About Chandreshwar Bhutnath Temple
Chandreshwar Bhutnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located atop Chandranath Hill in Paroda, Quepem taluka, South Goa. Dating back to at least the 4th-6th century CE, it is considered one of the oldest temples in Goa and was the titular deity of the Bhoja kings. The temple complex includes a rock-cut cave sanctum with a Swayambhu linga, multiple Bhairav shrines, sacred water tanks, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys from the highest point in the region.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a hilltop pilgrimage site reached by climbing approximately 400 stairs or driving partway up a paved road. The main temple features colorful wood carvings depicting Ramayana scenes, a silver Palki displayed on Mondays, and a unique Sagar Manthan mural at the entrance. Adjacent is the Bhootnath shrine housing a triangular stone deity. Midway up the hill are Kaal Bhairav and Siddha Bhairav temples beside Kamandalu Tirtha, a sacred tank used for ritual ablutions. The summit provides sweeping views of lush green valleys and hills. Monkeys are commonly encountered along the path.
Key highlights
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One of the oldest temples in Goa dating to 4th-6th century CE
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Rock-cut cave sanctum with Swayambhu Shivalinga
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Sagar Manthan mural at the temple entrance
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Silver Palki taken out every Monday
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Panoramic views from the highest point in Goa
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Sacred Kamandalu Tirtha used for deity abhishek
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Adjacent Bhootnath shrine facing main Chandreshwar deity
History of Chandreshwar Bhutnath Temple
The temple finds mention in copper plate inscriptions dating to the 5th-6th century CE, indicating construction at least as early as the 4th century CE. It is attributed to Bhoja king Chandravarman and served as the titular deity of the Bhoja dynasty that ruled South Goa. The temple lent its name to Chandrapur (now Chandor), the ancient capital of Goa. It is also referenced in the Sahyadri Khand of Skanda Purana.
Culture & Context
Chandreshwar is worshipped as Lord of the Moon, an incarnation of Shiva wearing a crescent moon. The temple hosts major festivals including Mahashivratri, Dussehra, Hanuman Jayanti, and Navaratri. The annual Rath Utsav (chariot festival) occurs from Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima, featuring different chariots each day culminating in the Maharath procession. The deities of Chandreshwar and neighboring Chamundeshwari-Shantadurga temple visit each other during their respective festivals.