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Churches
of Goa
Se Cathedral : This is
one of the largest church in Goa.This church was built for the
Dominicans from the funds released by Royal treasury by sale of
crown property. The building style is Portuguese-Gothic with a
Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. There were two tower
one of which collapsed in 1776. The other claims of having the
'Golden Bell' of Goa which is the largest bell in Goa. The sound
of the bell has given the name golden bell. The main altar is
dedicated to St. Catherine and walls are painted with the scenes
from the life of Catherine.
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi :
This church is the most interesting building in Old Goa. It
contains the gilded and carved wood work, old murals depicting
scenes from the life of St. Francis, and a floor substantially
made of carved gravestones.The building was built in 1661 on a
place where the Franciscans built a small chapel which was
pulled down.The convent at back of the Church has been converted
into an Archaeological museum. This museum has a rich collection
of Portraits of Portuguese viceroys, fragments of sculpture from
Hindu sites, Vetal images from the animist cult which flourished
in this part of India.
Saint Cajetan
Church : This church was build by the Theatines
who were sent by Pope Urban III to preach Christianity in
Golconda. These people were not allowed in Golconda so they
settled in Goa. Here they build a church on the model of St.
Peter's in Rome.
Church of Our Lady Rosary :
This church is one of the oldest Churches in Goa. Nunnery of
Saint Monica - Once known as the Royal monastery, this three
storey was built in 1627 and was burnt down nine years later.
Saint Augustine Tower : This
initially was a church built by the Augustine Friars but was
abandoned in the 19 th century due to repressive policies of
Portuguese. Today only the Belltower remains intact. Some more
remnants are covered by weeds and creepers which have made the
access to these place impossible.
Reis Magos Church, Verem, Bardez :
This church was used as a residence for the dignitaries. It is
dedicated to three Magi kings- Gasper, Melchior and Balthazar.
The Church of Mae de Deus, Saligao,
Bardez : This church is a fine example of Gothic art.
It is located in a picturesque surroundings,. The church has the
statue of Mother of God which was brought from the convent at
old Goa.
Church of Saint Alex, Curtorium,
Salcete : This church is one of the oldest churches
in Goa.Church of Saint Ana, Talaulim, Tiswadi.This is a unique
church in Goa which had passages in hollow walls through which a
person could go in for confessions in secrecy. It was built in
1695.
Temples
of Goa
Shri Bhagvati Temple,Pernem : There
are two elephants who await your welcome at the entrance of the
temple. This temple is over 500 years old. The presiding deity
of temple is Goddess Bhagavati in Ashtabhuja (eight hand) form.
Bhagavati is said to be one of the incarnation of Parvati and is
related to Goddess Durga.
Brahma Temple, Carambolim Brahma,
Satari : This temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma and
one of these temples is the Brahma temple in Satari.This temple
is supposed to have been built in the 5th century. Very few
temples are dedicatedto Lord Brahma.
Shri Chandranath, Paroda, Quepem :
The temple is built on a 350m high hill, Chandranath Hill. The
rock carved Shivlings from which water oozes on a full moon day
is the main attraction of this temple. The ancient wooden
chariot in the temple has some very beautiful carvings on it.The
presiding deity of the temple is Lord Chandranath or Lord Shiva
who is also the Titular deity of Bhoja Kings.
Shri Damodar, Zambaulim, Sanguem :
This temple is situated on the Kushavati river and is considered
sacred by both the Hindus and the Christians.
Shri Datta Mandir : Datta
Mandir is located in a beautiful surrounding and is the venue
for an important Goan festival. The Datta Jayanti is celebrated
in December / January. The temple is dedicated to Lord
Dattatreya.
Shri Gopal Ganapati, Ponda :
This temple is an excellent specimen of modern and ancient
temple architecture which blend here.
Shri Kalikadevi, Kansarpal, Bicholim :
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is very old temple
almost 800 years old.
Shri Mahalakshmi, Ponda :
The special feature of this temple is that there are 18 wooden
images of Lord Vishnu. But the temple is dedicated to Shakti or
various forms of Durga. The presiding deity is Mahalakshmi who
strangely wears a Lingam on her head.
Shri Manguesh, Priol, Ponda : This
important temple of Goa is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shri
Saptakoteswar, Narve, Bicholim - This temple was renovated on
orders of Shiva ji in 1668. The temple is again dedicated to
Lord Shiva who is the presiding as the 'Dharalingam'.
Shri Naguesh, Bandode, Ponda :
Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva the temple is full
of pictures which have derieved scenes from the Ramayana.
Shri Mallikarjuna, Canacona :
This 16th century has 60 deities surrounding the temple which
has some tastefully carved pillars.
Shri Mahadeva, Tambdi Surla, Sangeum:
This the only surviving example of the Kadamba-Yadava
architecture. The 13th century temple is built in basalt rock.
Shri Shantadurga, Kavlem, Ponda :
This temple was built in 1550 and is located in a very beautiful
natural surroundings. It is among the few important temples in
Goa.
Shri Saunsthan Gokarn Partagali
Jeevotam Math,Canacona : A huge banyan tree is the
most famous symbol of this 15th century Vaishnavite center. The
tree covers an area of 235ft X 225ft. The Math was established
in 1475.
Mosques of Goa
Jama Masjid, Sanguem : An
elegant mosque of harmonious proportions and simplicity.
Safa Masjid, Ponda :
It was built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur. The masonry
tank nearby has beautiful 'maharab' designs. The mosque once was
equal in size and proportion to any other mosque in Bijapur but
it decayed during the Portuguese and only ruins remains today.
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