About Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla
The Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla is a small stone shrine of Lord Shiva standing in a forest clearing in the north-east of Goa, close to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and the Karnataka border. It lies roughly 65 km from Panaji and about 20 km south of Valpoi in Sattari taluka. Though modest in size, it is treasured as the oldest temple in Goa that has survived largely intact, and it is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance. Local villagers still worship the linga here, especially on Maha Shivaratri.
The temple is generally dated to the 12th or 13th century, when the Kadamba dynasty ruled Goa. Its builders used basalt, a hard dark stone that is not found locally and is believed to have been brought down from the Deccan plateau. Most of Goa's early temples were destroyed in later centuries, and historians believe Tambdi Surla survived because of its remote setting deep in the jungle, far from towns and main routes. Local belief holds that a large king cobra lives in the dim interior of the shrine, which adds to the sense of mystery visitors feel here.
The temple faces east, so that the morning sun falls on the sanctum. It has a sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule and a small pillared hall with a sloping roof of plain stone slabs. Four finely carved pillars support a ceiling decorated with a lotus, and a headless Nandi sits at the centre of the hall. The outer walls carry relief panels of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma with their consorts, and the Kadamba emblem of an elephant trampling a horse is carved on one pillar base. The tower above the sanctum is incomplete. A stream flows nearby, reached by stone steps.
Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla timings
Usually open from about sunrise to sunset as a protected monument. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla
By air
Goa International Airport at Dabolim is about 70 km away; Manohar International Airport at Mopa is a similar distance.
By train
Kulem (Collem) is the nearest railway station, about 25 km away; Madgaon is about 65 km away.
By road
The temple is reached by minor roads from Valpoi in the north or from Mollem on the Panaji–Belagavi highway. Hire a taxi or drive, as public buses are infrequent. The last stretch runs through forest.
Festivals at Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan MondaysJul/Aug
- Kartik PurnimaOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended, as the shrine is still a place of worship. Remove footwear before entering the temple.
- Entry
- Generally free; it is an ASI-protected monument. Check locally for any change.
- There are few shops or eateries near the temple; carry water and snacks.
- Mobile network can be weak in the forest, so plan your route in advance.
- Combine the visit with the nearby waterfall or the wildlife sanctuary, but avoid forest trails after dark.
- Wear comfortable footwear; the grounds can be muddy in the monsoon.
- Treat the carvings with care and do not climb on the structure.
Places to visit near Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla
- Tambdi Surla WaterfallForest waterfall reached by a short trek, about 2 km away
- Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary (Mollem)Protected forest and national park, entry near Mollem, about 15 km away
- ValpoiMain town of Sattari taluka, about 22 km away
- Dudhsagar FallsFamous tiered waterfall on the Goa–Karnataka border, reached via Kulem, about 40 km away by road
Frequently asked questions
Why is Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple famous?
It is the oldest surviving temple in Goa, built of basalt in the Kadamba period around the 12th–13th century, and it survived because of its remote forest location.
Which deity is worshipped at Tambdi Surla?
Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a linga, and a Nandi sits in the hall facing the sanctum.
How to reach Tambdi Surla temple?
It is about 65 km from Panaji. Drive via Valpoi or via Mollem on the Panaji–Belagavi highway; the nearest railway station is Kulem.
Is there an entry fee at Tambdi Surla?
Entry is generally free. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, so check locally for current rules.
What are the Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla timings?
Usually open from about sunrise to sunset as a protected monument. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla?
Modest clothing is recommended, as the shrine is still a place of worship. Remove footwear before entering the temple.
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