The Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla, is a 12th-century Shaivite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Kadamba architectural style. It stands as an active Hindu worship place and is an ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) protected Monument of National Importance in Goa.
This ancient temple was meticulously crafted using basalt stone, which was transported from the Deccan plateau and intricately carved by skilled craftsmen. Remarkably, it is the sole surviving example of Kadamba architecture in basalt stone within Goa, and Due to its isolated location at the foot of the Western Ghats, deep within the forest, it has managed to survive.
The temple’s primary deity is Lord Shiva, and its architectural resemblance to temples in Aihole, Karnataka, is striking. Within the inner sanctum, a linga (a symbol of Lord Shiva) is enshrined on a pedestal, and local legends suggest the presence of a giant king cobra residing within its dimly lit interior.
The temple comprises a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), antarala, and a pillared Nandi mandapa, all constructed from basalt. Four intricately carved pillars, adorned with elephants and chains, support a stone ceiling embellished with finely detailed Ashtoken lotus flowers.
The temple’s interior and exterior are adorned with elaborate carvings, showcasing figures of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and their consorts on panels along the temple’s sides. Interestingly, the mandap (pillared hall) is covered with a plain grey sloping roof, a distinctive feature. The temple faces eastward, welcoming the first rays of the rising sun onto the deity. The sanctum’s tower, featuring three tiers, is incomplete or has been dismantled in the distant past.
In the center of the mandap stands a headless Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull, surrounded by four matching columns. The symbol of the Kadamba kingdom, an elephant trampling a horse, is carved on the base of one of these columns. The nearby Ragado River, accessible via stone steps, provides a place for ritual bathing.
The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm by local residents from surrounding villages at this temple. Its remote location, far from the main settlements of its time, adds to its unique charm. While relatively small compared to typical Goan temples, the Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla, is a priceless gem showcasing the rich architectural and spiritual heritage of the region.
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