Shri Mangesh Temple
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Sri Mangesh temple at Mangueshi in Ponda Taluka, the most prominent among temples, is situated about 23-km from Panaji. The temple is dedicated to the deity of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most visited temples of Goa. The legend that is associated with this temple is that Goddess Parvati, Shiva's consort, came to Goa in search of her divine spouse, who had left her alone in their mountainous home after a disagreement. On seeing her , Lord Shiva took the form of tiger. On seeing the tiger Goddess Parvati cried for help- thrahi mam girisha. The words mam girisha transmuted to Mangesh. Thousands of believers come here annually, to take refuge in the great Lord Shiva, as Parvati had done. Sri Mangesh temple is famous for its pristine glory, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The temple is small yet grand with all the component of a Hindu temple, like the Prakara, mini shrines, Garbha Griha, grand towers and spacious courtyards. One finds that inside the temple the Hindu traditional gods and their accommodation are according to Shastric injunctions Festivals and periodical devotional activities are conducted with great zeal. Shri Mangesh temple actually had its origins in Kushasthali; now know as Cortalim, a village in Salcete. Salcete fell into Portuguese rule in 1543. This temple was dutifully preserved until the arrival of the Inquisition from Europe in 1567, when it was vandalized and demolished. The Peshwas donated the village of Mangeshi to the temple in 1739 on the suggestion of their Sardar, Shri Ramchandra Malhar Sukhtankar, who was a staunch follower of Shri Mangesh. Ironically, just a few years after it was built, this area too fell into Portuguese hands in 1764, but by now, the Portuguese had lost their initial religious zeal and had become quite tolerant of other religions, and so, this structure remained untouched.
