Goa is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and churches, but did you know that it also has a hidden gem that dates back to the 12th century? Mahadev Temple Tambdi Surla is the oldest temple in Goa and one of the few surviving examples of Kadamba architecture in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a marvel of basalt stone carving and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Goa.
In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and religious significance of Mahadev Temple Tambdi Surla, and provide you with a travel guide on how to reach, visit, and enjoy this ancient monument of national importance.
History of the Temple
Mahadev Temple Tambdi Surla was built by the Yadava king Ramachandra in the late 12th or early 13th century, during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty in Goa. The Kadambas were the first rulers to establish a Hindu kingdom in Goa and patronize art, literature, and temple building. The temple is one of the few surviving structures that showcase the Kadamba style of architecture, which is characterized by simple and elegant forms, intricate carvings, and ornamental motifs.
The temple has witnessed several invasions and destructions over the centuries, but has miraculously survived the ravages of time and nature. It is believed that the temple escaped the attention of the Portuguese colonizers, who demolished many Hindu temples in Goa, because of its remote location and dense forest cover. The temple was also spared from the floods and earthquakes that damaged many other monuments in Goa. The temple is now a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India and a monument of national importance.
The temple has an inscription in Devanagari script on its base, which mentions the name of the king, the date of the temple, and the deity. The inscription reads:
Sri Ramachandra Deva, the king of the Yadavas, built this temple of Mahadeva in the year 1271 of the Shaka era, in the month of Magha, on the third day of the bright fortnight, under the auspicious star of Anuradha.
The temple is also known for its association with the legend of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to the legend, Parashurama reclaimed the land of Goa from the sea by throwing his axe, and then settled the Brahmins there. He also installed the Shiva linga in the temple and worshipped it. The temple is said to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, or the most sacred abodes of Shiva, in India.
Architecture and Decoration of the Temple
Mahadev Temple Tambdi Surla is a stunning example of basalt stone carving and Kadamba architecture. The temple is built on a raised platform and consists of three main parts: the shikhara, the mandapa, and the garbhagriha. The shikhara is the tower-like structure that rises above the sanctum and has a pyramidal shape. The mandapa is the hall where the devotees gather and pray. The garbhagriha is the inner sanctum where the Shiva linga is enshrined.
The temple is made of black basalt stone, which is a volcanic rock that is hard, durable, and resistant to weathering. The stone blocks are finely cut and fitted together without any mortar or cement. The temple showcases the skill and craftsmanship of the Kadamba sculptors, who carved intricate patterns and motifs on the stone surface. The temple is decorated with floral, geometric, and animal designs, as well as scenes from Hindu mythology.
Some of the notable features and details of the temple are:
The Shiva linga, which is the main idol of the temple and represents the formless aspect of Shiva. The linga is made of black stone and has a circular base and a cylindrical shaft. The linga is covered with a silver mask that has five faces, representing the five aspects of Shiva: Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha, and Ishana.
The Nandi, which is the bull that serves as the mount and the gatekeeper of Shiva. The Nandi is carved on a stone slab in front of the temple and faces the Shiva linga. The Nandi is depicted with a serene and loyal expression, and has a bell around its neck and a garland around its horns.
The pillars, which support the roof of the mandapa and the garbhagriha. The pillars are carved with elaborate designs and figures, such as lotus buds, elephants, lions, horses, dancers, musicians, gods, goddesses, etc. The pillars also have brackets that project from the sides and have carved figures of apsaras, or celestial nymphs, on them.
The carvings, which adorn the walls, the ceiling, and the doorways of the temple. The carvings depict various scenes and stories from Hindu mythology, such as the Dashavatara, or the ten incarnations of Vishnu, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Shiva Purana, etc. The carvings also show the daily life and activities of the people, such as farming, hunting, fishing, dancing, etc.
The motifs, which embellish the temple with symbolic and aesthetic elements. The motifs include the swastika, which is a sacred and auspicious symbol in Hinduism, the kalasha, which is a pot filled with water and leaves that signifies abundance and prosperity, the makara, which is a mythical creature that combines the features of a crocodile, an elephant, and a fish, and represents the water element and the vehicle of the river goddess Ganga, the kirtimukha, which is a face with fangs and a gaping mouth that wards off evil and protects the temple, etc.
Religious Significance and Festivals of the Temple
Mahadev Temple Tambdi Surla is a sacred and popular destination for the devotees and the pilgrims of Shiva and Hinduism. The temple attracts thousands of visitors every year, who come to seek the blessings and the grace of Shiva. The temple is also a place of meditation and tranquility, where one can experience the peace and the presence of the divine.
The temple is open for worship from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm every day. The devotees offer prayers, flowers, fruits, milk, and other offerings to the Shiva linga and the Nandi. The temple also has a priest who performs the rituals and the ceremonies, such as the abhisheka, or the bathing of the linga, the aarti, or the waving of the lamps, the puja, or the worship, etc.
The temple is especially crowded and festive during the occasion of Mahashivratri, which is the most important festival dedicated to Shiva. Mahashivratri, which means the great night of Shiva, falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna, which corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar. Mahashivratri celebrates the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, the creation of the universe by Shiva, and the victory of Shiva over the demons.
On Mahashivratri, the temple is decorated with lights, flowers, and flags, and the Shiva linga is adorned with jewels, clothes, and sandalwood paste. The devotees observe a fast and a vigil throughout the night, and chant the names and the mantras of Shiva. The devotees also perform the abhisheka of the linga with milk, water, honey, yogurt, and other liquids, and offer bilva leaves, which are the favorite of Shiva. The temple also organizes cultural programs, such as bhajans, or devotional songs, kirtans, or musical recitations, dances, dramas, etc., that glorify Shiva and his deeds.
Mahashivratri is a time of joy, devotion, and celebration for the devotees of Shiva and the visitors of the temple. It is also a time of purification, transformation, and liberation, as Shiva is the destroyer of ignorance, illusion, and evil, and the giver of knowledge, bliss, and salvation.
How to Reach and Visit the Temple
Mahadev Temple Tambdi Surla is located in the village of Tambdi Surla, which is about 65 km from Panaji, the capital city of Goa, and 12 km from Bolcornem, the nearest town. The temple is situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats, surrounded by lush green forests and hills. The temple can be reached by road, rail, or air, depending on the preference and the convenience of the traveler.
By road:
The temple can be reached by taking the National Highway 4A from Panaji to Ponda, and then taking the State Highway 1 to Bolcornem. From Bolcornem, a narrow and winding road leads to the temple, which is about 12 km away. The road is scenic and offers a glimpse of the rural life and the natural beauty of Goa. The road is also suitable for biking and cycling, for those who enjoy adventure and thrill.
The temple has a parking area and a small shop near the entrance, where one can buy snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
By rail:
The temple can be reached by taking a train to Kulem, which is the nearest railway station, about 22 km from the temple. Kulem is well connected to other major cities and towns in Goa and India by regular trains. From Kulem, one can hire a taxi, a bus, or a bike to reach the temple.
By air:
The temple can be reached by taking a flight to Dabolim, which is the nearest airport, about 80 km from the temple. Dabolim is the only international airport in Goa and has flights from various domestic and international destinations. From Dabolim, one can hire a taxi, a bus, or a bike to reach the temple.
The temple is open for visitors from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person, and the photography fee is Rs. 25 per camera. The best time to visit the temple is during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are green and serene. The temple is also worth visiting during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the rain adds to the charm and the freshness of the temple and the forest. However, one should be careful of the slippery roads and the leeches during the rainy season.
The temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of adventure and exploration. The temple is located near the Surla river, which flows through the forest and forms a waterfall near the temple. The waterfall is a popular spot for trekking, swimming, and picnicking, and offers a refreshing and relaxing experience. The temple is also surrounded by a variety of flora and fauna, such as trees, flowers, birds, butterflies, monkeys, etc., that make the temple a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The temple is also close to other attractions in Goa, such as the Dudhsagar Falls, the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, the Tambdi Surla Water Sports Complex, etc. One can easily combine the visit to the temple with these places and enjoy a diverse and memorable trip to Goa.
Mahadev Temple Tambdi Surla is a hidden gem of Goa that offers a unique and enriching experience to the visitors. The temple is a marvel of ancient architecture and a symbol of the cultural heritage of Goa. The temple is also a sacred and serene place that connects the visitors with the divine and the nature. The temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to discover the other side of Goa, beyond the beaches and the parties.
Book your tour, hotel, or package with Tripoto today and get ready to explore the Mahadev Temple Tambdi Surla and the wonders of Goa. Thank you for reading this article, and feel free to share your feedback, comments, or questions with us.
