Shri Mangeshi

The 18th century, Shri Mangesh Temple, lies on the north west of Ponda in Priol. Considered to be the most important temple in Goa. This picturesque little temple is built on a hilltop amidst sprawling farmlands. The 400-year-old Shri Mangesh temple dedicated to Shiva stands out with its simple and yet exquisitely elegant structure. As legend goes the Mangesh Linga is said to have been consecrated on the mountain of Mangireesh on the banks of river Bhagirathi by Lord Brahma, from where the Saraswat Brahmins carried the linga to Gomantaka and settled at Mathagrama, the present-day Margao, establishing their most sacred and ancient temple of Mangesh on the banks of the river Zuari.

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