Mallikarjun Temple is an ancient temple located in the western Indian state of Goa. The temple sits in a charming location, nestled between tall mountains and lush greenery, near the small village of Shristhal. The temple dates back to the 16th century, making its architecture and construction even more impressive. The temple sits as a testament to India’s rich culture and is dedicated to Shri Mallikarjun, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Here is where the festival of Jatra takes place every year, a unique event that makes the trip to the temple worthwhile. If you’re planning a visit to this religious sanctuary, check out our comprehensive guide to Mallikarjun temple, Goa.
Things to do
Once at the Mallikarjun Temple, get ready to explore the 200-year-old temple and its architectural marvels. The religious and cultural landmark has become a place of pilgrimage for people from all corners of India, but also an attraction for travelers looking to dig deeper into India’s unique culture, religion, and traditions.
Inside the Mallikarjun temple
Inside the beautiful temple, the delicate and carefully crafted detailing is impressive; you’ll find silver works, carved wood pillars, and carved silhouettes of doorkeepers on each side of the door that leads to the inner sanctum. The architecture of the shrine is unique to the area, differing from other similar temples in the region. The most iconic architectural element is the six pillars in the mandap; these are decorated with scenes from the Puranas and the epic Mahabharata.
The Mallikarjun temple exterior
Once you’ve finished exploring its enchanting interior, stay for a while and wander through the temple’s lush gardens, and take in the beautiful natural surroundings. Nestled between blue mountains and vast forested areas, the region is breathtaking, and part of it can be admired from the temple gardens.
The annual festival of Jatra
The temple is also famous for the variety of events and rituals that take place there. The most notable and awaited is the colorful annual festival of Jatra. Pilgrims from around India and travelers from all over the world gather at the Mallikarjun temple, where they take part in the procession of taking the idol of the deity to the nearby Kindle bag beach. Throughout the ceremony of the Jatra, the participants witness different rituals, including bathing the deity.
Other events and rituals at the Mallikarjun temple
Aside from the Jatra, several other festivals take place at the temple. One of them is Shisharani, a ritual that alternates every year with the Veeramel celebration, held during the Shigmo festival. The Shisharani ritual involves cooking rice in a dish that sits on the heads of three men sleeping on the ground. There is a fire lit between their heads, for the rice to cook, but they’re covered with a wet cloth and several layers of plantain, so they don’t catch fire.
Another celebration is Veeramel, held around midnight, every two years. Some of the local young people called Gade, go from house to house with swords and other people follow them with drums and different musical instruments.
The temple also celebrates various Goan festivals like Shigmo and the Rathasaptami.
Traveler's tips
The Festival of Shigmo, very similar to Carnival, takes place in the Hindu calendar of Phalguna, which usually falls sometime in March, is a vibrant event lasting 14 days. It depicts floats inspired by local folklore and Indian mythologies. The floats are accompanied by people dressed in traditional garb, singing and dancing to local songs. Don't miss out on this beautiful festival if you truly want a taste of the native culture!
Travelers tips
While visiting the Mallikarjun Temple is a must when in Goa, make sure you check some of the region’s rules and tips for an enjoyable vacation. After all, you’ll be visiting a country with a different culture, religion, and different traditions than your own.
Restrictions on attire
Since you’re going to visit a religious sanctuary, make sure you follow some basic dress code rules. You might plan on also checking out the nearby beaches or going for a hike after the visit to the temple, but remember this is a place of worship, so don’t dress scantily. Make sure your clothes cover your knees, even if you just add a wrap around your waist on top of your clothes.
Check the calendar before you visit
Since Mallikarjun temple is home to different ceremonies and festivals, like the Jatra, make sure you check before you visit. The temple is a known pilgrimage place, and it might get crowded during these times.
How to get there
The Shri Mallikarjun Temple is situated in South Goa, right next to the village of Sristhal and seven kilometers (four miles) northeast of Canacona.
By taxi
The most comfortable way to travel to the Shri Mallikarjun Temple is by taxi from Canacona.
Rent a bike
Since the temple is located in such beautiful scenery, in the heart of nature, you can rent a bike and enjoy the outdoors while traveling to the temple. Check out Cycling Tours & Rentals @ Pahiyaa, a bicycle rental service in Canacona.
By car
The easiest way to get to the temple is by car. You can get there from Palolem Beach or the city of Canacona. The temple is a 10-minute drive away from Canacona.
Mallikarjun temple information
Mallikarjun Temple
Address: Canacona, Goa 403702
Opening hours: 6:30am - 8pm (daily)
Official website: Mallikarjun Temple
Department of tourism: Goa
History
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