Opa Sri Saptkoteshwar Temple, Goa

Address

Opa Sri Saptkoteshwar Temple, Near Datta Mandir Opa Khandepar Ponda, Goa 403406

Diety

Sri Saptkoteshwar

Introduction

Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple, Opa, Khandepar in Ponda One of the oldest Temple constructed in laterite stones. It is situated on the bank of the river Khandepar. It is having a garbhagriha and an anti-chamber. The presiding deity of the temple is Shri Saptkoteshwar who is worshipped in the form of a ‘Lingam’ and whose name is found inscribed on every record of the Kadamba dynasty.

Puranic Significance

Shri Saptkoteshwar was known to be the family deity of the Kadamb dynasty who was invoked on every occasion. He was earlier known as Saptnath. A mention of this temple is made on the copperplates of Vimn Mantri (1348 AD).. The Shri Saptkoteshwar temple at Opa is a 3-tier structure with the ‘Kallas’ in the shape of a bud. It is crowned with a dome with two laterite stone ‘Nandis’ and elephants placed on each corner that seem to guard the temple in all four cardinal directions. According to Dr. Mitragotri the temple was renovated during the Vijaynagar period and thus displays a strong Vijaynagar influence. But now the temple is complete ruins. and idols are in bad shape. The Shri Saptkoteshwar temple of Opa Khandepar has a very small Sabhaamandap with an image of a Nandi placed in the centre. The doorjambs of the sanctum have Kadamb motifs and are carved of Talco chlorite schist stone. The temple is also known to be the only temple in Goa that has sculptures of animals placed on its roof.