An ancient shrine.
The shrine of Siddhanath (Lord Shiva) is perched atop the eponymous hill at an elevation of 370 metres near the village of Borim, Goa. The linga here is of great antiquity dating back to the 12th C when the Nath Panthi movement flourished in Goa. This sect also established their presence elsewhere in Goa: the Shaivite deities Adinath of Usgaon, Mallinath of Mashel, and a few others are traced to the Nath Panthis. The name of the southern city Madgaon is derived from ‘Mathagram’ (matha = monastary, grama = village) which in turn hearkens back to the Nath Panthi settlements. (See Socio Cultural History of Goa by V.R. Mitragotri, Institute Menezes Braganza, 1999.)
From this vantage location, there is a fine view to be had of the Zuari river basin. Until very recently, getting to it was not easy and required a 2 miles trudge up a steep dirt path (see last picture below). A new sealed road completed in the last 2/3 years has now enabled access to cars and other vehicles. This is a serene environment, perhaps the kind of isolated idyll the Nath Panthis sought for their practices.
Offerings to Lord Siddhanath
5D, 24-105L
Shrine on Siddhanath Hill
5D Mark III, TS-E 24L II
Image of Kalbhairav in the temple compound
5D Mark III, Zeiss ZE 50 f/2 MP
Old path up Siddhanath Hill (2007)
5D, 24-105L
Hi sir, thank you for sharing the precious information relating to our history. I was trying to find if whether shivaji maharaj had visited Sidhanth Parvat during his visit to Goa then…? Any links of this place with shivaji maharaj..? Would be great if you can guide me on this..
Sir,
I wanted to know the names of the highest peaks in Goa. I was under the impression that siddnanath parvath was the highest but I read it is the 6th highest. Can you please tell me the names of the first five highest peaks
Thanks
So is a view of the Zuari river basin next?
🙂
Arun,
It was a monsoon morning with the distant view somewhat obscured by light rain. There was also some foliage by the hillside that got in the way. So while the experience and the scene were beautiful, it would not have made for a good photograph.
Rajanbab:
1. Interesting information on the origins of the name Madgaon.
2. So this where Hitler found the swastika.
Thanks.
Swastika has for long been a dear symbol for the Hindus (do a Google search if you wish to learn about it).
Thank you Rajan bhai.
I had seen information about this place on the program “Chal Pasayek Yaa” which featured on Prudent Media. They still have that episode on their website.
Thanks for letting me know.