-in-law, a member of the family of Shri Narayan Fonde Kamat. The reconstruction was carried out at her own cost, and the opening ceremony took place on Falgun Shudha Tritiya, Shri Shaka 1702, Sharvari Sanvatsare.

Special Features

The Shri Nagesh temple is renowned as a “Swayambhu” shrine of Lord Shiva, and it is steeped in miraculous myths and legends. The origin and consecration of its Shivlinga date back to ancient times, though detailed historical records are currently unavailable. However, local folklore and songs provide some insight into its history.

The temple’s surroundings, once known as Nagzar, were adorned with a grove of ‘Shami’ trees. According to legend, a cowherd noticed that one of his cows from his herd would regularly visit this place and spontaneously shower its milk at a particular spot. Intrigued by this divine phenomenon, the cowherd decided to investigate further, and during his exploration, he stumbled upon the sacred Shivlinga. This tale of the cowherd and the miraculous milk-showering cow is an integral part of the temple’s history and adds to its mystical aura.