Narven- Bicholim Sri Saptakoteeswara Temple, Goa

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 in the Kadambas who had built a stunning temple dedicated to this deity in the Diwar Island.

The invading foreign rulers destroyed the temple and built a chapel dedicated to Candelaria in 1641 Ad. The picture of Sri Saptakoteshwara was shifted to Naroa with the devotees then. It was Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who ordered renovation with the temple in 1668.

An Abode Of Shavaite Worshippers
The Kadamba kings were staunch Shaivaites and patronised the arts to a commendable degree that deserves emulation more than appreciation. Their gigantic temples adorned with excellent sculpture and architectural excellences, although constructed some 7 centuries again, are nonetheless beckoning the attention from the theists and travelers.

Despite their exterior grandeur and magnificence being tested through the vagaries of time; their spiritual effulgence is still illumining the paths from the earnest seekers. The Shiva temples developed at Tambdisurla and Naven-Bicholim are testifying to the rulers' devotional zeal and their care for public zeal.

Architectural Style

The well-known Saptakoteshwara temple is actually a standing specimen of medieval architectural style and mirrors the rulers' refinement and artists, superior craftsmanship. It's elegantly beautified with sculptural adornments.

It truly is a huge temple with imposing tower, huge courtyards and a number of mini-shrines for all the premier Shaivate gods. The Archamurti- Shivalinga is referred to as "Dhara-Linga". Its majesty and glistening polish forces one to boost his palms and fills the souls with bliss. It was the favoured deity from the kings.

General Information
Location
37-km From Panaji, Goa.

Deity
Lord Shiva.