The Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla is a Shaivite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an active place of Hindu worship. It is one of the oldest temples in Goa and located in a remote clearing deep in the forest at the foot of the Western Ghats in Goa, India. The temple is a specimen of Kadamba architecture in basalt stone and is preserved and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
History of the Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla, Goa
The temple was built in the 12th century in the Kadamba style from basalt stone, carried across the mountains from the Deccan plateau. It is considered to be the only example of this architecture style in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. The temple’s remote location helped it survive untouched for centuries.
Architecture of the Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla, Goa
Mahadeva Temple is a small temple built in the Kadamba style and consists of a garbhagriha, antarala, and a pillared Nandi mandapa made of basalt stone. The temple faces east, and there is a linga (symbol of Lord Shiva) mounted on a pedestal inside the inner sanctum. The temple’s interior and sides are adorned with intricate carvings created by skilled craftsmen. Bas-relief figures of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma with their respective consorts appear on panels at the sides of the temple.
The mandap (pillared hall) is covered with a roof of plain grey sloping slabs, which is unusual for Hindu temples. The four pillars are embellished with intricate carvings of elephants and chains, supporting a stone ceiling decorated with finely carved Ashtoken lotus flowers. There is a headless Nandi (bull, Shiva’s vehicle) in the center of the mandap, surrounded by four matching columns. The symbol of the Kadamba kingdom, an elephant trampling a horse, is carved on the base of one of the columns.
Festivals of the Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla, Goa
The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with pomp and gaiety at the temple by local people residing in surrounding villages. It is an important festival for Hindus and is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva. Devotees from all over Goa and nearby states visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Mahadev Temple Timings
The temple timings are from 5.00 AM in the morning to 10.00 PM at night. Visitors can plan their visit to the Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla within these timings to explore the temple and its surroundings.
How to Reach the Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla, Goa
The Mahadeva Temple is located near a small village called Tambdi Surla in a remote forested area near the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park in the state of Goa. Here are the ways to reach the temple:
By Air
The nearest airport is the Goa International Airport, also known as Dabolim Airport, which is about 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from the temple. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the temple. It takes about 2 hours to reach the temple from the airport.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Kulem Railway Station, which is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) away from the temple. Kulem Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
By Road or Bus
The temple is well-connected by road and can be reached by buses or private vehicles. The temple is located about 22 kilometers (14 miles) south from the main town of Valpoi in Sattari Taluka. Visitors can take a bus from Valpoi to reach the temple. Private vehicles and taxis are also available for hire from Valpoi to reach the temple. The temple is also accessible from the north via minor roads 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) east of Bolcornem village.
