Religious/ Spiritual

Kalighat Temple

Location

Rebuilt in 1809 on the site of a much older temple. Kalighat ( as it is also known ) is the actual temple from which Kalikata takes its name. According to legend, when Siva's wife's corpse was cut up, one of her fingers fell here. Since then it has been an important pilgrimage site.

This is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The right toe of Dakshayani is said to have fallen here. The Shakti here is known as Kalika, while the Bhairava is Nakulesh. It is a very famous place and a pilgrimage for Shakta (Shiva and Durga/Kali/Shakti worshippers) followers within the Hindu religion.

Avantishvara Temple

Location

The other noteworthy ancient temple in the region is the Avantishvara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is quite smaller than the Avantiswami Temple and is located a kilometer away from it. The gate of the temple is entirely made of stone and is well known for its architecture. Both the above mentioned temples were built by King Awantivarman , in the 9th century.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/varunshiv/6133684993/in/set-72157627639985…

Avantiswami Temple

Location

Avantiswami Temple, which was built during 855 to 883 AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and houses a central shrine, which is surrounded by four other shrines. The architecture of this temple is inspired by Greek architectural styles. It was made with sand stone and this is the reason why it could not withstand the ravages of time. Some of the idols found at the time of excavation here are preserved and showcased in the SPS Museum, in Srinagar.

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Aldona

Location

Aldona is a village located in the Bardez taluka. This village is known for its famous St. Thomas Church. The church was constructed in 1596, on the banks of Mapusa River.

This church displays statues and symbolic biblical murals. In the past, these statues were strung with jewellery by the locals.

Cansaulim Church

Location

Cansaulim Church is commonly known as the St. Thomas Church of Cansaulim. This church was built in 1581, near the coastline of Goa. It has been constructed according to Portuguese architectural style and was renovated in 1632. This church is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and finds a place in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The present structure of the church is a fusion of Portuguese Manueline, Turkish Baroque and Italian Mannerism architectural styles. This church is easily accessible from the main village by local buses, taxis and motorbikes.

Church of St John the Baptist

Location

The Church of St. John the Baptist is one of the most famous churches in the entire state of Goa. Situated on a hill beyond the Benaulim town, this church was originally built near the shore and was shifted to this present location in 1956.

The church features low domes, four storeyed towers and rococo. Main altar inside the church has plain panelling and gallery in cornice design. Father Joseph Vas, who was born in Benaulim, was baptised in this chapel.