This majestic temple complex is located on the outskirts of a tiny village, half an hour's drive from the capital of Goa, Panaji.
The main temple was built during the period from 1713 to 1738, but the exact time of its construction is unknown. In the past, there was a village hut here where the idol was hidden. In those days, the temple was located in Kushashtali, from where it was moved in the 16th century due to the threat of an attack by the Portuguese.
Shantadurga is the goddess of peace. More precisely, one of the incarnations of Adimaya Durga. It was she who once reconciled the main gods of Hinduism, Shiva and Vishnu. This story is now captured in stone: the temple complex contains a statue of Shri Shantadurga, with Shiva and Vishnu on either side of her. It is believed that in praying to the goddess of peace, people immediately address these two deities as well.
The large temple is a building with many tiers, windows, columns, balconies and balustrades. The complex also includes a room for storing musical instruments, a 7-story pagoda, and guest houses.
