About this temple
Kavlem’s Shantadurga shrine honours the goddess as a reconciler of Shiva and Vishnu. It stands at the foot of the Ponda hills with a tank, lamp tower and guest-house ranges.
History
The deity was moved from Keloshi/Quelossim after the earlier temple’s destruction in 1564. The present temple was begun in 1730 and completed in 1738 under Shahu’s patronage through minister Naroram Shenvi Rege. Kavlem was granted to the temple in 1739. These are dates for relocation and rebuilding, not the beginning of devotion to the goddess.
Legends & Religious Traditions
When a conflict between Shiva and Vishnu threatened the world, Brahma appealed to Parvati. As Shantadurga she intervened and reconciled them. Her two serpents represent the two gods, explaining the peaceful mediating form worshipped here.
Architecture / Physical Features
The deepastambha, temple tank and agrashalas distinguish the precinct. The current complex incorporates regional Goan forms rather than the large sculptural gopurams of Tamil temple cities.
How to Reach
Approach Kavlem from Ponda by road. This is the Kavlem shrine, distinct from the Shantadurga temples at Fatorpa and other Goan villages.
Contradictory Accounts and Variations
Santeri and Shantadurga are names used in the local tradition. Older photographs and captions may place Ponda in North Goa; Ponda taluka is indexed here in South Goa under the map’s district arrangement.