Mahaganapati temple in khandola

Goa is famous for temples.There are many temples in Goa.Many of these temples are famous even outside the state of Goa,and people from neighbouring states like karnataka,maharastra visit these temples.Temples in Goa have historic significance.many temples dates back to 15th  or some even to the13th century.
one such famous temple in Goa is located in the tiny  Khandola village.This temple is one of the oldest temples in Goa.The Ganapati temple was originally located on the Divar island.Goa was under the portuguese rule at that time.portuguese were destroying many temples in goa.This temple was also destroyed by them in 1540 but the devotees of lord ganesha moved the idol to khandepar village in ponda taluka to protect it from the destruction caused by portuguese.After few years the idol had to be moved to narve village for some reason.But in the year 1750 the idol again was moved from narve and settled in khandola which became the permanant place.

old Ganapati temple in khandola

After many years the temple comitte decided to replace the old idol with a new idol.but during the 'prasad ritual',the lord demanded a permanant place in the temple.So the old idol was kept in the temple.
Today we can see 2 idols in the garbagriha ,the new idol established in 1969 and the old 13th century idol which is to the left of the new idol.
This temple is very famous in Goa as well as the neighboring states.At any time during the year one could find lot of visitors to the temple to seek blessings of the lord.The main festival celebrated here is Sankashti Chaturthi.The temple is decorated with lights during this time.
here are some pics of the khandola temple: