The Mangeshi Temple in the town of Mangeshi, about 21 kms from Panaji is one of the most visited temples in Goa. Local tourists of Hindu community visit this place annually to take blessings of Lord Mangesh(God Shiva).
Although a very small temple it has a very ancient and interesting history attached to it. The Shiva linga was originally at Salcete town. It was moved when the Portuguese invaded Goa and were intolerant to other religions. It was finally established at its current location.
It has a very beautiful entrance and a very unique architecture found at many other temples all over Goa. The temple is situated in middle of a courtyard and surrounded by lodgings where pilgrims stay during their visits or when they attend the annual festivities at the temple.
When you enter the temple you come across a black marble stone where the history of temple is engraved in golden letters. After that there is a hallway accompanied by the griha where the linga is established. Only brahmins taking care of the temple are allowed inside the griha.
Puja is performed every morning and dusk. On Monday aarti is performed and there is a procession of rath where replica of God Shiva is carried around the courtyard .
The three years that I stayed in the town of Mangeshi I have visited this temple often during the dusk hour or at night when the temple looks beautiful due to lightings.
During the day the frequent visits of local tourists from all over india given a boost to the local economy and developed tourism for nearby places. During Navrathi there is dinner for everyone for nine consecutive nights which is attended by people from every social class.
Almost every hindu festival/ rituals are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people of Mangeshi.
Best way to reach Mangeshi is by road from Panaji, the nearest train station is Karmali while the nearest airport is at Vasco.
Source for history of the temple:
http://www.mahalaxmidev.com/mangesh.html
