The serene town of Ponda, Goa, Shri Ramnath Temple is one of the most ancient and revered Hindu shrines in the region. With its roots tracing back to the era of Lord Rama, who is believed to have installed the temple’s sacred Shivalinga, this temple stands as a symbol of devotion, tradition, and spiritual heritage. Rich in mythological significance, Goan Saraswat Brahmin lineage, and architectural elegance, the temple draws pilgrims, culture seekers, and peace-loving travelers alike. Whether you're a spiritual explorer or a curious tourist, the Shri Ramnath Temple offers a profound and picturesque experience in the heart of Goa.
About the Temple
Shri Ramnath Temple, located in Bandivade, Ponda (Goa), is one of the oldest and most spiritually significant temples in the region. Dedicated to Lord Ramnath a form of Lord Shiva it is a revered shrine among Goan Saraswat Brahmins and other Hindu communities. It is believed that Lord Rama installed the Shivalinga here after defeating Ravana, making it a unique convergence of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.
Temple Description & Specialties
Architectural Style: Traditional Goan temple design with white domes, deepastambha (lamp tower), pillared mandapam, and shikharas.
Complex Features: Includes shrines to Shanteri, Laxmi Narayan, Ganapati, Betal, and Siddhinath.
Deepastambha: A beautiful ceremonial lamp tower lit during festivals.
Sacred Tank (Tirtha): Used for ritual purification.
Specialties:
Lord Rama himself is said to have installed the Shivalinga.
Devotees from Saraswat Brahmin clans hold deep ancestral reverence.
Celebrated for its serene atmosphere, rituals, and festive grandeur.
Address & Location
Full Address: Shri Ramnath Temple, Ramnathim, Bandivade, Ponda, Goa – 403401
Coordinates: 15.4065° N, 74.0275° E
Temple Timings & Sevas
Timings:
Open Daily: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Morning Aarti: Around 7:00 AM
Evening Aarti: Around 7:00 PM
Sevas Offered:
Rudrabhishek
Maha Pooja
Panchamrut Abhishek
Palakhi Seva
Special Festival Poojas (Shivratri, Ram Navami, Navratri)
Festivals Celebrated
Mahashivratri – Night-long chanting and abhishekam.
Ram Navami – Celebrates Lord Rama’s birth.
Navratri – Nine nights of celebration, especially for Goddess Shanteri.
Annual Jatra – Vibrant fair and temple procession.
Traveling Facilities
By Road: Well-connected from Panaji, Margao, and Vasco via Ponda.
Local Transport: Private buses, taxis, rental scooters available.
Parking: Available near the temple entrance.
Food & Stay Facilities
Temple Prasad: Offered during major festivals.
Restaurants: Multiple vegetarian eateries nearby.
Stay:
Temple guesthouse (limited).
Hotels and lodges in Ponda city (3–6 km radius).
Nearest Transport Hubs
Travel Routes to Temple
By Bus:
Panaji → Ponda → Ramnathi
Margao → Farmagudi → Ramnathi
Vasco → Ponda
By Train:
Disembark at Madgaon Station
Take taxi/local bus to Ponda and onward to Ramnathi
By Air:
Arrive at Dabolim Airport
Hire a taxi to reach Ponda → Ramnathi
Nearby Attractions & Cities
Cities Nearby:
Ponda – 5 km
Margao – 20 km
Panaji – 30 km
Nearby Temples & Sites:
Shri Mangeshi Temple
Shri Nageshi Temple
Shri Shantadurga Temple
Goa Spice Plantations
Old Goa Churches
Cabo De Rama Fort (farther south)
Best Season to Visit
October to March – Pleasant weather and major festival celebrations
Avoid peak monsoon (June–August) if traveling by road
What to Shop For
Suggested Itinerary (2 Days)
Day 1:
Reach Ponda, check into hotel
Visit Ramnath Temple – darshan, rituals
Explore nearby temples (Mangeshi, Nageshi)
Day 2:
Visit spice plantation
Explore Old Goa churches or Mandovi river cruise
Evening shopping and return
The Shri Ramnath Temple is not just a sacred shrine it is a living heritage of Goa’s spiritual and cultural ethos. From its legendary origin and striking architecture to its tranquil environment and festive spirit, every element of the temple offers visitors a chance to connect with ancient traditions. Whether you come for darshan, cultural exploration, or peace of mind, a visit to this temple will leave you spiritually enriched and historically enlightened.
