SHRI DATTATREYA TEMPLE / DATTA MANDIR - SANQUELIM
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 29 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Arvalem Waterfall (3.3 kms)
Trip Duration (From Arvalem Waterfall , Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr
Place Location: Sanquelim
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: This place is usually visited from Arvalem Waterfall (3.3 kms)
At a distance of 29 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 46 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 25.6 km from Mapusa, Shri Dattatreya Temple is situated in North Goa. Shri Dattatreya Temple also known as Shri Datta Mandir is located at Dattawadi, Sanquelim. Shri Datta Mandir is one of those temples that remained untouched from destroy of the foreign rulers and is now one of the oldest temples in Goa. This is a very famous temple of Shri Dattatreya.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya - the Hindu Trimurthy that is the combined form of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. These three gods are considered as the holy trinity. These three gods are symbol of preservation, creation and destruction. The architecture of the temple is a combination of the traditional local building and a rigid architectural style. This unique combination has given the temple an exclusive look. The interior of the temple is made of white marbles. The temple possesses intricate carvings and extensive work of craft. The temple was built in the form of a shrine to keep the idol of Lord Dattareya within safe enclosure. The deity idol is very nice and at the entrance there are statues of Cow (depicting Earth), 4 Dogs (depicting 4 Vedas). The temple location is very picturesque.
The deity is believed to be very powerful. Devotees have a strong belief that the temple has unique healing powers. People with unsound brain or mental difficulties are said to have been healed through prayers offered to the deity. The main attraction of the temple is not just the deities but also the beautiful natural surroundings, greenery of the palm groves, the beautiful sight of the hillock and the freshness of the surrounding. A trip to the temple offers some panoramic views.
The most important festival celebrated here is the Datta Jayanti which falls in the month of December. The carnival attracts hundreds of devotees and tourists from all over Goa.
