Shree Chandranath Temple, Paroda
Located on the tip of 350 meters high hill of Chandranath, in Paroda, Shri Chandranath at Quepem is a holy shrine of Lord Chandreshwar.
Lord Chandreshwar is believed to be the titular deity of Bhoja kings. According to historical records and evidences, Bhoja kings rein the southern part of Goa until mid 8 th century.
They named their capital Chandrapur after the deity. Southindiatourtravel.com - Their rule prevailed in the region till Christian descended on the land of Goa.
At the Temple of Shri Chandranath at Quepem, the altar boasts of the image of Sri Bhutnath. The famous Shivalinga in the temple is carved out from rock.
The history of the earliest known temples in Goa dates back to over a thousand years. The fundamental design of the temples of Goa are in essence like most Hindu temples in India, organized around the central shrine or the Garbagriha or the sanctum sanctorum that is home to the main deity.
The pyramidal shaped tower or the traditional Shikara arises from the main shrine. Generally, there are two or more smaller shrines housing other deities known as Parivar Devatas around the entrance to the Garbagriha.
The major temples in Goa are Shri Chandranath at Quepem, Shri Bhagavati Temple, Shri Nagesh at Bandora, Shri Mangueshi Temple, Shri Shantadurga Temple, Shri Mahalaxmi at Bandora, and Shri Mahalsa at Mardol.
Situated on the 350-metre high hill of Chandranath at Paroda, Quepem, Chandreshwar was the titular deity of the Bhoja kings who ruled South Goa till the middle of the 8th century. They had named their capital Chandrapur after the deity. The temple is so designed that the Linga receives moonlight on every full moon. The temple commands a panoramic view and its surroundings are enchanting.