Goan temples are representing the ancient cultural heritage of beach Paradise Goa. History of Goa reflects that there are only very Hindu temples and worship sites survived the ravages of both the Muslim invasion and the Portuguese Inquisition and among these, 12th Century [Kadamba era] constructed Mahadeva temple is most important because this is the only ancient temple constructed by the Kadamba rules of Goa. Mahadeva Temple is the temple where still traditional temple rituals are still in practice.

Construction of this 12th Centaury temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the best demonstration of Yadava style of temple architecture in India and only prominent reminder of the pre-Portuguese temple architecture in Goa. Temple have traditional Garbha Griha [House of Deity] , Mukhamandapa , small temples for other deities and impressive carved walls. Most important feature of the construction is the use of basalt stone, which is not found in the area, though history fail to provide any satisfactory reason for this. Devotee can feel the presence of Lord Mahadeva at Garbha grah in the form of pedestal mounted Shiv Ling.

Yadava Style Architecture

Mahadeva temple is located at Tambdi Surla village at road distance of approx. 70 km from the capital city Panjim in the backdrop of scenic Western Ghat.

The best way of reaching to Mahadev temple is to hire a tourist vehicle from Panaji, Mapusa and other nearby city. Interstate buses running between Goa and Karnataka are passing through Molem from where temple site is at road journey of less than 15 km

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