About Shri Shantadurga Temple
The Shri Shantadurga Temple stands at the foot of a wooded hill in Kavlem village, about 3 km from Ponda and about 30 km from Panaji. The goddess Shantadurga, a calm and peaceful form of Durga, is the presiding deity. She is the kuldevi, or family goddess, of many Goud Saraswat Brahmin families and other communities in Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, who come here to offer thanks and seek blessings at important moments in family life.
Tradition says that Shiva and Vishnu once fought a fierce battle, and the goddess stood between them, holding one in each hand, to restore peace. For this reason she is called Shanta-Durga, Durga who brings peace, and her image is often shown flanked by the two gods. The original shrine stood at Quelossim (Keloshi) in Salcete. In the 16th century, as Portuguese rule spread over the coastal districts, devotees moved the deity inland to Kavlem. The present temple was built in the early 18th century with Maratha patronage and has been renovated several times since.
The temple is a fine example of Goan temple design. A broad flight of steps leads to a large hall with a pyramid-shaped tiled roof topped by a tall dome, and the interior has marble floors and glass chandeliers. In front stands a tall white deepastambha (lamp tower), and a large tank lies to one side. Long rows of rest houses (agrashalas) surround the courtyard for visiting families. The annual jatra brings colourful processions of the goddess in a decorated chariot.
Shri Shantadurga Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Midday aarti | Around noon (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | After sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Shri Shantadurga Temple
By air
Goa International Airport at Dabolim is about 28 km away; Manohar International Airport at Mopa is about 60 km away.
By train
Madgaon Junction is about 20 km away; Karmali station is about 20 km away.
By road
Kavlem is about 3 km from Ponda town. Buses run to Ponda from Panaji and Margao, and taxis or autos cover the last stretch.
Festivals at Shri Shantadurga Temple
- Annual Jatra (Zatra)Jan/Feb
- Navaratri and DasaraSep/Oct
- ShigmoMar
- DiwaliOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest, full-length clothing is expected. Avoid shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops.
- Entry
- Free entry for darshan.
- Dress modestly; the temple expects full-length clothing.
- Photography is usually not allowed inside the main hall.
- Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends and festival days.
- Visit Mangueshi and Mahalasa temples on the same trip; they are close by.
- Carry water and an umbrella; Goa is hot in summer and very wet in the monsoon.
Places to visit near Shri Shantadurga Temple
- Shri Ramnathi Temple, BandoraShiva temple of the same Goan style, about 5 km away
- Safa Masjid, PondaHistoric 16th-century mosque with a tank, about 4 km away
- Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple, MardolGoddess temple on the Ponda highway, about 9 km away
- Shri Mangueshi TempleGoa's famous Shiva temple at Priol, about 10 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who is Goddess Shantadurga?
She is a peaceful form of Durga. Tradition says she stopped a battle between Shiva and Vishnu, which is why she is called the goddess of peace.
Where is the Shantadurga Temple?
It is at Kavlem, about 3 km from Ponda and about 30 km from Panaji in Goa.
What are the Shantadurga Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from early morning to evening, with an afternoon break. Check locally before visiting.
When is the Shantadurga jatra?
The annual jatra falls in the Hindu month of Magha, usually in January or February, with chariot processions of the goddess.
What is the aarti time at Shri Shantadurga Temple?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Midday aarti: Around noon (approx.); Evening aarti: After sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Shri Shantadurga Temple?
Modest, full-length clothing is expected. Avoid shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops.
How to reach Shri Shantadurga Temple?
By air: Goa International Airport at Dabolim is about 28 km away; Manohar International Airport at Mopa is about 60 km away. By train: Madgaon Junction is about 20 km away; Karmali station is about 20 km away. By road: Kavlem is about 3 km from Ponda town. Buses run to Ponda from Panaji and Margao, and taxis or autos cover the last stretch.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
