Shri Bhagwati Temple, Goa, India

About Bhagwati Temple

The temple of Sri Bhagwati is quite unique and is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The Shri Bhagwati temple is an ancient temple in Goa. It is said to be more than 500 years old and is situated on the side of the main road.

History

The Portuguese rule was quite disadvantageous for the existing temples in Goa as they had to face destruction and devastation at the hands of the foreign rulers. Very few temples survived the wrath of the invaders. Shri Bhagwati Temple is one of the few temples that were allowed to stand.

The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Bhagwati in Ashtabhuja (eight hands) form. On a high pedestal in a standing position, the Goddess Bhagwati is also very imposing. At the entrance of the Bhagwati temple, visitors are welcomed by two life-size statues of elephants in standing position, made of black stone.

The main festival celebrated at this temple is Dussehra. The festival is one of the main attractions here and is celebrated with gaiety from Ashwin Shuddha Pratipada to Poornima. At that time more than twenty-five thousand devotees assemble at the temple.

Shri Bhagavati temple complex has five temples, main temple being of Shri Bhagavati, other temples are of Shri Sateri, Shri Dev Ravalnath, Shri Dev Bhivangi Panchakshari & Brahma (Shri Vishnu, Shri Ganapath, Shri Shankar).

How to Reach

By Air: Nearest airport is Goa International Airport

By Road: At a distance of 27 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand.

By Railway: 54 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 15 km from Mapusa, Shri Bhagwati Temple is situated in North Goa.