The Mahadev temple, situated near the shore of River Surla at Tambdi Surla in Sanguem, was a structure of the early 13th Century. Goa is stuffed with numerous Hindu temples devoted to diverse Gods and Goddesses, thus an important pilgrimage center on the worlds’ tourist map. The interiors are delicately fixed with several incidents depicting the lifestyles and narratives of Lords. The existence of Brahma- the creator (facing South), Vishnu- the maintainer (facing West) and Mahadev- the destroyer (facing north) in the same premise is the utmost charm of the temple. The most exciting section is the Nandi- the bull with detached head repute at the entrance makes a confirmation of how the distant aggressors scoured the religious places in India.
Mahadev temple is the oldest temple and constructed in Jain style in 12th century. Actually the temple is sited at the foot of the Anmod Ghat, which attaches Goa to the neighboring state Karnataka. Its size is smaller in comparison with the size of the average Goa temple and having an unfinished roof. It is regarded to be the only remains of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone in Goa. The complicated carvings shaped by the sculptors adorn the interior and the sides of the building. Mahadev temple countenances to east so the rays of the rising sun will directly fall on the idol at the break of dawn.
There is a small mandap (pillared hall) and a three-tired tower surmounts the inner sanctum, which covered with a roof of plain gray sloping slabs. A lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva) swelled on a platform inside the inner sanctum and as per local legend it is the permanent abode of a huge King Cobra in its dimly lit interior. The inhabitants of Goa rejoice with great splendor and jollity in the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
