- Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla
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Mahadev Temple,
Tambdi SurlaMahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla is small, exquisite 12th century Shiva temple of the lord Mahadeva and an active place of Hindu worship. It notable as the oldest temple in Goa, South India.
Contents
History
Mahadeva Temple sign, Archeological Survey of India
Practices
The temple was likely built circa 1271 by Hemadri, the minister of the Yadava king Ramachandra. There are some interesting details about the Jain style construction which has led to debates about the origins of the temple, since the Kadamba Dynasty ruled Goa between the tenth and fourteenth centuries. The temple is built in the Hemadpanthi style from the finest weather-resistant grey-black basalt, carried across the mountains from the Deccan plateau and lavishly carved in situ by accomplished craftsmen. It is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. The temple survived Muslim invasions and Portuguese persecution in its almost perfect condition mainly due to its remote location in a clearing deep in the forest at the foot of the Western Ghats which surround the site in a sheer wall of impenetrable vegetation.
Religious significance and decoration
The small, beautifully carved and perfectly proportioned black basalt temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is reminiscent of the temples at Aihole in neighbouring Karnataka. There is a linga (symbol of Lord Shiva) mounted on a pedestal inside the inner sanctum, and local legend has it that a huge king cobra is in permanent residence in the dimly lit interior.
The temple consists of garbhagriha, antarala and a pillared Nandi mandapa built of basalt. The four pillars, embellished with intricate carvings of elephants and chains support a stone ceiling decorated with finely carved Ashtoken lotus flowers.[1][2]
The intricate carvings created by skilled craftsmen adorn the interior and the sides of the building. Bas-relief figures of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, with their respective consorts appear on panels at the sides of the temple. Surprisingly, the mandap (pillared hall) is covered with a roof of plain grey sloping slabs. The temple faces east so that the first rays of the rising sun shine on the deity. There is a small mandap and the inner sanctum is surmounted by a three-tired tower whose top is incomplete or has been dismantled sometime in the distant past.
There is a headless Nandi (bull, Shiva's vehicle) in the centre of the mandap, surrounded by four matching columns. The symbol of the Kadamba kingdom, an elephant trampling a horse is carved on the base of one of the columns. The river Surla flows nearby and can be reached for ritual bathing by a flight of stone steps.
The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with pomp and gaiety at the temple by local people residing in surrounding villages. The temple is built in a place which is quite inaccessible and away from the main settlements of the time. The temple is quite small compared to the average Goan temple.
Location
Map of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, showing Tambdi SurlaThe temple is at 15°26′20″N 74°15′8″E / 15.43889°N 74.25222°E near a small village called Tambdi Surla located 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) east of Bolcornem village, in the north east region of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
Mahadev Temple is approximately 65 kilometres (40 mi) from the capital city of Panaji. It is accessible from the north via minor roads 22 kilometres (14 mi) south from the main town of Valpoi in Sattari Taluka. The temple is at the foot of the Anmod Ghat, which connects Goa to the state of Karnataka.
Directions
From the border crossing post of Mollem on National Highway 4A go 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) northwest on Tambdi Surla Road, bear right at the fork in the road. After 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) turn right (east) at sign for Barabhumi Village on to a single lane road. Go another 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) east. Past the Shanti Nature Resort, the temple's small parking area is at end of the road. The temple is in an open field, .2 kilometres (0.12 mi) walk across a small bridge and up a small hill.[3]
Gallery
- Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla, Goa
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Mahadev Tambdi Surla
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Mahadev Tambdi Surla 1.jpg
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Mahadev Tambdi Surla 2.jpg
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Mahadev Tambdi Surla 3.jpg
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View from Outside
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The Lingam
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Intricate King Cobra Rock Carvings
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The Carved Ceiling
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Carvings Inside Mahadev Temple
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Visitors Relaxing
- Bharabhumi Temple, Tambdi Surla, Goa
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Bharabhumi Temple, Tambdi Surla, Goa
References
- ^ Archeological Survey of India, sign at location
- ^ Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla
- ^ Dare, By Annie (2008). Footprint South India. Footprint Travel Guides. pp. 429, Tambdi Surla. ISBN 1906098085, 9781906098087. http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA429&dq=Mahadev+Temple+Tambdi+Surla&lr=&ei=M5i1SZ32MZ-4lASZu6D9Bg&client=safari&id=BuvwbcTTx2MC&num=100&as_brr=3&as_pt=ALLTYPES#PPA429,M1.
Hindu Temples in Goa Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla • Mahalasa • Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal • Mandodari Temple, Betki • Mangueshi Temple • Nagueshi • Shanta Durga Temple • Ramnathi • Ravalnath • Saptakoteshwar • Vijayadurga • Vimleshwar Temple, Rivona
Categories:- Hindu temples in Goa
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