- Ganesh
Mahaganapati Temple Shri Ganapati Devasthan
- Candola,Goa
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Overview
The deity of God Ganesha is worshipped at the ancient Mahaganapathi Temple which is located at Candola in North Goa. The temple is one of the oldest in the region and is quiet famous in the region. Thousands of devotees visit this temple during the year to seek God’s blessings.
About The Deity
The deities of God Ganesha, Goddess Shantadurga, God Gramapurush, God Purvachari, God Ravalnath, God Suryanarayana, Goddess Mahalaxmi and God Laximinarayana are enshrined in the temple.
History of the Temple
The temples of Goa are famous for their historic significance as most of them date back to 13th-15th centuries. The temple of Mahaganpathi is one of these historical temples. It is located in the Khandola village. It was initially situated on the Divar Island and was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1540. Before the destruction, the devotees took the deity to the Khadepar Village of Ponda Taluka for protection from Portuguese. The deity was later moved to Narve Village after a few years but has to be moved back to Khandola in 1750 due to some reason. The deity since then is enshrined in this temple.
The temple committee after several years decided to replace the deity with a new one. The new deity of God Ganapathi was installed in the temple after the ‘prasad ritual’. The other two deities are presently enshrined in the garbhagriha, one is the old deity of the 13th century and the other one is the new deity established in the year 1969.
Festivals
The festivals of Sankashti Chaturthi, Dussehra, Tulasivivah, Ramnavami and Anantvrata are celebrated at the temple with great joy. The temple is decorated with lights and diyas during the celebrations.
How to Reach Candola
Airport
The international airport of Goa is nearest to the temple.
Railways
The railway station of Vasco Da Gama is nearest to the temple. It is only 35kms away from Candola.
Road
Frequent bus service is available from the Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand to the temple. It is located 19kms away from Candola.
Temple Address
Mahaganapati Temple / Shri Ganapati Devasthan,
Candola, North Goa District,
Goa, India, Pincode - 403107.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Auspicious beginnings of work
- Removal of obstacles
- Renewal of energy
- Success
- Wisdom
- Agricultural productivity
Shlokas
Agajaanana Padmaarkam Gajaananam Aharnisham Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam Ekadantam Upaasmahey
Meaning -The sun to Mother Parvati's lotus face, I worship Lord Ganesh, with the elephant face, the one who grants a lot of wishes, the one with the single tusk, I salute thee to grant my wish.
Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam
Meaning -Oh elephant-faced Lord, who is served by all the Ganas, who consumes the essence of Kapitta and Jamboophala, His favourite fruits, who is Uma's son, who destroys the gloom of His devotees, who handles hurdles, we worship your lotus feet.
Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe Vakratundaaya Dheemahe Tanno Danthihi Prachodayaat
Meaning -We meditate on the great power, we call upon the single tusked Ganesh, who grants wishes.
Vakratunda Mahakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada
Meaning -I pray to thee O Lord, who has a curved trunk and a strong body, the shine of a million suns, to remove all the hurdles that may block me from all the tasks I intend to perform.
Timings
Morning 6 AM to Evening 9 PM.