Mangueshi Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in the village of Mangeshi, in the Ponda region of Goa. It is one of the largest and most visited temples in the state, dedicated to Lord Mangesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple’s architecture reflects a mix of Hindu, Portuguese, and Goan styles, featuring an elegant seven-story lamp tower, or “Deepastambha,” and a spacious hall for devotees.
The temple complex also includes several smaller shrines, lush courtyards, and a water tank that is considered sacred. The main deity, Lord Mangesh, is represented by a Shiva Linga, and daily rituals and special festivals, such as Maha Shivaratri, are celebrated with great devotion.
The temple has a historical significance, as the Mangeshi deity was originally located in Cortalim, but the idol was shifted to its present location during the Portuguese Inquisition to protect it from forced conversion efforts.
