Most visitors to Goa never leave the coast. Twenty kilometres inland, in the green folds of Ponda, stands a different Goa — the temple heartland, where some of the Konkan’s most revered goddess temples have held daily worship for centuries.
Shantadurga, Kavlem
Shantadurga is the goddess of peace — she who made peace between the great forces. Her temple at Kavlem, with its distinctive tower rising against a forested hill, is one of Goa’s most significant shrines. The grounds hold a beautiful temple tank and many deities. The energy here is always present — and if you have been part of a sadhana for a period of time, you will feel it without being told.
Mahalaxmi, Bandora
Mahalaxmi is the goddess of prosperity. Her temple at Bandora is quieter — and that is its gift. The crowds are small, and the aarti feels personal, almost as if it were held for you. Standing in it, with the lamps and the bells, is an experience that stays.
Visiting well
Dress modestly, arrive unhurried, and stay for the aarti rather than the photographs. These are living temples, not monuments — the rhythm you witness has continued, unbroken, for generations.
Our retreat at Serendip is held on land surrounded by these temples, with guided evening visits woven into a five-day practice immersion. Read about the Shakthi Retreat →