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{{Short description|Hindu temple in Goa}} | |||
{{Use British English|date=November 2011}} | {{Use British English|date=November 2011}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}} | ||
{{Infobox Hindu temple|name=Saptakoteshwar Temple|image=File:Saptakoteshwar_Temple.JPG|religious_affiliation=[[Hinduism]]|deity=[[Shiva]]|tradition=[[Shaivism]]|architecture=[[Kadamba architecture|Kadamba]]|caption=Temple complex (at present).|functional_status=Active|state=[[Goa]]|country={{Flag|India}}|district=[[North Goa district|North Goa]]}} | |||
'''Saptakoteshwar Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]], dedicated to [[Shiva|Lord shiva]] at [[Narve]] in [[Goa]], India, is considered to be one of the six great sites of temples of [[Shiva]] in the [[Konkan]] area.<ref name ="Purabhilekh">{{cite book|last=Goa (India : State). Directorate of Archives and Archaeology, Goa, Daman and Diu (India)|title=Purabhilekh-puratatva |publisher= Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museum, Daman and Diu (India) Goa|year=1984|volume=2|pages=109|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N80LAAAAIAAJ&q=saptakoteshwar|via=Google Books}}</ref> | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Saptakoteshwar, a form of Shiva, was one of the chief deities of the Kings of the Kadamba dynasty around the twelfth century. The temple was built by the King for his wife Kamaldevi who was a staunch devotee of this god.<ref | Saptakoteshwar, a form of Shiva, was one of the chief deities of the Kings of the Kadamba dynasty around the twelfth century. The temple was built by the King for his wife Kamaldevi who was a staunch devotee of this god.<ref name ="Purabhilekh"/> The Kadamba kings proudly used the title (''Birudu'') ''Shree Saptakotisha Ladbha Varaveera''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gune|first=Vithal Trimbak|title=Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu|publisher=Goa, Daman and Diu (India) Gazetteer Dept |year=1979 |volume=I |pages=794}}</ref> | ||
The gold coins discovered at Chandor, Goa (old name: Chandraura, Chandrapura), Gopikapatna and other places of the kings Jayakeshi I, Jayakeshi II, Jayakeshi III, Shivachitta Paramadideva, Soideva, etc., have inscriptions reading: | The gold coins discovered at Chandor, Goa (old name: Chandraura, Chandrapura), Gopikapatna and other places of the kings Jayakeshi I, Jayakeshi II, Jayakeshi III, Shivachitta Paramadideva, Soideva, etc., have inscriptions reading: | ||
{{cquote|Saptakotishvaralabdha – Varaprasada}} | {{cquote|Saptakotishvaralabdha – Varaprasada}} | ||
which means "with the grace of Lord Saptakotishwara", the family deity of Kadambas. | which means "with the grace of Lord Saptakotishwara", the family deity of Kadambas. | ||
These coins were often referred to as Saptakotisha-Gadyanakas.<ref>{{cite book|last=De Souza|first=Teotonio R. |title=Goa Through the Ages: An economic history|pages=133|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dwYDPnEjTb4C | These coins were often referred to as Saptakotisha-Gadyanakas.<ref>{{cite book|last=De Souza|first=Teotonio R. |title=Goa Through the Ages: An economic history|pages=133|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dwYDPnEjTb4C&dq=goa+bhoja&pg=PA8 | isbn=978-81-7022-259-0 | year=1990 | publisher=Concept Publishing Company|via=Google Books}}</ref> | ||
In 1352, when the [[Kadamba Dynasty|Kadamba]] kingdom was conquered by the [[Bahamani|Bahmani]] Sultan Allauddin Hasan Gangu, | In 1352, when the [[Kadamba Dynasty|Kadamba]] kingdom was conquered by the [[Bahamani|Bahmani]] Sultan Allauddin Hasan Gangu, Goa came under the rule of the Sultan for about 14 years. A number of temples were destroyed during this period and the ''[[linga]]'' (symbol of Lord Shiva) at the Saptakoteshwar temple was dug up by the troops.<ref name=Goa>{{cite book|title=Culture and Religious Traditions in Temples of Goa|last=Manekar|first=Kamla|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India|pages=76-83|isbn=81-230-1161-X|year=2003}}</ref> | ||
In 1367, the army of Vijayanagar King Harihararaya defeated the Bahmani Sultan's troops in Goa and managed to restore most of the temples to their former glory including that of Saptakoteshwar. According to the records the temple was reconstructed by | In 1367, the army of Vijayanagar King Harihararaya defeated the Bahmani Sultan's troops in Goa and managed to restore most of the temples to their former glory including that of Saptakoteshwar. According to the records, the temple was reconstructed by Madhava Mantri by the end of the 14th century.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gune|first=Vithal Trimbak|title=Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu|publisher=Goa, Daman and Diu (India). Gazetteer Dept|year=1979|volume=I|pages=64}}</ref> | ||
When the temple was demolished in 1560 by the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] (and a chapel dedicated to ''Nossa Senhora De Candelaria'' was erected in its place<ref>{{cite book|last=Gune|first=Vithal Trimbak|title=Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu|publisher=Goa, Daman and Diu (India). Gazetteer Dept|year=1979|volume=I|pages=64}}</ref>), the ''linga'' was used as a well shaft until some [[Hindu]]s managed to rescue it. | When the temple was demolished in 1560 by the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] (and a chapel dedicated to ''Nossa Senhora De Candelaria'' was erected in its place<ref>{{cite book|last=Gune|first=Vithal Trimbak|title=Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu|publisher=Goa, Daman and Diu (India). Gazetteer Dept|year=1979|volume=I|pages=64}}</ref>), the ''linga'' was used as a well shaft until some [[Hindu]]s managed to rescue it. Around this time, it is said the Hindu Chieftains from the neighbouring Bhatgram district, Narayan Shenvi Suryarao Desai had a vision in their dream, where Lord Saptakoteshwar directed them to the Lingam and asked them to keep it safe.<ref>{{Cite web |last=says |first=Jivendra Chahal |title=Saptakoteshwar Temple: A Journey Through Goa’s Spiritual Heritage – Indian.Temples |url=https://indiantempless.in/2024/03/08/saptakoteshwar-temple-a-journey-through-goas-spiritual-heritage/ |access-date=2025-06-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> The idol was then smuggled across the river to [[Bicholim]] where it was installed in a brand new temple and revamped in 1668 by the Maratha king [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Esteves|first=Sarto |author2=Vatsala de Sousa |title=This is Goa |year=1983|pages=19}}</ref> The construction of the new site was carried out by Shri Shivaram Desai (president of the sansthan) on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's blessings and guidance.<ref>This is mentioned on an information epitaph carved at the temple.</ref> | ||
==Architecture== | ==Architecture== | ||
With its shallow [[Mughal architecture|Moghul]] dome mounted on an octagonal drum sloping tiled roofs, European style ''Mandapa'', or assembly hall and tall lamp tower or ''Deepastamba'', the temple is situated in an archaeologically important area. The surroundings of the temple are tinged with several Brahminical laterite and stone caves. In the vicinity of it existed a Jain Math, the ruins of which are still visible. It was probably an important [[Jain]] temple patronised by the Kadamba rulers before they | With its shallow [[Mughal architecture|Moghul]] dome mounted on an octagonal drum sloping tiled roofs, European style ''Mandapa'', or assembly hall and tall lamp tower or ''Deepastamba'', the temple is situated in an archaeologically important area. The surroundings of the temple are tinged with several Brahminical laterite and stone caves. In the vicinity of it existed a Jain Math, the ruins of which are still visible. It was probably an important [[Jain]] temple patronised by the Kadamba rulers before they changed loyalty to Sri Saptakotishwar. | ||
==Deities== | ==Deities== | ||
In front of the temple towards the right side of the Deepastamba is a shrine of Kalbhairav and outside it are seen the ''padukas'' of | In front of the temple towards the right side of the Deepastamba is a shrine of Kalbhairav and outside it are seen the ''padukas'' of Dattatraya carved on the stone. A little ahead of the Deepastamba are seen two huge laterite pillar-like structures buried deep. They may be stone henges. Behind the temple are carved stone walls with niches. It may have been an ancient Agrashala. Similarly, close to the temple there is a man-made tunnel-like structure which is presently silted. Near the temple site there is a sacred tank known as Panchaganga Tirtha which is used for ablutions by devotees on the birthday of Lord [[Shiva]]. | ||
==Location== | ==Location== | ||
The village of Narve is about {{convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Panaji]] and can be reached by an interesting route that requires a ferryboat from the island of [[Divar]].{{cn|date=November 2021}} | |||
== See also == | |||
* [[History of 17th century early modern domes]] | |||
==Footnotes== | ==Footnotes== | ||
| Line 36: | Line 39: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
*''Goa: Hindu temples and deities'' by Rui Gomes Pereira, Antonio Victor Couto, v. 1, 1978. | *''Goa: Hindu temples and deities'' by Rui Gomes Pereira, Antonio Victor Couto, v. 1, 1978. | ||
{{Hindu temples in Goa}} | {{Hindu temples in Goa}} | ||
{{coord|15.554|73.937|display=title}} | |||
[[Category:Shiva temples in Goa]] | [[Category:Shiva temples in Goa]] | ||
[[Category:Hindu temples in North Goa district]] | [[Category:Hindu temples in North Goa district]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:16, 6 February 2026
| Saptakoteshwar Temple | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | North Goa |
| Deity | Shiva |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| State | Goa |
| Country |  India |
| Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 197: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Kadamba |
Saptakoteshwar Temple is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord shiva at Narve in Goa, India, is considered to be one of the six great sites of temples of Shiva in the Konkan area.[1]
History[edit | edit source]
Saptakoteshwar, a form of Shiva, was one of the chief deities of the Kings of the Kadamba dynasty around the twelfth century. The temple was built by the King for his wife Kamaldevi who was a staunch devotee of this god.[1] The Kadamba kings proudly used the title (Birudu) Shree Saptakotisha Ladbha Varaveera.[2]
The gold coins discovered at Chandor, Goa (old name: Chandraura, Chandrapura), Gopikapatna and other places of the kings Jayakeshi I, Jayakeshi II, Jayakeshi III, Shivachitta Paramadideva, Soideva, etc., have inscriptions reading:
Saptakotishvaralabdha – Varaprasada
which means "with the grace of Lord Saptakotishwara", the family deity of Kadambas. These coins were often referred to as Saptakotisha-Gadyanakas.[3]
In 1352, when the Kadamba kingdom was conquered by the Bahmani Sultan Allauddin Hasan Gangu, Goa came under the rule of the Sultan for about 14 years. A number of temples were destroyed during this period and the linga (symbol of Lord Shiva) at the Saptakoteshwar temple was dug up by the troops.[4]
In 1367, the army of Vijayanagar King Harihararaya defeated the Bahmani Sultan's troops in Goa and managed to restore most of the temples to their former glory including that of Saptakoteshwar. According to the records, the temple was reconstructed by Madhava Mantri by the end of the 14th century.[5]
When the temple was demolished in 1560 by the Portuguese (and a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora De Candelaria was erected in its place[6]), the linga was used as a well shaft until some Hindus managed to rescue it. Around this time, it is said the Hindu Chieftains from the neighbouring Bhatgram district, Narayan Shenvi Suryarao Desai had a vision in their dream, where Lord Saptakoteshwar directed them to the Lingam and asked them to keep it safe.[7] The idol was then smuggled across the river to Bicholim where it was installed in a brand new temple and revamped in 1668 by the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.[8] The construction of the new site was carried out by Shri Shivaram Desai (president of the sansthan) on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's blessings and guidance.[9]
Architecture[edit | edit source]
With its shallow Moghul dome mounted on an octagonal drum sloping tiled roofs, European style Mandapa, or assembly hall and tall lamp tower or Deepastamba, the temple is situated in an archaeologically important area. The surroundings of the temple are tinged with several Brahminical laterite and stone caves. In the vicinity of it existed a Jain Math, the ruins of which are still visible. It was probably an important Jain temple patronised by the Kadamba rulers before they changed loyalty to Sri Saptakotishwar.
Deities[edit | edit source]
In front of the temple towards the right side of the Deepastamba is a shrine of Kalbhairav and outside it are seen the padukas of Dattatraya carved on the stone. A little ahead of the Deepastamba are seen two huge laterite pillar-like structures buried deep. They may be stone henges. Behind the temple are carved stone walls with niches. It may have been an ancient Agrashala. Similarly, close to the temple there is a man-made tunnel-like structure which is presently silted. Near the temple site there is a sacred tank known as Panchaganga Tirtha which is used for ablutions by devotees on the birthday of Lord Shiva.
Location[edit | edit source]
The village of Narve is about 35 km (22 mi) from Panaji and can be reached by an interesting route that requires a ferryboat from the island of Divar.[citation needed]
See also[edit | edit source]
Footnotes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Goa (India : State). Directorate of Archives and Archaeology, Goa, Daman and Diu (India) (1984). Purabhilekh-puratatva. Vol. 2. Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museum, Daman and Diu (India) Goa. p. 109 – via Google Books.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ Gune, Vithal Trimbak (1979). Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu. Vol. I. Goa, Daman and Diu (India) Gazetteer Dept. p. 794.
- ↑ De Souza, Teotonio R. (1990). Goa Through the Ages: An economic history. Concept Publishing Company. p. 133. ISBN 978-81-7022-259-0 – via Google Books.
- ↑ Manekar, Kamla (2003). Culture and Religious Traditions in Temples of Goa. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. pp. 76–83. ISBN 81-230-1161-X.
- ↑ Gune, Vithal Trimbak (1979). Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu. Vol. I. Goa, Daman and Diu (India). Gazetteer Dept. p. 64.
- ↑ Gune, Vithal Trimbak (1979). Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu. Vol. I. Goa, Daman and Diu (India). Gazetteer Dept. p. 64.
- ↑ says, Jivendra Chahal. "Saptakoteshwar Temple: A Journey Through Goa's Spiritual Heritage – Indian.Temples". Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ↑ Esteves, Sarto; Vatsala de Sousa (1983). This is Goa. p. 19.
- ↑ This is mentioned on an information epitaph carved at the temple.
References[edit | edit source]
- Goa: Hindu temples and deities by Rui Gomes Pereira, Antonio Victor Couto, v. 1, 1978.
Hindu temples in Goa | ||
|---|---|---|
| Districts |
|  |
| North Goa | ||
| South Goa | ||
| See also | ||
| Hindu temples in other states (templates) | ||