When you move further away from the party crowds and touristy sites in Goa, you’ll find yourself amidst a state which has stories to tell through its ancient heritage and culture. One such historically significant place is the Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple, which is a fine example of the best of architectural beauty which Goa possess.
About the place-
Noted as one of the most ancient temples in the whole of Goa, this shrine is located at a place called Tambdi Surla (inside the Bhagwan Mahavir National Park) which is approximately 65 km from the capital city, Panjim.
Tambdi Surla is set amidst a forested area and its pride is a 12th-century temple here, designed in Jain style. Actual origins of the Tambi Surla Temple is unknown but it is known to have survived Muslim invasions and Portuguese persecutions. This black basalt temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is hailed as the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa.
The location of this monument is quite inaccessible as it is set in a clearing, among a highly dense forest so you wouldn’t see a lot of faces here. The temple isn’t too colossal as compared to the other common ones and interestingly, the top part of the temple has never been completed.
Tambi Surla temple houses a small mandap and the inner sanctum is surmounted by three-tiered towers. You’ll spot figurines of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, with their respective consorts on the panels at the sides of the temple. This holy venue remains open to the public all throughout the year and is mostly visited during monsoons to get the best out of nature.
Knock Knock
This temple locale is generally not very crowded, so you if you want to bask in a few moments of peace amidst the backdrop of the rippling Surla stream, this is where you’ve gotta be at. The temple will take you back in time, the instant you step in and the serenity will simply take your breath away! Away from the generic Goan hustle and bustle, this place definitely needs your attention if you are planning a trip to this side of the state.
