A Diwali to Remember: The Light of Mangeshi Temple

I still recall one of the most captivating Diwalis I’ve experienced — the one I spent in Goa fourteen years ago. That year, we chose to celebrate uniquely at the Shri Mangeshi Temple, and residing within its walls made the occasion intensely personal and unforgettable.

It became a treasured family celebration. My daughter was very young then, but to this day she distinctly remembers each lamp, each prayer, and every instance of that Diwali. The temple’s tranquil atmosphere, resonant chants, and the golden blaze of hundreds of diyas made the festival an experience full of soul—one that still shimmers in our hearts.

Perched on a hillock at Priol in Ponda Taluka and surrounded by lush greenery, the Shri Mangeshi Temple is one of Goa’s most revered shrines to Lord Shiva. Its distinctive Goan Hindu architecture — whitewashed walls, graceful courtyards, and the towering seven-storey deepastambha (lamp tower) — exudes timeless elegance, especially during Diwali.

As night falls, the temple becomes a sanctuary of light. Diyas illuminate the deepastambha, creating an almost celestial vision. The air fills with chants and the soft rhythm of bells, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance.

The MangeshiDevasthan stands as a symbol of devotion and resilience. The original Shiva Linga, once enshrined in Kushastali, was moved across the Zuari River after the Portuguese destroyed the temple in 1561. The present structure, built in the mid-1800s on land donated by a devotee, has been lovingly preserved through generations. Today, it remains one of Goa’s most visited and spiritually significant temples — a true jewel among Konkani shrines.

Goa’s Diwali traditions

Goa celebrates Diwali with a unique blend of devotion and community spirit. The festivities begin on Naraka Chaturdashi, the second day of the five-day festival, with the burning of Narakasura effigies. Giant figures of the demon king, crafted from bamboo and paper, are paraded through villages before being set ablaze at dawn — a vivid symbol of good triumphing over evil. As fireworks light up the morning sky, families rejoice together.

Lakshmi Puja, the third day, holds special importance. Homes and temples—especially Mangeshi, Shantadurga, and Mahalaxmi—glow with vibrant rangolis, marigolds, and flickering lamps. Families offer prayers and sweets to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, celebrating prosperity, harmony, and hope.

Living within the temple premises let us experience its divine rhythm from dawn to night. From the first aarti at 4:30 a.m. to the last at 11 p.m., we joined nearly every ritual. The temple shimmered with fresh flowers, intricate patterns in the sanctum (Garbha), and endless rows of diyas, each flame whispering peace.

On the first day, we performed the sacred Abhishek — offering water and flowers to the Shiva Linga. Drawing water from the ancient temple well and carrying it to the sanctum under Guruji’s guidance was humbling. Sitting there, offering prayers and prasad, I felt a deep stillness — a serenity I carry even today.

On Narak Chaturdashi, we joined villagers as they set the demon effigy ablaze amid dazzling fireworks. In that radiant dawn, I prayed silently for strength, positivity, and the cleansing of negativity — a beautiful blend of energy and introspection.

Lakshmi Puja brought another unforgettable day. Guruji invited us to his 200-year-old ancestral Wada behind the temple. The women prepared a traditional Goan breakfast on banana leaves, filling the courtyard with the aroma of coconut and jaggery. Children, including my daughter, built tiny clay forts (ghads) decorated with miniature warriors and diyas. Their laughter, mingled with temple bells, captured the warmth and togetherness that define a Goan Diwali.

Festivity and togetherness

Sweets and savouries lie at the heart of Diwali celebrations. In Goa, favourites like Fov (sweetened beaten rice with jaggery and coconut), Godshe (rice pudding with coconut milk), KelyachyoFodi (raw banana fry), KarlyacheKismur (bitter gourd with coconut and tamarind), and Nevri or Karanji (sweet dumplings filled with coconut, jaggery, poppy seeds, and cardamom) are lovingly prepared and shared with neighbours, symbolising love and unity.

Evenings in Goa offer a beautiful contrast—the serene glow of temples meets the lively sparkle of beaches. Fireworks, music, and Goan feasts fill the air, blending devotion and celebration, perfectly reflecting Goa’s joyful soul.

That Diwali at Mangeshi Temple was more than a festival — it was a journey inward. The echo of bells, scent of incense, soft chants, flickering lamps, and shared family moments created a peace that words can hardly capture.

(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)