Shanta Durga Prasanna

The population of Goa consists of a majority of Hindus. People belonging to other religions like Christianity and Islam inhabit harmoniously and peacefully with each other. There are numerous Hindu temples in Goa that attract many pilgrims from all throughout the state and outside. The temple of Shantadurga Prasanna is one of the most renowned and revered temples in Goa. It occupies a special position in the hearts of devotees who throng Goa. The temple of Shantadurga Prasanna is the abode of the statue of Goddess Shantadurga Prasanna. The original temple had been built many centuries ago. But it was destroyed by the Portuguese in the year 1564AD.The temple was subsequently restored to its original glory by Shahu Maharaj, the Maratha chieftain who was administering the state.

The Shantadurga Prasanna temple is located around 33 kilometres away from the main city of Panjim. It is situated at the Kavelem foothills in Ponda. The population of Goa consider that Goddess Shantadurga is the reincarnation of Goddess Parvati.It is said that once there was a major dispute between Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The dispute took such epic proportions that Lord Brahma requested Goddess Parvati to intervene and settle the matters between the two powerful gods.Goddess Parvati appeared in the form of Shanta Durga and acted as a mediator.

The statue of Shanta Durga at the Shanta Durga Prasanna depicts the goddess holding two serpents in each hand. The serpents being symbolic of the two gods namely Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The people of Goa worship the Goddess Shanta Durga on all five days for her divine intervention.To pay respects to Goddess Shantadurga for their divine act; the population of Goa worships her on five Panchami days. The Nag-panchami and Vasant Panchami are some of the other festivals that are also celebrated along with all other festivals.