At a distance of 29 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 46 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 25.6 km from Mapusa, Shree Datta Mandir is situated in North Goa. Shri Dattatreya Temple is also known as Shri Datta Mandir is located at Dattawadi, Sanquelim. Shri Datta Mandir is one of those temples that remained untouched by the destruction of the foreign rulers and is now one of the oldest temples in Goa. This is a very famous temple of Shri Dattatreya.
Shree Datta Mandir is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya – the Hindu Trimurthy that is the combined form of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. These three gods are considered the holy trinity. These three gods are symbols of preservation, creation, and destruction. The architecture of the temple is a combination of traditional local buildings and a rigid architectural style. This unique combination has given the temple an exclusive look. The interior of the temple is made of white marble. The temple possesses intricate carvings and extensive work of craft. The temple was built in the form of a shrine to keep the idol of Lord Dattatreya within a safe enclosure. The deity idol is very nice and at the entrance, there are statues of a Cow (depicting Earth), and 4 Dogs (depicting 4 Vedas). The temple location is very picturesque.
The deity is believed to be very powerful. Devotees have a strong belief that Shree Datta Mandir has unique healing powers. People with unsound brain or mental difficulties are said to have been healed through prayers offered to the deity. The main attraction of the temple is not just the deities but also the beautiful natural surroundings, greenery of the palm groves, the beautiful sight of the hillock and the freshness of the surrounding. A trip to the temple offers some panoramic views.
The most important festival celebrated here is the Datta Jayanti which falls in the month of December. The carnival attracts hundreds of devotees and tourists from all over Goa.
It is known as the hometown of the Ranes of Sattari who played a key role in Goa’s freedom struggle. Sanquelim is very famous for some of its Hindu temples.
There are also a number of places to visit around Sanquelim which include the Arvalem waterfalls which are just 2 km from Sanquelim. Also one can find the Arvalem Caves nearby.
The deity of the Datta Mandir, the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, is said to have cured many people who were of unsound minds.
The most important festival, which is attended by devotees from all over Goa, is Datta Jayanti which falls in the month of December.
