Safa Mosque
Adil Shah constructed the Safa Mosque (also known as Safa
Shahouri Masjid) in 1560. The architectural style of the
mosque is predominantly Goan, with the exception of the
arches that indicate a distinct Bijapuri influence. The
mosque has a beautiful backdrop of wooded low hills that
rise in the background.
Temples around Ponda
Scattered among the lush valleys and forests around Ponda
are a dozen or so Hindu temples founded during the 17th
centuries, when this hilly region was a Christian free haven
for Hindus fleeing persecution by the Portuguese. Although
the temples themselves are fairly modern by Indian standards,
their deities are ancient and held in high esteem by both
local people and thousands of pilgrims from Maharashtra
and Karnataka.
The temples are concentrated in two main clusters: the
first to the north of Ponda, on the busy NH4, and the second
deep in the countryside, around 5 km west of the town. Most
people only manage the Shri Manguesh and Shri Mahalsa, between
the villages of Mardol and Priol. Among the most interesting
temples in the state, they lie just a stone's throw from
the main highway and are passed by regular buses between
Panjim and Margao via Ponda. The others are farther off
the beaten track, although they are not hard to find on
motorbikes: locals will wave you in the right direction
if you get lost.
Sri Mangesh Temple:
The 18th century, Sri (also spelt as Shri) Mangesh (also
spelt as Manguesh) Temple, lies on the north west of Ponda
in Priol. Considered to be the most important temple in
Goa, it belongs to the typical Goan Hindu temple style of
architecture, which is a curious mix of the Hindu and Portuguese
style. This picturesque little temple is built on a hilltop
amidst sprawling farmlands. The temple has shrines of Parvati
(consort of Shiva - Destroyer of the Universe) and Ganesha
(the elephant-god of Prosperity and Wisdom). A beautiful
seven-storey "Deepstambha" (lamp tower), typical
of Goan temple architecture, stands in the temple complex.
Mahalasa Narayani Temple
2-km from the Shri Mangesh Temple is the Mahalsa Narayani
Temple. The Vishnu (Preserver of the Universe) Temple is
known for the 'Garuda' pillar (the half-man half-eagle vehicle
of Lord Vishnu), which stands on the back of a turtle with
Garuda perched on top of it. The temple also has a "Deepstambha",
and finely carved columns depicting the ten incarnations
of Lord Vishnu.
Nagesh Temple
The Nagesh Temple is situated 4-km west of Ponda. 'Nagesh'
(also spelt as Naguesh) or the 'God of Serpents' refers
to Lord Shiva (Destroyer of the Universe). The temple was
built in 1413. The 'Mandapa' (an assembly hall, generally
pillared, preceding the sanctum sanatorium) has woodcarvings
that narrate stories from the Hindu epics - 'Ramayana' and
'Mahabharata'. The temple compound also houses a five-storeyed
"Deepstambha". Not far from the Nagesh Temple,
is located the Mahalakshmi Temple, dedicated to Goddess
Durga (the Goddess of War). According to the date inscribed
in Marathi on the temple, the monument could have been built
in 1413.
Shantadurga Temple
Set amidst tranquill forests and hills, the Shantadurga
Temple lies 3-km from Ponda in Queula. Shantadurga, one
of the consorts of Shiva, is a form of Durga (the Goddess
of War) and the Goddess of Peace. Legend has it that once;
the Destroyer and the Preserver had a mammoth fight that
plunged the entire universe into chaos. Shantadurga stepped
in as the arbitrator and succeeded in reconciling the warring
parties, thus saving the universe from eternal doom. Hence,
she stands in the temple shrine in between Lord Shiva and
Lord Vishnu (Preserver of the Universe) as a symbol of peace.
How to Get There
Road:
Ponda is served by regular buses from Panjim and Margao,
and lies on the main route east to Karnataka. The Kadamba
Bus Stand is on the main square, next to the auto-rickshaw
rank.
