Kapileshwar Temple

Kapileshwar Temple is the first as you start to drive west towards the biggest cluster of six temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this quiet temple offers a large open space just as you cross its arched gate from the main road. Old ladies, sitting on a small flight of stairs at this entry, selling flowers, incense and coconut to be offered to the deities inside are likely to greet you. A small altar with Tulsi or holy basil adorns the courtyard. While worshiping trees is common in Hinduism, Tulsi is at the top of that totem pole and as such, you are likely to see Tulsi not just in temple courtyards but also inside private homes across the country.

Compared to its peers, this 18th century temple is relative simple. The characteristic red laterite-rock construction of Goa lays bare and adds to its rustic charm. While the mandapa has an elegant gable-style roof, the garbagriha or the sanctum is housed inside a beautiful dome-shaped structure. The other thing you would notice is that this is a relatively quiet temple as compared to others in the area. Mondays are special prayer days for Lord Shiva and expect more people on this day of the week.