Mar 15, 2016 11:13 AM
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Shri Kamkshi temple in Goa is one of the most beautiful and oldest temples in Goa. As part of the Government tours, tourists usually visit the famous temples of Shri Shantadurga at Kavale, Shri Mangesh Temple in Mangeshi etc. I would also recommend one to visit this temple, if you get an opportunity.
Temple is somewhat situated far away from most cities in Goa, in a small village at Shiroda in Ponda taluka - distance from Panaji will be about 45kms, 18-20kms from Margao. Shiroda is incidentally my home-town and I have grown up witnessing most rituals in this temple.
There is a *dharmashala*(temple guest house) in the temple premises if one wishes to stay overnight, these can be booked with the temple committee. There are not much facilities around the place considering it's in a small village. You would get basics, tea, coffee, snacks, items to be offered at the temple, local ladies selling flowers, coconuts, incense sticks. One or two lunch homes which will serve basic veg/non-veg *thalis*.
But the place is quiet and serene, very beautiful - the atmosphere is very nice for one to relax, pray and be at peace here.
The temple performs puja, aarti everyday, there is procession of Goddess of Shri Kamakshi on special occasions like *Amavasya*. Every month during Amavasya, the temple turns into a festive mood and people from various parts throng to this place - it is believed that people who visit here for Amavasya, their wishes are fulfilled.
There is special celebration here during *Dussehra* when thousands of devotees visit this temple. *Navratri* is another most celebrated festival here.
One another festival is it's annual fair(happens in the month of Mar/Apr) - which runs for 5 days, with packed schedules of lot of religious programs, plays in the nights, local ladies take out procession in the night with lighted lamps made of clay(called *Divja* in local language), hundreds of ladies followers of the deity take rounds of the temple and the site is worth seeing as the entire get illuminated.
There are various stalls selling toys, clothes, kitchen items and local delicacies called *Khaje*(a sweet candy made of Jaggery).
People from all over Goa and few other places like Karwar, Mangalore, Udipi and its followers from other parts of South India visit this temple regularly.
