Rock cut temples in Goa

#SwipeRightToTravel There are rock cut caves at Aravalem. They are also known as the Pandava caves. This is actually the oldest temple in Goa. It dates back to the first century. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also the temple of Shiva at Tambdi Surla is an old temple in Goa. It dates back tot eh Kadamba period which is thirteenth century. Unfortunately it is the only temple of that era which survives even today. All other temples of Goa where destroyed by the Muslim and Portuguese rulers. The Portuguese Viceroy by the edict of 1540 gave authority to destroy all the Hindu temples within the Portuguese area. Not a single shrine should be left, is what the order said. He also ordered confiscation of temple estates for maintenances of churches which were to be built on the sites of demolished temples. Yet, these temples survived.

Trip to the temples of Goa left me spellbound. They were immaculately clean and spacious.. No where the priests tried to fleece money. I could sit in the temples until I felt like. They are situated in the rural Goa. In these villages I was able to see the real people. I had gained a lot of knowledge about my country and my people after visiting them. Such was the impact of visit to the temples of Goa.