About The Temple

Shantadurga Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga who meditated between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Shri Shantadurga Temple is located at the foothill village in Ponda Taluka in South Goa which is about 30 Km from the capital city of Goa Panaji. It’s a private complex that belongs to Saraswati Brahma Samaj. Shree Shantadurga Devi is an avatar of Shree Jagdamba Devi, it is said in Puranas that Lord Brahma prayed to Goddess Durga to intervene in the battle between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. To make peace between the both, Shree Shantadurga placed Lord Shiva on the left hand and Lord Vishnu on the right hand to settle the fierce battle between them. Keloshi was the main origin of the Shree Shantadurga Temple but was later shifted to Kovlem in South Goa during the time of Portuguese rule. When you visit the temple it is imperative to worship lord Shiva as well because it is said that Shree Shantadurga is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. A six-inch Shivalinga carved out of a black stone is placed near the Devi’s murti and both the deities are worshipped while doing the abhisheka. Many tourists from all over the country visit the temple for peace and stay there for many hours to worship the Gods especially at the time of November and December when the annual Jatra is celebrated.

Temple Area   

The direction of Shree Shantadurga Temple is at facing towards the east direction. On the other side of the temple resides the guesthouses known as Agarshala. You will also see a beautiful big lake in front of the holy temple beyond the compound wall. There is a big entrance door at the entrance of the temple where on top of it there is a room housing big drums and some other musical instruments and three times a day music is played with those instruments. The beauty of Shree Shantadurga Temple is beyond the description and can not be explained in any words or even language, especially at the time of festivals the big pillars in the temple is littered with lights and diyas around it. Very close to the temple of Shree Shantadurga you’ll come across another temple that is dedicated to Lord Narayana and also has a Murti of Lord Ganesha, both are carved out of stones. 

Prasad Patta

Near the main sitting area of Shree Shantaurga is the belt which is known as Prasad Patta. The width of the belt is 24 inches x 12 inches and is made of copper. This patta is also called Sinh Patta as there you’ll see a picture of a Lion that is of 9 inches in height. To undertake new ventures or marriage people offer prasad puja for seeking Shree Shantadurga permission and blessings for fulfilment of their wish. Flowers, petals, and buds of red patala are placed in 58 specific places for seeking Devi’s permission. 9 places are filled with only flowers, buds at 18 places, and petals are filled at 31 places. Throughout the year you can take this prasad except at the time of Shukl and Krishna Panchami.

How To Reach

The temple of Shree Shantadurga is located in Ponda Taluka which is along the main Panaji - Margao highway. From the main highway, it is almost about 33 Km away from the capital city of Goa, Panaji. Ponda is well connected to all the majority of the places in Goa through a wide network of roads. From Panaji, you can easily hire a taxi or a motorbike to reach Shree Shantadurga temple. The road network in Goa is undoubtedly very good. Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra state transport corporations operate from Panaji's Kadamba bus stand. You can also get rented cars and motorcycles for yourself at Goa