Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is a 13th-century Shaivite temple located Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanguem, Surla, Goa. This temple is made in the Kadamba style and dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an active Hindu worship site. It is an ASI-protected National Monument of Importance in Goa.

The temple was built in an inaccessible location far from the main settlements of the time. The small, beautifully carved, and perfectly proportioned black basalt temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the only example of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone that has been preserved and is available in Goa.

Overview of Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

The temple faces east, allowing the rising sun’s rays to fall on the deity at the break of dawn. On the temple’s side panels, bas-relief figures of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma with their respective consorts can be found. Surprisingly, the mandap has a roof made of plain grey sloping slabs.

The Surla River flows nearby and is accessible via a flight of stone steps. In the centre of the mandap is a headless Nandi (bull, Shiva’s vehicle), surrounded by four matching columns. On the base of one of the columns is carved the Kadamba kingdom’s symbol, an elephant trampling a horse.

History of Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

The temple was built in the Kadamba style out of basalt that was carried across the mountains from the Deccan plateau and carved by artisans. It is thought to be the only example of Kadamba architecture in basalt stone that has been preserved and is still available in Goa. Because of its remote location in a clearing deep in the forest at the foot of the Western Ghats that surround the site, the temple has survived untouched.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and looks similar to the temples in neighbouring Karnataka. Inside the inner sanctum, there is a linga (Lord Shiva symbol) mounted on a pedestal, and legend has it that a massive king cobra lives in the dimly lit interior.

The Architecture of Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

The temple consists of garbhagriha, antarala, and a basalt-pillared Nandi mandapa. The four pillars, which are ornately carved with elephants and chains, support a stone ceiling adorned with finely carved Ashtoken lotus flowers. The interior and sides of the building are adorned with intricate carvings created by skilled craftsmen. On the temple’s side panels, bas-relief figures of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma with their respective consorts can be found. The mandap (pillared hall) has an unusually plain grey sloping slab roof.

The temple faces east, allowing the deity to be illuminated by the first rays of the rising sun. There is a small mandap, and the inner sanctum is topped by a three-tiered tower, the top of which is either incomplete or has been dismantled in the distant past.

The mandap is centred on a headless Nandi (bull, Shiva’s vehicle), surrounded by four matching columns. On the base of one of the columns is carved the Kadamba kingdom’s symbol, an elephant trampling a horse. The river Ragado flows nearby (via village Keri, Sattari) and is accessible for ritual bathing via a flight of stone steps.

Important Facts About Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

• The Mahadeva Temple is a 12th-century temple located within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary near Tambdi Surla.
• This is Goa’s only structure with Kadamba-Yadav architecture. The Archaeological Survey of India looks after this historic temple.
• The Mahadeva temple of Tambdi Surla is Goa’s oldest temple that survived the Portuguese attack because it was built next to a stream in the middle of a small clearing hidden in the dense jungle.
• The temple was built by Kadamba Queen Kamladevi, according to legend. Most of Goa’s ancient temples were destroyed by either Mughal or Portuguese rulers. However, due to its remote location, this temple withstood all Muslim and Portuguese invasions.
• The temple has beautiful architecture and sculptures. In front of the magnificent gateway, the large temple complex has a large open area.
• The Mahadeva temple is an excellent example of ancient Yadav architecture. Garbhagriha, antarala, and a pillared Nandi Mandapa make up the temple.
• The stone ceiling is supported by four pillars that are beautifully decorated with fine carvings of elephants and chains.
• The ceiling is ornately carved with lotus flowers. On the temple’s side panels, carvings of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma with their respective consorts can be seen.
• The pillared hall is clad in a simple grey-sloping slab. The Garbhagriha is surrounded by three tired towers, the top of which is incomplete. Lord Shiva Deity is present in the inner sanctum, along with Linga.
• You can see a headless Nandi standing in the exact middle of the mantapa in front of the main deity, Shiva.

Best Time to Visit Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. The best time to visit this temple, however, is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual that takes place in the last week of February. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. A Grand Celebration is arranged by priests and the temple committee.

How to Reach Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

The Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is located 13 kilometres east of Bolcornem village, in the northeast region of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. The nearby village is Molem.

By Air: The Goa International Airport, also known as Dabolim Airport, is approximately 65 kilometres (40 miles) from the temple. Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car from the airport to get to the temple. The journey from the airport to the temple takes about 2 hours.

By Rail: The Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from the nearest railway station, Kulem Railway Station. Kulem Railway Station has excellent connections to major Indian cities. Visitors can take a taxi or a bus from the railway station to the temple.

By Road: The Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is easily accessible by road and can be reached by bus or private vehicle. The temple is about 22 kilometres south of Valpoi’s main town in Sattari Taluka. Visitors can reach the temple by bus from Valpoi. Private vehicles and taxis can also be hired from Valpoi to get to the temple.

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