Ramnathi Temple, Ramnathim, Goa

Ramnathi Temple, Ramnathim, Goa

Ramnathi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Ramnathim Village, Bandora near Ponda City in Ponda Taluk in the North Goa district of Goa, India. This temple belongs to the Goud Saraswat Brahmins (G.S.B) community (belonging to Kavale mutt & Kashi Mutt).

Legends

It is said that Lord Rama, after slaying Ravana in the battle was filled with remorse at the killing. In order to seek redemption for his act, he installed a Shiva Linga (symbol of Lord Shiva), on the shores and hence came to be known as Rameshwar or Ramnath. Lord Shiva came and sent Rama to Guru Gorakshnath. There are 12 Panths and one of the Panth started from Rama. This came to be known as Ramanath.

History

The original temple of Ramnathi was located in Loutolim in Salcette, Goa. The Temple was built by Gaud Saraswat Brahmins who had migrated from Rameshwar on the southern shores of India. The Idol of Ramnathi was shifted to the present site in the 16^th century to prevent its destruction by the then Portuguese authorities. Bandora was under the control of Bijapur at the time. The Ramnathi temple completed 450 years at its present location in May 2011.

The Temple

The Temple follows Panchayatana style i.e. the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. There is a five-storied Deep Stambha (lamp tower) in the courtyard with images of Hindu saints carved on its base. The Sabha mandapa of the temple has no pillars but it has a special gallery for the ladies. The sanctum door has some exceptionally beautiful scenes depicted on it in silver metal.

One scene depicts devotees worshipping a Linga and the other shows Lord Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi sitting on his couch of a coiled snake. Presiding Deity is called as Ramnath. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The sanctum is surrounded by the shrines of  Lakshmi Narayan, Siddhinath (Ganesh), Betal and Kala Bhairava. The Temple has the idols of the Goddess Shanteri (Shanta Durga) from Rivona and the Goddess Kamakshi from Loutolim.

Festivals

The annual festival or Jatra of the temple is celebrated with pomp by the devotees with the traditional Palakhi (palanquin) parading around the temple carrying the idol of the deity.

Contact

Ramnathi Temple,

Ramnathim, Ponda

Goa – 403 401

Phone: +91 832 233 5174 / 233 5281

Email: ramnathd07@gmail.com

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Ramnathim Bus Stop, 700 meters from Kavlem Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Ponda Bus Stand, 23 Kms from Verna Railway Station, 30 Kms from Panjim and 34 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated on Ramnathim, Bandora near to Ponda City.

Location