Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla

Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla is a 12^th century shaivite temple of the Lord Mahadeva and an active place of Hindu worship. It is notable as the oldest temple in Goa, India.

The small Shiva (Mahadev) temple of Tambdi Surla situated at about 18km from the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary gate is the only surviving structure of the Kadamba Yadava dynasty. Thus it is the oldest temple of Goa, that survived from the Portuguese as it was set next to a stream in the middle of the small clearing, hidden in the dense jungle.

According to history researcher Prajal Sakhardande it was built in the 12^th century by the kadamba queen Kamladevi and is not made of basalt, as it is believed, but of grey black talc chlorite schist soap stone. This makes the intricate handwork adorning the walls of the temple still seem fresh, as it is weather resistant.

The Tamdi Surla temple dedicated to lord shiva has a pillared porch and three stepped entrances and the shrine by a tower. It is quite small passageway and has shiva vehicle, a headless Nandi bull in the center of the main porch.

A solid piece of stone work is the lotus shape carved out of the porch’s ceiling. The pierced stone sreen carrying the figures of deities that surrounds the door of the vestibule is another notable feature.