Kamleshwar Temple: hidden amidst lush green nature
Goa is truly a land of temples. Thousands of small and grand temples are scattered across its landscape. Recently, I came to know of a temple hidden deep within nature, and from that very moment, I had decided to visit it. This temple, tucked away in a little hollow on the hill known as Varachi (Upper) Dhavali in Dhavali, is the Kamleshwar Temple! Though small in size, this shrine of Lord Shiva carries a profound sanctity.
The Journey to Find the Temple
When we set out to visit the temple, all we knew was that it was located somewhere in Dhavali. Where exactly it was or how to reach it, we had no clue. Relying on Google Maps, we followed a road flanked by thick greenery, full of narrow, winding turns.
The journey itself was enchanting — village homes and lush nature on either side. Eventually, we reached a spot where the road seemed to end, a slope rising like a hillock ahead of us. For a moment, we thought we might have lost our way. Just then, we noticed a person on the slope to our left. On asking for directions, we learned that the temple lay down a flight of steps ahead.
First Glimpse of the Temple
Descending about twenty-five to thirty neatly built steps, the temple finally came into view. It was a small, tiled-roof structure, resembling an old Goan house, exuding a serene and peaceful aura. Rain was falling gently, bathing both the temple and the surrounding nature, making everything appear even more refreshing.
Peaceful sanctum and captivating idol
Inside the Kamleshwar temple, a dim lamp flickered, casting a soft glow on the idol of Lord Mahadev, which looked absolutely captivating in that light. Just outside the sanctum, Nandi sat gracefully on a pindi shaped pedestal.
The entire surrounding was tranquil — with hills on one side, paddy fields (kulagar) on the other, dense forest covering the hill, and paintings of Shiva and Ganesha adorning the temple walls. Right in front of the temple, steps led down to a small stream where water flowed out through the mouth of a sculpted Nandi. The whole sight was simply enchanting.
A Perfect Spot for Spiritual Seekers
For someone with a spiritual bent of mind, this temple is an ideal destination. There is no crowd, only the quiet presence of nature outside and Lord Shiva in the gentle glow within. To sit here in meditation and experience the bliss of true spirituality — there can be no place more perfect than this temple.
