Shanta Durga Temple In Goa

The Shantadurga temple in Goa is a more than 450 years old temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Legend has it that Goddess Durga acted as a mediator for stopping a fight between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, at this very spot. This incarnation of the Goddess Durga has been named so, because “Shanta” refers to peace, and she made peace between the two Gods and saved the world from being destroyed with the anger of the two. The Shantadurga temple Goa houses an idol of the goddess, flanked by idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu on both sides. The idol of the goddess is also shown holding two snakes, both of which represent Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

The original Shri Shantadurga temple in Goa was destroyed by the Portuguese in the year 1530, in Koloshi and so the new idol was brought to Ponda. The new Shri Shantadurga temple is located on the outskirts of the Kavalem Village in Goa, and was established in the 16th century as a small mud shrine. In the year 1730, it was converted into a beautiful temple, and it was renovated in the year 1966. The new Shantadurga temple in Goa also holds guesthouses for pilgrims and devotees for spending a few nights in, as well as a fire-pit for carrying out ceremonies. The Shantadurga temple contact number can be reached for making enquiries about donations and booking of the guesthouse.

History Of Shantadurga Temple In Goa

Shantadurga Temple in Goa is dedicated to Devi Shantadurga, a goddess who mediates between 

Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. In colloquial terms, Shantadurga is also known as 'Santeri'. According to mythological texts, it is believed that a fierce battle was fought between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu which worried the supreme Lord Brahma. He prayed and requested Shiva’s wife, Goddess Parvati to intervene between Shiva and Vishnu, and the same was done by the Goddess in the form of Shantadurga where she held Vishnu on her right hand and Shiva on left to end the fight.