 As one
tries to return to Panaji from Harvalem, one can visit the famous
temple of Sri Saptakoteshwar Naroa, Bicholim. Sri Saptakoteshwara
was the patron deity of the Kadambas who had built a beautiful
temple dedicated to this deity at the Diwar Island.
The invading foreign rulers destroyed the temple and built a
chapel dedicated to Candelaria in 1641 AD. The image of Sri
Saptakoteshwara was shifted to Naroa by the devotees then. It was
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who ordered renovation of the temple
in 1668.
Despite their external grandeur and magnificence being tested by
the vagaries of time; their spiritual effulgence is still
illumining the paths of the earnest seekers. The Shiva temples
built at Tambdisurla and Naven-Bicholim are testifying to the
rulers' devotional zeal and their care for public zeal.
Sri Ananta Temple, Goa
 This is one of the famous
temples situated in Ponda Taluka at Sovoi Verem a few km from
Marcela. This is the only temple of Ananata in Goa. It is
surrounded on all sides by water and beautiful scenery. Besides
the main deity Anant Sheshashayi, the complex also has
Shantadurga, Kamini, Narayan and Grampurush temples.
The idol of Ananta is carved in black stone. Though the structure
of the temple is small it is quite inviting. The pillar
decoration is very minute and full of intricate designs. The
brass stand on the lamp the special illumination stands or
"Deepmala" are sacred objects of worship.
Sri Bhagavati And Sri Sapteshwar
Temples
Not far from Morjim are two temples namely, Bhagavati and Parshem
and Sapteshwar Bhagamati at Mandrem in Pernem Taluka.
The principal festival observed are the 7 days "Bhajanisaptah" at
Mandrem, which is celebrated in Kartika. The Zatra, Dussehra and
"Shimgo" are other festivals, which are attended by large crowds.
Surrounding the main temples can be seen some exquisitely
sculptured ancillary deities.
Sri Chandreshwar Temple
On way back from Zambaulim one can take a slight diversion at
Paroda to proceed to the Chandranath hill and climb the huge
granite steps to reach to the temple of Sri Chandreshwar.The
South Goa Bhojas worshipped the deity years before the Christian
era till the middle of the 8th century AD.
The temple has the famous Shiva Linga, which was supposed to ooze
water with the touch of moonlight.
The temple atop the hill has been designed in such a way, that
moonlight directly falls on the Shiva Linga on the full moon
night. One can have a birds' eye view of a long ending green
valley of Salcete and Quepem Taluka from the Chandranath
hill.
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