Shri Mangueshi Temple
Shiva (Lord Manguesh) temple · Mangeshi, Priol, Ponda taluka, Goa, India
Photo: Aruna at Malayalam Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Shri Mangueshi Temple, also written Shree Manguesh, is a temple of Lord Shiva at Priol in the Ponda taluka of Goa (Goa Tourist Directory; Government of Goa). The presiding deity, Lord Manguesh, is regarded as a form of Shiva and is worshipped as a linga (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times). The area around the temple is itself known as Mangueshi, and the temple is about 21 to 22 km from Panaji (Government of Goa; Goa Tourist Directory).
The temple stands on a small hill ringed by green hills, and the tall white lamp tower at its entrance is a landmark of the surrounding countryside (Goa Tourist Directory). According to tradition, the deity was brought here from Kushasthali, the present Cortalim, to keep it safe during the Portuguese period (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times).
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Shri Mangueshi Temple
Both the Government of Goa and Gomantak Times note that Shiva is called Manguesh only in Goa (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times). The Tribune counts Shree Mangesh of Mangeshi, together with Shantadurga, among the most revered patron deities of Goa (The Tribune).
Lord Mangesh is the family deity of the Mangeshkar family of singers, who came from Mangeshi village (The Week; Gomantak Times). The Week reported that Deenanath Mangeshkar worked at the temple for some years before turning to music and theatre, and that the road leading to the temple is named after him (The Week).
Heritage
History of Shri Mangueshi Temple
According to legend, Shiva lost a game of dice to Parvati and went to Goa, where he took the form of a tiger to frighten her when she came looking for him (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times). In fright she cried out "Trahi mam Girisha", and the words were later shortened to Manguesh (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times). The Tribune notes that the temple's own tradition traces the deity back to the Puranas (The Tribune).
The temple first stood at Kushasthali, now called Cortalim (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times). When Portuguese rule brought the destruction of Hindu temples and religious conversions, devotees moved the linga to Priol, and both the Government of Goa and Gomantak Times date this move to 1560 (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times).
Ramchandra Sukhtankar, an officer serving the Marathas, later had land given to the temple by the Raja of Sonda (Soundem) (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times). The temple was renovated twice under the Marathas, again in 1890 and most recently in 1973, when a golden kalash was placed on top of its dome (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times).
Architecture and sacred features
The Government of Goa describes the temple as a blend of Hindu, Christian and Muslim architectural influences (Government of Goa). Gomantak Times notes its domes, pilasters and balustrades and its white, octagonal lamp tower (deepastambha) of seven storeys, which the Goa Tourist Directory calls a landmark of the countryside (Gomantak Times; Goa Tourist Directory).
Other features include a Nandi, a tiled tulsi vrindavan, a sabha griha hung with chandeliers, a water tank and the garbha griha that houses the deity (Gomantak Times). Shrines in the courtyard and to the rear honour deities including Mulakeshwar, Virabhadra, Lakshminarayana, Kala Bhairav, Ganesh and Devi Bhagwati (Gomantak Times).
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
The Goa Department of Tourism asks visitors to observe silence, due respect and proper decorum inside places of worship (Goa Tourist Directory). Visiting hours and dress rules were not confirmed from an official source, so confirm current arrangements with the temple administration (Shri Mangesh Devasthan) before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Shri Mangueshi Temple
Annual jatra and chariot festival
During the annual jatra the temple is lit up and the deity is taken out in a palanquin and on large chariots, drawing thousands of devotees (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times). The Government of Goa places the jatra in January, while Gomantak Times links the main festival to Magha Purnima (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times).
Monday palanquin procession
Every Monday the deity is carried in a palanquin procession with music before the evening aarti (Gomantak Times).
Location
How to Reach Shri Mangueshi Temple
The temple is at Priol in Ponda taluka, 22 km from Panaji and 26 km from Margao (Goa Tourist Directory). The Shantadurga temple at Kavlem is about 3 km from the Mangueshi temple (Goa Tourist Directory). The Goa Department of Tourism lists Margao, Vasco, Karmali and Thivim as the convenient railway stations in Goa, and the state's airport is at Dabolim (Goa Tourist Directory).
Location: Mangeshi, Priol, Ponda taluka, Goa, India
Nearest airport: Dabolim Airport, Goa
More in Hindu temples in Goa · Shiva (Lord Manguesh) temples
Questions
Shri Mangueshi Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Which deity is worshipped at the Mangueshi temple?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Manguesh, a form of Shiva, worshipped as a linga (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times).
Where is the Mangueshi temple?
It is at Priol in Ponda taluka, Goa, in the area known as Mangueshi (Government of Goa). It is 22 km from Panaji and 26 km from Margao (Goa Tourist Directory).
Where was the temple originally?
The temple first stood at Kushasthali, now Cortalim, and the linga was moved to Priol in 1560 to protect it during the Portuguese period (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times).
How did Lord Manguesh get his name?
According to legend, Parvati, frightened by Shiva in the form of a tiger, cried "Trahi mam Girisha", and the words were later shortened to Manguesh (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times).
What is the link between the temple and Lata Mangeshkar?
Lord Mangesh is the family deity of the Mangeshkars, who came from Mangeshi village (The Week; Gomantak Times).
When is the main festival?
The main event is the annual jatra, when the deity is carried in a palanquin and on chariots (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times). The Government of Goa places it in January and Gomantak Times links it to Magha Purnima, so check the current year's dates (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times).
When was the temple last renovated?
After two renovations under the Marathas and another in 1890, the latest renovation took place in 1973, when a golden kalash was placed on the dome (Government of Goa; Gomantak Times).
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikidata Q4789425 — structured data (CC0)
- Government of Goa — Mangueshi Temple
- Government of Goa, Department of Tourism — Goa Tourist Directory 2019 (Temples: Shree Manguesh; Transport)
- Gomantak Times — Discover the important temple in Lata Mangeshkar's life
- The Week — Everlasting melody
- The Tribune — Spectrum: Travel (Goa temples)
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