Nestled in the lush folds of Donshiwado, a quiet quarter of Kavlem in Ponda, Goa, stands a temple untouched by the haste of time. More than just a sanctuary of stone and ritual, the Shri Shantadurga Temple here breathes with a sacred pulse—a place where myth, devotion, and architectural grace coalesce into living presence. This is not the Goa of beaches and bazaars, but of sacred hush, coconut groves, and ancient chants carried by the breeze.
Shri Shantadurga Jai Shantadurga
The Goddess of Peaceful Power
To understand Shantadurga is to explore a duality resolved into wholeness. Her name itself weaves together contrast: “Shanta” means peaceful; “Durga” is the fierce protector. But in this form, she is neither fire nor ice. She is the balance—the divine presence that does not conquer, but harmonizes.
Legend has it that a cataclysmic quarrel between Shiva and Vishnu once threatened the equilibrium of creation. As cosmic forces clashed, Brahma turned to Adi Shakti, the Supreme Mother. Appearing as Shantadurga, she placed Shiva in her left hand, Vishnu in her right, and in that sacred act of holding, resolved the unresolvable. No bloodshed, no wrath—just sublime diplomacy beyond the grasp of gods.
Even her iconography reflects this: in many depictions, she holds two serpents, symbolizing Shiva and Vishnu—tamed not by force, but by her presence.
Her name chant, “Om Shri Shantadurga Devi Namaha”, is both invocation and surrender. Simple, potent, and complete.
From Keloshi to Donshiwado: A Tale of Devotion and Survival
The roots of the Shantadurga temple trace back to Keloshi (Quelossim), in South Goa. When Portuguese colonial rule began dismantling Hindu temples in the 16th century, the sacred murti (idol) of Shantadurga was rescued under the cover of darkness. Faithful devotees carried her across the Zuari River, eventually settling her in Donshiwado.
What followed is a story of cultural resilience. Initially enshrined in a humble structure, the goddess’s home gradually evolved into a temple of great beauty and reverence, thanks largely to Naroram Mantri, minister to Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Satara. Construction began in 1730 CE and was mostly complete by 1738 CE—an architectural act of love and sovereignty.
A Temple of Harmony in Stone and Spirit
The temple at Donshiwado reflects the complexity and grace of the goddess herself. Its design is an elegant blend of Indo-Portuguese and Goan styles: laterite stone, sloping tiled roofs, Romanesque windows with stained-glass panes, and shikharas (spires) that rise gently toward the sky.
The deepastambha (lamp tower) at the center of the courtyard becomes a pillar of light during festivals, while the mandap echoes with the rhythm of traditional drums during sacred processions. The sanctum sanctorum is serene, lit softly, where the idol of Shantadurga sits with four arms, flanked spiritually by Shiva and Vishnu—a reminder of her divine role.
Nearby, a black Shivalinga and a shrine to Narayan (Vishnu) further signify the peace she mediates.
The Living Spirit of Donshiwado
While larger temples like the Shantadurga Saunsthan at Kavlem attract multitudes, Donshiwado retains a personal and mystical intimacy. There is no overt spectacle here—just the quiet thrum of centuries-old devotion.
Festivals like Navratri and Mahapanchami light the temple with celebration, but even then, the focus remains inward. The goddess is not paraded for show—she is honored through community, rhythm, and prayer. During certain days, her palanquin is carried through the village, blessing homes and hearts with her silent grace.
Notably, the temple still honors the Harijan community of Kavlem who once sheltered the goddess during her exile—a ritual of gratitude that spans over four centuries.
A Sacred Ecosystem
The temple complex includes:
- A serene water tank (pushkarini), reflecting temple towers in stillness
- Comfortable agrashalas (guesthouses) for pilgrims
- A cultural courtyard that resonates with local bhajans and drums
It is more than a shrine. It is a sacred ecosystem where rituals, architecture, nature, and collective memory converge.
Why She Matters Now
In a world inflamed by division, Shantadurga offers a different paradigm—one of union, not conquest. She invites us not to pick sides, but to hold opposites with the grace of the sacred feminine. In her embrace, Shiva and Vishnu are not rivals but reflections. In her temple, silence is not emptiness—it is equilibrium.
She is not just Goa’s guardian; she is a mirror for our internal wars, a reminder that true strength is not in domination but in restoration.
So when you walk into Donshiwado and stand before her, don’t ask for power.
Ask for balance.
Then chant:
Shri Shantadurga Jai Shantadurga
And listen to what remains when the noise fades.