Goa! The ultimate party destination of India is frequented by people from around the world. This tiny state of Goa is popular for its dazzling nightlife, turquoise beaches and the incredible casinos. But between all the fun and glamour, Goa has also made room for several offbeat treasurers that are hidden in this tiny state. One such hidden treasure is the Mahadev Temple located at Tambdi Surla at Sanguem.
Located in the eastern part of Goa, the Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla is a 12th century Shiva temple constructed for the Hindus mainly for the devotees of Lord Shiva. This unique temple is constructed amidst thick dense forest of Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in Sanguem region of Goa. In fact it is the only specimen temple in Goa of the Kadamba-Yadava architecture established by the minister Mr. Yadava King Ramachandra. The temple is constructed facing east side so that the sunrays shine on deity during Sunrise.
Not only is the Mahadev Temple relatively smaller as compared to the other popular temples of Mangueshi, Mahalakshmi, Shantadurga but it is said to be the oldest temple in entire Goa state. The temple is entirely built by basalt rocks and the interior consists of intricate carvings created by skilled craftsmen in the earlier century. This temple is surrounded by finely manicured garden and a dense forest with a river named Surla flowing by.
Some parts of the Mahadev Temple have remarkable resemblance with Kalleshwar Temple at Balambid in Dharwad District and Jain Temple in Belgaum in Karnataka.
It may not seem so in the first glance but the Mahadev temple has survived Islamic and Portuguese ravages during the olden times and as of today it is preserved and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it is an active temple with a priest to manage its daily affairs.
Even though this temple is located in the interiors and is difficult to access still lots of people visit the Temple with utmost devotion especially during Mahashivratri as the festival is celebrated on a grand scale in the neighboring villages.