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Ponda can be described as the Hindu heart of Goa.
It is famous for the five important temples that are situated around the
town, and also has the largest mosque i n Goa. Most
of these temples look relatively new as they have been restored after
being destroyed by the Portuguese. That explains why there are no temples
around the coast, which was the prime territory of the Portuguese. Ponda
is also an important transport link.
Safa Mosque: Adil Shah constructed the Safa Mosque (also known as
Safa Shahouri Masjid) in 1560. The architectural style of the mosque is
predominantly Goan, with the exception of the arches that indicate a
distinct Bijapuri influence. The mosque has a beautiful backdrop of wooded
low hills that rise in the background.
TEMPLES AROUND PONDA 
Scattered
among the lush valleys and forests around Ponda are a dozen or so Hindu
temples founded during the 17th centuries, when this hilly region was a
Christian free haven for Hindus fleeing persecution by the Portuguese.
Although the temples themselves are fairly modern by Indian standards,
their deities are ancient and held in high esteem by both local people and
thousands of pilgrims from
Maharashtra
and Karnataka
.
The temples are concentrated in two main clusters: the first to the north
of Ponda, on the busy NH4, and the second deep in the countryside, around
5 km west of the town. Most people only manage the Shri Manguesh and Shri
Mahalsa, between the villages of Mardol and Priol. Among the most
interesting temples in the state, they lie just a stone's throw from the
main highway and are passed by regular buses between Panjim and Margao via
Ponda. The others are farther off the beaten track, although they are not
hard to find on motorbikes: locals will wave you in the right direction if
you get lost.
Sri Mangesh Temple:
The 18th century, Sri (also spelt as Shri) Mangesh (also spelt as
Manguesh) Temple, lies on the north west of Ponda in Priol. Considered to
be the most important temple in Goa, it belongs to the typical Goan Hindu
temple style of architecture, which is a curious mix of the Hindu and
Portuguese style. This picturesque little temple is built on a hilltop
amidst sprawling farmlands. The temple has shrines of Parvati (consort of
Shiva - Destroyer of the Universe) and Ganesha (the elephant-god of
Prosperity and Wisdom). A beautiful seven-storeyed "Deepstambha"
(lamp tower), typical of Goan temple architecture, stands in the temple
complex. more...
Mahalasa Narayani Temple: 2-km from the Shri Mangesh Temple, is
the Mahalsa Narayani Temple. The Vishnu (Preserver of the Universe) Temple
is known for the 'Garuda' pillar (the half-man half-eagle vehicle of Lord
Vishnu), which stands on the back of a turtle with Garuda perched on top
of it. The temple also has a "Deepstambha", and finely carved
columns depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Nagesh Temple: The Nagesh Temple is situated 4-km west of Ponda.
'Nagesh' (also spelt as Naguesh) or the 'God of Serpents' refers to Lord
Shiva (Destroyer of the Universe). The temple was built in 1413. The
'Mandapa' (an assembly hall, generally pillared, preceding the sanctum
sanatorium) has woodcarvings that narrate stories from the Hindu epics -
'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata'. The temple compound also houses a
five-storeyed "Deepstambha". Not far from the Nagesh Temple, is
located the Sri
Mahalakshmi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga (the Goddess of
War). According to the date inscribed in Marathi on the temple, the
monument could have been built in 1413.
Shantadurga Temple: Set amidst tranquill forests and hills, the
Shantadurga Temple lies 3-km from Ponda in Queula. Shantadurga, one of the
consorts of Shiva, is a form of Durga (the Goddess of War) and the Goddess
of Peace. Legend has it that once, the Destroyer and the Preserver had a
mammoth fight that plunged the entire universe into chaos. Shantadurga
stepped in as the arbitrator and succeeded in reconciling the warring
parties, thus saving the universe from eternal doom. Hence, she stands in
the temple shrine in between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (Preserver of the
Universe) as a symbol of peace.
The Shantadurga Temple was built in 1738, and is the biggest temple in
Goa. A distinctive six-storeyed Deepstambha and 'Ratha' (chariot) with
some gilt work adorn the temple grounds. It is interesting to note that
amongst some other features of the temple, the dome shows a definite
influence of Church architecture.
HOW
TO GET THERE Road: Ponda is served by regular buses from Panjim and Margao, and lies on the main route east to Karnataka . The Kadamba Bus Stand is on the main square, next to the auto-rickshaw rank.
PLACES TO STAYThere are plenty of places to stay over here. Best of the
budget lodges are situated at the Belgaum Road, which has large, clean en
suite rooms. More upmarket hotels are situated 4-km northwest on the NH-4
at Farmagudi. However, the best mid-range deal within striking distance of
Ponda has to be GTDC's Tourist cottages, also at Farmagudi, stacked up the
side of a steep hill overlooking the highway, with spacious and clean en
suite chalets, and a small terrace restaurant serving a standard menu of
spicy mixed cuisine.
NEARBY CITIESPanjim: 28-km 