Panaji TEMPLE

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Ramnath Temple

Located about 22 km from Panaji, this is one of the first temples to build Agrashala Rooms for visiting yatris in large scale and there are more than hundred equipped with modern amenities. The temple of Lord Ramnath is steeped in mythology. Natives believe that after slaying King Ravana of Lanka, a remorse-filled Lord Rama installed a shivalinga on the shores in order to atone for his act. Since then the temple came to be known as Rameshwar or Ramnath.

The origin of the shrine is immersed in mythology, which says that Rameshwar is the original abode of Lord Ramnath. It is said that Lord Rama, after slaying Ravana in the battle was filled with remorse at the killing. It has an ancient Shiva linga, which is sheltered by a gorgeous silver screen with carvings of animals, plants and flowers.

The idol of Lord Ramnath, like many other deities in Goa, was removed from the original temple and shifted to its present day location at Bandode. The Bandode area was under the reign of Bijapur Sultan at that time. Natives believe that after slaying King Ravana of Lanka, a remorse-filled Lord Rama installed a shivalinga on the shores in order to atone for his act.

Similar to the Mahalsa temple, the courtyard of Ramnath temple features a five-storied deepstambha or lamp pillar carved with images of Hindu on its base. Unlike most temples in Goa, the sabhamandap grand hall of the temple has no pillars and yet has a special gallery for the ladies.

The temple is just a few minutes away from Farmagudi, off the main road to Ponda.