Goa is renowned for its shining shores, refreshing blue waters, r stretch of exhilarating beaches, crazy parties all day and night. The vibrant markets add charm. And yet there is more to see and experience in Goa.
There are many religious places; temples, churches, and masjid which allure a vast number of visitants every year.
Here are a few most visited of them.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
One of the finest works of Baroque architecture, this church is a UNESCO-recognized world heritage site. The church is renowned to hold the remains of St. Francis Xavier, well known for his therapeutic healing powers.
The relics are well preserved and in good condition even after 400 years and are taken out every decade.
The church has two art galleries that home beautiful oil paintings dedicated to various verses of the Bible.
Location: Old Goa road, Bainguinim, Goa.
Se Cathedral
Se cathedral’s history dates back to the 16th century constructed by the Roman Catholics during the Portuguese reign.
The ‘Golden Bell’ in the tower of the cathedral is one of its kind and the largest Goa. It is called the golden bell because of its rich tone. This cathedral is dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria. Her life and martyrdom stories are depicted through the paintings on either side.
Location: Velha, Old Goa.
Shree Mangueshi Temple
The legend of the Shree Mangueshi temple is believed to be that Lord Brahma consecrated the Mangesh Linga on the mountains of Mangireesh at the Bhagirathi river bank.
Later this the Brahmins carried this Shiva Linga to in Scalette, and to protect it from the Portuguese it was hidden in a priest’s house before it was placed in the Mangeshi temple which is its present place.
It is a 400 years old temple that is unique in architecture and homes a sacred pond which is the oldest in element the temple.
Location: Mangeshi Village, Mardol, Goa.
Shafa Shahouri Masjid
This Mosque is a National Monument that dates back to the 16th century. Many mosques like this one in Goa were demolished during the Portuguese inquisition but this one stood tall to tell its tale.
The single-chambered mosque is popularly known for the massive laterite stone masonry in the front with turquoise waters and inside are built 40 hammams in Mihrab style architecture.
Location: Ponda, Goa
Mahadev Temple
It is the oldest of temples in Goa, built in the 12th century by a Yadava King Ramachandra. Mahadev temple or Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is surrounded by lush green vegetation and is worth going for an off-beat outing in Goa.
The calmness and peaceful composure of the temple will relax your mind and help relieve your stress.
Location: Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Surla, Goa.
Catholic Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The Roman Catholic church along with a convent was built by the Portuguese in 1517. The building is a mixture of styles, the exterior is Tuscan order and the inferior is the astounding Baroque style with Corinthian features.
The convent adjoining the church is a museum that homes paintings, artifacts, and sculptures of pre-Portuguese times in India.
Location: velha, Off National Highway, Goa
Our Lady the Immaculate Conception Church
This church in the capital of Goa is was first built as a single chapel in 1541 for the Portuguese sailor’s religious need and later rebuilt into a church in 1619 that stands today.
The Augustinian bell in the church is the second-largest ancient bell after the golden bell in Goa. The building is a classic white baroque architecture amalgamated with Portuguese features and a tint of Goan touch.
Location: Altinho, Panjim, Goa.
Church of St. Catejan
Church of St. Catejan or Church of Divine Providence was built by three Italian priests who came to India in 1639 to preach Christianity. This church is dedicated to our Lady of Divine Providence, a contemporary of St. Francis Xavier.
It resembles in terms of architecture to the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and has a few features of the Corinthian style.
Location: Velha, Old Goa
Conclusion:
As popular Goa is for beaches and markets, it homes to some astounding ancient holy places where visitants never forget to come and worship or just simply adore the mesmerizing architectural work.
Goa never fails to surprise one with bilaterian aspects of entertainment and places to worship. You must visit Goa once to experience both of these tastes.
2 Comments