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Probably the most famous of all the temples in Goa is the Mangesh temple. Located 21 km from Panaji in Priol, the temple is nearly 500 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Lingam. The shifting of the deity took place in the year 1560, fearing the Portuguese inquisition and was placed here. The surrounding area is known as Mangeshi due to the temple. The temple architecture is a mix of Hindu, Christian and Muslim influences and is lit up in magnificent lights during the annual Jatra which is held in January.

Nagesh temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple, 25 km from Panaji, has been present at the same location for over centuries. The idols of Shiva, Paravati and Ganesh date back to eighth century. The temple has been renovated in the year 1880, still more than 100 years old.

The Saptakoteshwar temple at Narve is considered to be one of the six great sites of temples of Lord Shiva in the Konkan area. The village of Narve is located about 35 km from Panaji. This is also an ancient temple, Saptakoteshwar having been the deity of the Kings of the Kadamba dynasty around the twelfth century. Coins found from this era mention the name of the deity along with that of the King. Like most of the deities of Goa, the deity of this temple too had been shifted here during the time of Portuguese inquisition. In 1543 it was installed in a temple near the island of Divar. Later when Shivaji conquered this area he asked to rebuild the temple and that stone plaque of his orders is found at the entrance of the temple.

This ancient temple built in the 12th century by the Kadamba dynasty is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Approximately 65 km from Panaji in a small village of Tambi Surla the temple has survived the Muslim and Portuguese invasions because of its remote placement. Built in Jain style, the temple is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. The size of the temple is quite small as compared to the size of the average Goan temple and the top part of the temple has never been completed. The temple is located at the foot of the Anmod Ghat, which connects Goa to the state of Karnataka. It is a small, beautifully carved and perfectly proportioned black basalt temple with Lord Shiva in the Lingam form. The intricate carvings created by the craftsmen adorn the interior and the sides of the building. The temple faces east so that the rays of the rising sun fall on the deity at the crack of dawn. Bas-relief figures of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, with their respective consorts appear on panels at the sides of the temple.

Set amidst tranquil forests and hills, the Shantadurga Temple lies 3-km from Ponda in Queula. Shantadurga, one of the consorts of Shiva, is a form of Durga (the Goddess of War) and the Goddess of Peace. The Shantadurga Temple was built in 1738, and is the biggest temple in Goa. A distinctive six-storied Deepstambha and chariot with some gilt work adorn the temple grounds. It is interesting to note that amongst some other features of the temple, the dome shows a definite influence of Church architecture. As the Goddess of peace she is placed between the temples of the Destroyer, Lord Shiva and the preserver, Lord Vishnu�s temples.

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