The beautiful Mangueshi temple is located 22 km from Panaji at Priol in the Ponda Taluka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mangueshi, a unique form of Lord Shiva, which is only recognized in the state of Goa.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva came to Goa when he lost everything in a game of dice against his beloved wife, Devi Parvati. When Devi Parvati got to know about this she came looking for him, Lord Shiva disguised himself as a tiger and frightened her. Out of fear and shock, Devi Parvati uttered some words, "Trahi Mam Grisha", which simply means, "O Lord of the Mountains, save me".

Lord Shiva then got back into his normal form and returned with her. The words, "Mam Grisha" came to be attached with this unique story and Lord Shiva came to be famously known as 'Manguesh'. The site where this incident took place was marked by a temple at the site. The location is the present-day village of Cortalim which is located to the south of the Zuari River. Unfortunately, when the evil Portuguese took over, the Linga of Lord Shiva was shifted from its original location to Priol where it remains today.

The Portuguese destroyed various temples in the year 1567 and the Mangueshi temple Goa was among them, it all took place when Salcete was added to the territory of the Portuguese. 

The Shri Mangesh temple which is 450-year-old is dedicated to Lord Shiva stands out with its simple yet exquisitely marvelous design. The temple architecture consists of pilasters, balustrades, and several domes. There is a beautiful stone carved Nandi Bull and a tall seven-story deepstambha (lamp tower), which is located inside the temple complex. A magnificent water tank is also present inside the Mangueshi temple Goa, which is believed to be the oldest part of the temple.

There is a spacious hall in the temple called Sabha Griha, which accommodates over 500 people. The nineteenth-century chandeliers add to the beauty of the temple. The image of Mangesh is consecrated in the Garbha Griha.

• You can take part in the daily rituals of the temple, where a large number of Pujas( prayer) are performed daily.
• Pujas performed in the morning are Abhisheka, Laghurudra, and Maharudra.
• Mahaarti is performed at noon and Panchopchar Pooja at night.
• You can take part in the procession which takes place every Monday, the idol of Manguesh is taken out in the Palakhi accompanied by holy music, right before the evening Pooja.

• It is strictly prohibited to capture the Mangueshi temple goa images.
• Alcohol and Non-veg are not allowed inside the temple.
• A dress code is provided by the Mangueshi temple, Goa authorities to follow.

The best time to visit the Mangueshi temple Goa will be on Magh Purnima, which is towards the end of February each year, on this auspicious day the main annual festival of the temple is celebrated. The main event of the year or festival attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists and the Ratha Yatra( pulling of Chariots) is the main event.

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• Lord Shiva is called Manguesh in the region where this temple is constructed.
• Pooja in this temple takes place three times a day.
• The idol of Manguesh is taken on every Monday for the procession.
• A wonderful story is behind this temple that includes Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.