Ponda – The Land Of Temples

We wondered whether Goa is a land of Churches. Only churches showing existence of Christianity is seen everywhere. We thought of clearing the doubt with our receptionist who took our attention to make a visit to Ponda. He was pretty sure that we will change our opinion when we are back after a day trip to Ponda. From our hotel in Panjim, we took a bus to reach Ponda. 

The first thing that will come to the notice of anyone who makes a visit to Ponda is the Hindu population unseen anywhere else in Goa in such domination. We visited the entire nearby temples Sri Devaki Krishna temple, Kamakshi temple, Manquesh temple, Shanthadurga temple and many others. It was then we were directed to the only Muslim monument left in Goa, the Safa Shahouri Masjid. This stood as a ruin which points out the past glory. It took around half the day. 

What I noticed about Ponda that I have never seen anywhere else in Goa is that Ponda have a rich blend of religion and culture. When the rest of Goa is dominated by the symbols of Christianity, Ponda have the remains of Hindu and Muslim existence. To my surprise, when I explained by great discovery to my driver, he wanted to show something special that will add to it. We drove around 5 KM north east of Ponda and reached the famous Rivona caves. Yes, he was correct. This is yet another symbol of religious blend in Ponda and this is the proof of the Buddhist community that existed there. This is the only proof for the existence of a community of Buddhists anywhere in Goa. When he asked him for a detailed description, he actually knew nothing more about it. 

We made a visit to the Bondla wildlife sanctuary, the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa. The sanctuary was full of natural beauty with deer safari park, zoo and gardens.