Mangueshi Temple Was The Theme For Andhericha Raja 2009

Mangueshi temple is one of the largest, most enchanting, calm and most often visited temples in Goa. The temple is devoted to Lord Mangueshi, an life of Shiva. He is a kuldevta of many Hindus in Goa specially of Saraswat Brahmins. He is also referred to as Saib (The Lord of Goa) by Hindus.

The Mangesh Linga is said to have been set apart on the mountain of Mangireesh (Mongir) on the banks of river Bhagirathi by Lord Brahma, from where the Saraswat Brahmins brought it to Trihotrapuri in Bihar. They carried the linga to Gomantaka and settled at Kushasthali, the present-day Cortalim, establishing their most sacred and ancient temple of Mangesh on the banks of the river Gomati or Zuari as it is called today. Lord Mangesh is worshipped here in the nature of a Shiva linga. According to the mythology Lord Shiva had manifested in to a tiger to scare Parvati. Paravati who was suspicious at the sight of the tiger went in search of Lord Shiva. Parvati was supposed to say "Trahi maam Gireesh" but instead out of nervousness she said: "Trahimangeesh".

The 400-year-old Shri Mangesh temple devoted to Shiva stands out with its simple and yet exquisitely elegant structure. The temple is noted for the pillars which are considered to be the most beautiful among the temples in Goa. There is a prominent Nandi Bull which is considered to be the Vahana of Shiva. A beautiful seven-storeyed deepstambha (lamp tower), stands at the gates in the temple compound. The temple also has a glorious water tank, which is believe to be the oldest piece of the temple.