Saptakoteshwar Mandir at Narve in Goa is a very ancient
temple and reference of it is found in the Skanda Purana. The temple dedicated
is Lord Shiva. The temple was originally located in Divar.
History Of Saptakoteshwar Temple
Sapta Rishis offered prayers to Lord Shiva in the region for
several years. Pleased with their devotion Lord Shiva blessed them with his
presence. Sapta Rishis asked Shiva to appear in the Dipavati Island (today
known as Diwadi or Divar). Shiva appeared here in the form of a swayambhu
Shivling.
Kadambas, the rulers of the region, made Saptakoteshwar
their family deity during the 10th century.
A grand temple was built on the island by Shiv Chitta
Permadideva (1147 – 1172 AD).
The temple was looted and destroyed by Muslim invaders and
later by Portuguese. One can still find a Koteswar Tali on the island.
The Shivling worshipped in the temple was desecrated and it
was later saved by Narayan Shenvi Suryarao. He took the Shivling to Latambarsem
and it remained here for three years. In 1543, the Shivling was installed in a
temple on the island of Divar.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeated Portuguese in 1664 and
paved way for the construction of the Saptakoteshwar Temple at Narve.
Some Important Information About Narve Saptakoteshwar Mandir Goa
- It is one among the six important Shiva Temples in Konkan region.
- Narve village is about 35 kilometers from Panaji and is reached through a ferryboat from the Divar Island.
- Bahamani Sultan destroyed the temple in 1352 and dug up the Shivling.
- In 1367, the army of Vijayanagara King Harihara defeated the Muslim invaders in Goa and managed to restore Saptakoteshwar.
- The name Saptakoteshwar because seven rishis worshipped him for seven crore years.
- It is said that the island of Divar had so many temples that it was called Dewavadi.
- Portuguese had placed the Shivling at the foot of a well so that people drawing water could step on it.
- Yet another version has it that the Shivling was used as a pulley by the Portuguese.
- The temple tank at Saptakoteshwar has its source in a natural spring.
- The main murti of Shiva worshipped at Saptakoteshwar is made from an alloy of five metals and is faceted.