Sri Mangesh Temple
Among the oldest temples in Goa is the one built by the Saraswat Brahmins of Bihar – the Shri Mangesh Temple at Priol. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The original site was a very simple structure and the current structure was built under the Maratha rule.
The temple complex consist of a spacious courtyard surrounded by the temple itself and rooms for weddings and pilgrims. It belongs to the typical Goan Hindu temple style of architecture. The temple has shrines of Parvati and Ganesha. A beautiful seven-storeyed deep stumbha stands at the gates in the templex. Around its base are colourful little ‘primitif” painted images.
This temple is one of the largest, wealthiest and most frequently visited temples in Goa. Its Baroque balustrades style is influenced by the Portuguese structures. The central part of the Sabha Griha leads to the Garbha Griha which is kept clear at all times. This allows the devotee to have the darshan of the lord even from the entrance.
