Narve Sri Saptakoteshwar Temple, Goa

Address

Narve Sri Saptakoteshwar Temple Temple Road, Narve, Maem, Goa 403403

Deity

Saptakoteshwar Amman: Parvati

Introduction

• Location: Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple is situated about 35 km from Panaji, in the village of Narve, Goa.
• Significance: It is one of the six temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Konkan region and holds a prominent place as the deity of the Kadamba dynasty.

Puranic Significance

• Legend: The temple is associated with a local belief that Lord Shiva battled demons with his powerful army of seven crores.
• Deity: The Saptakoteshwar Linga is made of seven metals, giving the deity its name.
• Historical Events: The linga was moved during the Portuguese Inquisition and later reinstalled by Maratha King Shivaji in 1668.
• Festival: The temple’s festival is celebrated on Gokul Ashtami, coinciding with the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees believe that bathing in the river next to the temple on this day guarantees salvation. The river is considered to transform into Pancha Ganga (five holy rivers) on this day.

Beliefs

• Penance of Sapta Rishis: Legend has it that the Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages) performed penance for seven crore years at the site where five holy rivers meet the sea. Lord Shiva appeared to grant their wish and chose to stay there as Saptakoteshwar.

Special Features

• Historical Significance: Goa is known as the Kashi of the Konkan region.
• Structures:
  • Sacred Tank: Panchaganga Tirtha, a holy tank near the temple.
  • Linga: The Saptakoteshwar Linga is a polished stone, distinctive of a Dharalinga or Mukhalinga type.
  • Additional Shrines: Includes a shrine for Kalabhairava and Padukas of Dattatreya.
  • Ancient Structures: Features laterite pillar-like structures, similar to Stonehenge, near the Deepa Sthamba.

Festivals

• Gokul Ashtami: The primary festival celebrated with large gatherings, during which the river is believed to gain special sanctity, and devotees flock to bathe and seek blessings.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Archeological survey of India.

Nearest Bus Station

Bicholim

Nearest Railway Station

Karmali

Nearest Airport

Goa

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