Shanta Durga Kalangutkarin Temple, Nanora, Goa

Shanta Durga Kalangutkarin Temple, Nanora, Goa

Shanta Durga Kalangutkarin Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakthi located in Nanora Village located near the town of Bicholim in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. The Temple is situated on the banks of Nanora River.

Legends

Settling the fight between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu:

As per local folklore, once there was a battle between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The battle was so fierce that Lord Brahma prayed to Parvati to intervene, which she did in the form of Shanta Durga. Shanta Durga placed Vishnu on her right hand and Shiva on her left hand and settled the fight.

Shanta Durga:

It is believed that after killing the demons, the deity's anger was calmed. Hence, she is worshipped in the Shanta Soumya form of Durga at this Temple.

Rudaya Mohini:

She is then said have gone to Calangute, a village in Bardez Taluka, to help the people in education, prosperity, good health, beauty. As a reward, she was given the name of Rudaya Mohini. She is referred to as the Goddess of Beauty, Wealth, and Prosperity.

History

The original temple was located in Calangute near Mapusa City in Bardez Taluka. The temple was shifted to Nanora in Bicholim Taluka in the 17^th century, due to forceful conversion of Hindus by Portuguese invaders. Most of the temples were shifted during that time. Nanora is situated between city Assonora and Mulgaon in South. The modern temple was constructed in the 17^th century. It was repaired in the 1990s when the temple was made into a marble masterpiece.

The Temple

The temple is dedicated to Shanta Durga, the Goddess who mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. The deity is also called Santeri colloquially. The presiding deity is Shanta Durga is also worshiped in the form of Vishweshwari. She is shown as holding two serpents, one in each hand, representing Vishnu and Shiva. The temple has a Dipa Stambha and Agrasalas (guest houses).

Festivals

The main festival of the temple is called as Shishirotsav (popularly known as Shigmo). It is a 10-day celebration and includes procession of deities in different Vahanas with other rituals like Kalotsav, Homa, Dhwajarohana, Gulalotsava, Rathotsava, etc. Navaratri, Vasant Panchami, Akshaya Tritiya and Shravani Somvar Dasara are the other festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Nanora Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Assonora Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Mulgao, 8 Kms from Thivim Railway Station, 11 Kms from Bicholim, 16 Kms from Mapusa, 29 Kms from Panjim and 53 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated on Assonora to Dodamarg Route.

Location