Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla
The Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla is a 13th-century Hindu temple located in Goa, India, constructed in the Kadamba architectural style using basalt stone. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is notable for being the only well-preserved Kadamba-style temple in Goa and for its remote forest location that shielded it from historical invasions.
Key Facts
- ›Constructed in the 13th century in the Kadamba architectural style.
- ›Dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a linga in the inner sanctum.
- ›Built entirely from basalt stone, an unusual choice for the region.
- ›Survived Islamic invasions and the Goa Inquisition due to its remote forest location.
- ›Features intricate carvings of deities, elephants, and lotus flowers.
- ›The only preserved example of Kadamba architecture in basalt stone in Goa.
Shiva
Religious Pilgrimage, Architectural Preservation, Historical Survival
Kadamba
Mahashivratri
Basalt
Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Ashtoken Lotus Flowers, Elephants
River Ragado
About Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla
The Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla is a significant 13th-century Hindu temple located in Goa, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands as a remarkable example of the Kadamba architectural style, being the only well-preserved temple of this style in basalt stone within the region.
History and Architecture
Constructed from basalt stone quarried from the Deccan Plateau and carved by skilled artisans, the temple exhibits intricate details. Its architecture is reminiscent of temples found in Aihole, Karnataka. The temple complex includes a garbhagriha (inner sanctum), an antarala (antechamber), and a pillared Nandi mandapa. The four pillars supporting the mandapa are adorned with detailed carvings of elephants, and the stone ceiling features finely carved Ashtoken lotus flowers. Bas-relief figures of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma, along with their consorts, are found on panels along the sides of the building. Unusually, the mandap is covered by a roof of plain grey sloping slabs. The temple faces east, allowing the first rays of the rising sun to illuminate the deity. The inner sanctum is topped by a three-tiered tower, which appears to be incomplete or damaged.
Religious Significance and Location
The temple is an active site of Hindu worship. Inside the dimly lit inner sanctum, a linga (symbol of Lord Shiva) is mounted on a pedestal, and local legend speaks of a permanent resident king cobra. A headless Nandi, Shiva's bull vahana, sits centrally in the mandap, surrounded by columns. The symbol of the Kadamba kingdom, an elephant trampling a horse, is carved on the base of one of these columns. The nearby River Ragado is accessible via a flight of stone steps for ritual bathing.
Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla is situated in a remote forest clearing at the foot of the Western Ghats, near Tambdi Surla village. Its secluded location deep within the forest, within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, is credited with helping it survive periods of Islamic invasions and the Goa Inquisition. The temple is relatively small compared to other Goan temples.
Festivals
The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with considerable fervor by the local population residing in the surrounding villages.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the architectural style of Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla?
The Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla is built in the Kadamba architectural style. It is considered the only well-preserved specimen of this style in basalt stone found in Goa.
What deity is worshipped at Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A linga, the aniconic symbol of Shiva, is housed within the inner sanctum.
When was the Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla constructed?
The temple was built in the 13th century. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.
Where is Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla located?
The temple is situated in a remote forest clearing at the foot of the Western Ghats in Goa, India. It is located near Tambdi Surla village, within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary.
What materials were used to build Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla?
The temple is constructed primarily from basalt stone, which was transported from the Deccan Plateau. The stone was carved by skilled craftsmen.
What makes Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla historically significant?
Its historical significance lies in its unique Kadamba architecture, its survival through periods of invasion and inquisition due to its secluded location, and its status as a protected Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
What festivals are celebrated at Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla?
The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with enthusiasm by the local villagers residing in the surrounding areas.
Related Temples (Hindu)
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