Ramnath Temple

Getting there

• By road

  The temple is at Ramnathi in Bandivade, Goa. Its official address is Ramnathi, Ponda, Goa 403401.

Why devotees come here

Ramnath Temple stands at Ramnathi in Bandivade, Goa. Its chief deity is Shiva as Ramnath, a symbol of the unity of Vishnu and Shiva. Local Hindus believe Rama first installed the idol at Rameshwar.

The complex is built around Shiva as Ramnath, and it also houses Shanteri, Kamakshi, Laxmi Narayan, Ganapati, Betal and Kalbhairav. Shri Ramnath is a divine symbol of the unity of Vishnu and Shiva. Local Hindus believe Rama first installed the idol at Rameshwar, a local belief rather than a recorded fact.

In the 16th century, the idol was shifted to its present site to save it from Portuguese colonizers who threatened to destroy it. A major reconstruction in 1905 built new, larger temples. A drum tower, the nagarhana, was built in 1934, and a large temporary assembly hall, the sabhamandap, followed in 1951.

Mahashivratri is the most prominent event here, held in the Hindu month of Magha. On the day after Shivratri, the chariot processions of Ramnath go out at dawn and again in the evening. Shigmotsav is celebrated with pomp and gaiety, and the Devasthan lists it among its annual festivals.

Festivals

• Magha monthMahashivratri

  The most prominent event at the temple, held in the Hindu month of Magha.

• The day after ShivratriChariot procession (rathotsav)

  Ramnath is taken out in procession at dawn and again in the evening.

Tips for your visit

• On the last Monday of the month, the Golden Palkhi goes out in the prakar after bhojan at 9:30 PM.
• The complex has rest houses (agrashalas) on both sides and behind the main structure, and an assembly hall (sabhagruh).

Questions people ask