Far from the lively beaches of Goa, the Mahadev Temple in Tambdi Surla is one of the many hidden gems in Goa. This 12th Century temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and situated in the quaint village of Tambdi Surla Village. It is said to be one of the oldest temples in Goa and is far away from the maddening crowd that Goa usually attracts.
This beautiful temple is structured on the basis of Kadamba-Yadava architecture and is made from basalt rock which is a locally sourced material in Goa.
The temple is not only famous for its religious significance but is also notable in the history of India. It is now protected by the ASI and is said to be a historical monument more than a temple.
The temple is not that easy to reach, and one has to traverse through several forests to come face to face with this treasure. The river Surla also flows effortlessly near this river, and the calming presence of it makes the place even more alluring.
The History of Mahadev Temple
Hemadri, the minister of King Ramachandra, who belonged to the Yadava Kingdom, built this temple. While the temple is based around their architectural styles, yet the obvious Jaina styles used has led many to comment that maybe its origin story is not totally accurate.
The temple is kept away from the city and is beyond the hills and over the forest areas. To reach here one has to pass dense though forests which seem to serve to protect the temple from any attack. In fact, this is what happened. The temple has managed to stand tall admits several invasions and attacks, due to the thick forest cover that have kept the invaders at bay.
The Temple
Tambdi surla Mahadev Temple, Goa | source: Thrillophilia
Surrendered in devotion to Lord Shiva, the temple resembles the Shiva temples in Karnataka. The interiors of the temple are strikingly similar to those in Karnataka, which have led many to comment about a possible influence from the neighbouring state that may have led to this.
The temple has every essential feature of Shiva temples- complete with a sanctum called the garbhagriha, an antrarala and a mandala which is surrounded by pillars making it look even more exquisite and royal.
You will find the typical Linga located on a podium, in the core of the inner sanctum. The temple is supported by four pillars that are covered with intricate and precise carvings that make them look so resplendent. With closer inspection, you will see the cravings are mostly of elephants and chains carved in a way that makes them look so lifelike filled with emotions and feelings.
The inner sanctum itself will make you feel at peace and divine energy is sure to wash over you.
If you look up you will find the ceiling adorned with carved lotus flowers that give this whole temple a regal and elegant look. The flowers are carved so finely that it is no doubt that a lot of craftsmanship and love went into it.
Walk around the temple, and you will find more intricate carvings of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. They are carved along with their consorts. All of these cravings are so detailed that you will find yourself wanting to meet the craftsmen who had the skill to do such amazing work.
The temple is built facing the east which makes sure that the first rays of the sunlight hit the temple and the main deity first.
Move towards the centre of the mandap, and lookup. The ceiling in this place is actually just like a grey slab- no carving, no paint nothing. While history has not been able to find the reason for this unusual sight, the research is still on.
Near this place, you will also find the headless Nandi – which is the vehicle or Vahan of Lord Shiva.
Headless Nandi | source: Kevin Standage
If you come here during Mahashivratri you will find yourself knee deep in fun celebrations, as the entire village gathers here and lights this temple up with pomp and fare.
The Mahadev Temple of Goa is not something that one might expect from their Goa trip – yet this is one such place that will be a sin to not visit. Filled with picturesque sceneries and serene locales, it is just peaceful to come here, take a look, marvel at the architecture and head back to civilisation. This is the perfect break from the usual Goa scene, and it is certainly rewarding. Take some time off from Baga, Anjuna, and Calangute of Goa, and visit this temple to experience something different.
Comments are closed.