The ancient Mangueshi Temple was located in Kushasthali (now known as Cortalim). During the Portuguese invasion, many Hindu temples were destroyed. To avoid desecration and destruction of Mangueshi Shivalingam, the priests and devotees of Manguesh Temple decided to shift the Shivalingam to another location during the reign of Adil Shah. The lingam was relocated and kept in the valley amid the palm groves in Priol. This incident had happened back in the year of 1560. Mangueshi Temple was first constructed during the reign of the Marathas. Later on, it was rebuilt in the year of 1890 AD. Present day temple was constructed in 1973 AD. The interior of the temple has been influenced by the cathedral culture and is illuminated with chandeliers.
The present day Mangueshi Temple, more than 450 years old, is an ancient shrine. The construction of the temple is laden with traditional temple architectural style prevalent in that region. The temple has a large & high central dome which at the top is decorated by fitting a golden pitcher (kalash – कलश). There is a Deepastambha (दीपस्तंभ) in the temple complex. It is an octagon in shape and has seven storeys. Deepstambha is an important element of Hindu architecture in which on special occasions lights are lit. There is a large hall, called Sabha Griha, having a way to the Garbha Griha (गर्भगृह – Sanctum Sanctorum) of the temple where the idol of Lord Manguesh is installed. Sabha Graha is a large hall and it has a way to where Garbha Griha is situated. Since the lord can be seen from the Sabha Griha, therefore, the devotees worship the lord from there itself. 19th century chandeliers are used in its interior decoration. Baluster and pilaster elements of Renaissance architecture are used in its exterior decoration. Numerous domes are also used in the architecture of temples. A statue of Nandi bull is also there in the temple premise. A sacred tank is attached to the temple.
There is a legend about the appearance of the Shivalingam in Mangueshi Temple. It is said to be first set by Lord Brahma on Mangir mountain near the banks of holy Ganga. Then, it was brought to Trihotrapuri in Bihar and from there to Gomantak and finally it was settled at Mormugao. Another legend describes how Lord Shiva got the name ‘Manguesh’. It says that once Lord Shiva lost everything in a game of dice, while playing with his wife Parvati. And then he chose an exile for himself, and to fulfill that he came to Goa. But due to unbearable separation Parvati searched him everywhere and in the process of her search she reached Goa, where Shiva made her afraid in the disguise of a tiger. Frightened Parvati screamed for help “"Trahi Maam Girisha!" (O lord of mountains! Save me). Upon hearing this, Shiva turned into his natural appearance and later on ‘Mam Girisha’ (मम गिरीश) changed to Mangirisha or Mangesh. It is also said that at the very site of this incident, a Shivalingam was found by a shepherd. Later on, a temple was erected at that place.
Several kinds of religious rituals are performed on routine basis in Mangueshi Temple. From the beginning of day till the end of night some or the other rituals are observed in the temple. In the morning, Shodashopachar (षोडशोपचार) Pooja (16 steps of worshiping), and chanting of ‘shlokas’ are carried out. At noon Maha Aarti is performed and at night Panchopchar (पंचोपचार) Pooja (worshiping in 5 steps) is observed. Monday is considered the day of Lord Shiva. Several elaborate auspicious rituals are performed. Every Monday, during dusk-time (गोधूलि बेला) but before evening ‘aarti’, Lord Manguesh is taken out for a procession with chanting and music.
Mangueshi Temple is the most happening place in Goa to observe famous Hindu festivals. All major festivals related to Lord Shiva like Shivaratri are celebrated with religious fervor. Other festivals related to other gods in Hindu pantheon like Ram Navami, Navaratri, Dussehra, Diwali etc are observed with gusto. Annual Magh Purnima festival, also known as Jatrotsava, is celebrated for nine days beginning from Magha Saptami to Magh Purnima. The main event of this festival is Palki (chariot parade) in which the deity is taken around the village. The decorated deity Manguesh is taken out for a procession on a decorated wooden chariot. This traditional procession of Lord Manguesh is also observed on every Monday evening.
According to Hindu beliefs Magh Purnima (full moon day) is an auspicious day. Taking bath in a river (mainly the river Ganga) or lake is considered holy. Chanting of hymns and offering charity on this day is considered to be auspicious. According to the Gregorian calendar, Magh falls in January or February. The temple has Zauri river in its vicinity. Perhaps it is the reason that this annual festival in the month of Magha is celebrated in the temple. If a tourist is interested to have varieties of vibes while visiting Goa, visiting Mangueshi Temple is a must-see place to visit. The peaceful ambience of the temple titillates a visitor to delve deep into one’s inner-self.
How to reach Mangueshi Temple: The temple is at a distance of about 22 km from Panaji, the capital of Goa. The nearest airport is Dabolim. Vasco da Gama and Margao are two nearest railway stations. Besides, this temple is connected well by roads from Panaji and other cities too.