Tambadi Surla Mahadev Temple, Goa

It is believed that Lord Shiva is the preserver, creator, revealer, destroyer, and corrector of everything that exists. There are many ancient Shiva temples on the mystical land of India which extends to several states and regions. Many of these temples were destroyed and demolished by the Mughals and the British and only a few have survived during the war and through time. One such example is the Tambdi Surla.

The temple is located in the village of Tambdi Surla, at the foot of hills Ghat Anmod that connects Goa to Karnataka state. Approximately 65 km from the capital of the city of Panaji (Goa), this Shiva temple of the 13th century survived several centuries of the reign of Muslims and Portuguese. The temple sits comfortably in a distant jingle and is accessible after trekking through dense forest. It takes 45 minutes of brisk walking to reach this place.

The idiosyncrasy of the temple attracts thousands of travelers and explorers. It's a bit off-the-beaten-track location that makes it a day trip for adventure lovers. Like a lost page of an old book of history, Tambdi Surla is simply beautiful. The sanctuary is surrounded by the tower and jungle that adds to makes it a perfect holiday trip.

History

Surrounded by forested land, Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is said to be the oldest temple in Goa. Yes, as per historical records, the temple was established in the 12th century by a minister of the Yadava King Ramachandra.

Even though the temple is built in the Jain style of architecture, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Therefore, it is of great cultural as well as religious significance. As the temple is located amid lush vegetation and is blessed with a serene aura, it wouldn't be wrong if we say that the temple is nestled wonderfully in a heavenly land.

While exploring its architectural beauty, you can get lost in its peaceful environment. It is visited by hundreds of tourists and locals every year. However, it is still an unknown destination amongst common tourists.

Architecture

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is reminiscent of the temples at Aihole in neighboring 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.

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. Unusually, 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.