Not far from the capital of India's most popular resort, Goa, in the small village of Priol, one of the largest and most visited The small village of Priol is home to one of the largest and most visited temples in the entire state, the Mangesh Temple. temples in the entire state - the Mangesh Temple.
The temple was erected in honour of the Hindu God Mangeshi, one of the incarnations of Shiva. Shiva, who is also called Saib, or the God of Goa. It is believed that the main shrine of the temple, the Linga Mangeshi, the stone receptacle of the divine essence, was consecrated by Brahma himself.
The temple building is a true work of art. Its main Its chief attractions are the remarkable seven-storey tower standing at the gate, and the graceful pillars, which have gained fame as the most beautiful in the entire state of Goa. Goa. The oldest part of the 400-year-old temple complex is a small pond near the main building. The main hall of the temple, which is famous for its marvellous 19th century chandeliers, seats about 500 people at a time.
The temple traditionally holds pujas several times a day - a kind of sacrifices to the deities: morning pujas - Abhishek, Laghurudra and Maharudra, and evening pujas - Maha-Aarti, and one night puja - Panchopchar. Every week on on Mondays every week a small festival is held in the temple, when the main idol is taken out of the temple building from the temple building and carried through the streets, with music accompanying the procession.
Despite its immense popularity, or perhaps because of it, the temple has recently closed its doors. recent years, the temple has closed its doors to foreign tourists. As a reason. the temple's "administration" cited inappropriate dress and equally inappropriate behaviour of foreign visitors.
