Prasanna Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple Khandepar, Fonda, North Goa

The ancient temple of Saptakoteshwar, renowned as the family deity of the Kadamba dynasty, is situated at Opa-Khandepar in Ponda Taluka. Scholars claim that this temple, located on the riverbank, must have been built before the twelfth century. Like other temples in Goa, this temple was also destroyed by foreign invaders who arrived later. The temple attained its current form after a subsequent restoration. The construction of this temple is done in laterite stone. This temple is also included among the protected monuments of Goa.

According to historical documents, the Saptakoteshwar temples here were mentioned on the copper plates of the Kadamba kings as well as on the gold coins of King Tribhuvanamalla and King Jayakeshi. Mentions of these temples are also found in some inscriptions discovered here, which also refer to King Shivachitta and Queen Kamaladevi. Being the family deity of the Kadamba dynasty, there are Saptakoteshwar temples in many places in Goa. Compared to other temples, the structure of the temple at Khandepar is compact. Since this temple was previously renovated during the Vijayanagara period, that is, in the fourteenth century, the influence of the Vijayanagara style is visible on it. Thereafter, due to foreign invaders, only the ruins of this temple remained. Using these very ruins, the temple was renovated for the second time in the year 2010.

The premises of the Saptakoteshwar temple consist of a group of ancient temples. Since the Khandepar River is to the east of this temple complex, one enters the temple courtyard from the western direction. After descending a few steps from the entrance, there is the Keshav Temple on the left and the Dattatreya Temple on the right. Descending ten to twelve steps from the Dattatreya Temple, one enters the courtyard of the Saptakoteshwar Temple located on the riverbank. A small ghat is built on the shore in front of this temple, and there are steps from there to reach the riverbed. In case of heavy rainfall, the water of this river reaches the sanctum sanctorum of the Saptakoteshwar Temple. At such times, the Saptakoteshwar Linga in the sanctum sanctorum goes underwater.

The structure of the Saptakoteshwar Temple appears like a tiled house. However, the entire construction, including the roof of this temple, is done in laterite stone. This small temple consists of a Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). On both sides of the entrance to the Sabha Mandapa, there are pillar branches extending upwards, and there is a window above the door. The door frames of the entrance are simple, featuring floral carvings on both sides at the bottom and an image of Lord Ganesha at the lintel. Through this entrance, one enters the enclosed Sabha Mandapa of the temple. In the Sabha Mandapa, there is an ancient Nandi idol made of monolithic stone placed on a pedestal shaped like a Shalu (yoni). There are two niches near the arched door of the Garbhagriha. In one of these niches, there is a stone in the shape of Lord Ganesha. There are traces of carvings on the door of the Garbhagriha. Two elephant sculptures are carved on the stone threshold. On this door frame, there are faded sculptures of door guardians. In the center of the Garbhagriha, on the floor, there is a Shiva Linga made of monolithic black stone.

Laterite stones have also been used for the Sabha Mandapa, the Garbhagriha, the dome above it, and the Shikhara (spire) of the temple. There are animal sculptures on the roof of this temple. It is said that this is the only temple in Goa with such a structure. The Sabha Mandapa of the Keshav Temple in the temple premises has wooden pillars and a roof. There are traces of Kavi art on the walls of this temple. In the Garbhagriha, decorated with a wooden arch, there is a beautiful stone idol of the four-armed Lord Keshav. Adjacent to this temple is the ancient Dattatreya Temple. This ancient temple was renovated in the year 1988. The structure of this temple consists of a Sabha Mandapa and a Garbhagriha. From the cement slab platform in the temple courtyard, one can see a panoramic view of the river in front. In the Garbhagriha of the Dattatreya Temple, an idol of the three-faced Lord Dattatreya with a cow is installed. Every Thursday and on Guru Purnima, there is a large crowd of devotees here.

Devotees flock to the Saptakoteshwar Temple every Monday. Maha Shivaratri is the major festival celebrated here. Every Monday in the month of Shravana, hundreds of devotees line up for darshan. Devotees can visit the temples here daily from 7 in the morning until 8 at night.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery