The Shantadurga Temple is a large temple complex 33km from Panaji and 11km north-west of Ponda, by the village of Kavalem in Ponda Taluka, Goa.
The original temple was at Cavellossim (Quelshim) in Salsette, but was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1564. The devi was then moved to Kavalem and worship continued there. The current temple was constructed during the reign of the Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shahu Raje of Satara in 1738 A.D. although many renovations have been carried out since.
It is a fusion of Indo-Portuguese architecture which you see quite often in Goan temple architecture, certainly parallels can be drawn with the nearby Shri Mangeshi Temple at Priol.
I have heard that the temple has recently banned entry of foreigners into the temple citing objectionable dress and conduct as the reason. It’s a shame if this is true, but personally I get hugely embarrassed sometimes by how tourists conduct themselves at such places, showing little respect for anyone or anything.
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Categories: Goa, India, Ponda, Shantadurga Temple
Kevin Standage 