The drive to Mangeshi Temple is beautiful as the road winds into the lush green Western Ghats hills. The temple is situated in Priol, Goa. Before the invasion of Portuguese, the temple was situated on the south side of the Zuari River. Lord Munguesh is the main deity of this temple and is an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
The guides explained to us that the nightingale of India Ms. Lata Mangeshkar’s family are great devotees of Lord Munguesh and have contributed a lot for the maintenance of the temple.
Architecture of Mangeshi Temple is highly influenced by Christian and Muslim architecture. At the entrance are brightly colored elephant figures. There is an octagonal tower just about the sanctum sanctorum. The hall for the entry of devotees to the sanctum and sanctorum is wide and open not like the traditional temples, where the entry to the sanctum sanctorum is narrow and dark. The portico and the railings are designed well. The roof of the temple has dome.
The annual festival is the Manguirish Zatra held in mid-February and Mahashivaratri. During this time the deities are taken out in a chariot in a procession. The chariot is displayed at all times near the temple.
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Temple
Situated: Priol, Goa
Distance: 22 Km from Panaji
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Rest room is available
Timings: 6 a.m to 10 p.m
