The
temples of Goa are in essence like most Hindu temples in India, based around
a deity which is worshipped. The architecture of Goan temples is a little different
mostly because of historical reasons. The fundamental design of any Hindu temple
is organized around the central shrine or the "Garbagriha" or the
"sanctum sanctorum" that houses the main deity. A tower or "Shikara"
arises from the main shrine and is traditionally pyramidal shaped. There are
usually two or more smaller shrines housing other deities known as "Parivar
Devatas" around the entrance to the Garbagriha.
