Datta Temple at Sanquelim is situated at 37 kms at Dattawadi, Sanquelim, and 40 kms from Margao. It is located at the backdrop of a beautiful hillock covered with thick grove of Areca palms. Datta Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Goa that has endured numerous foreign invasions and the ravages of time.
Temples in Goa survived over centuries and their major decline was caused during the reign of the Portuguese. They demolished these temples and built churches instead. Many temples were however reconstructed later. One of the temples among these is the Datta Temple.
The Dutta temple was constructed as a shrine to safely keep Lord Trimurthy or Lord Dattatreya`s idol. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Dattatreya. The deity is said to be a combined form of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh, the holy gods of Hindu mythology. Each deity symbolizes creation, preservation and destruction in an order. Brahma symbolizes creation, Vishnu symbolizes preservation and Maheshwar symbolizes destruction. According to Hindu mythology it is believed that this relentless cycle of creation, preservation and destruction controls the universe.
The architecture of the temple in Goa is a combination of the traditional local building 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 that gives a magnificent look to the temple.
The temple is seen dotting in an attractive hillock with dense palm trees and lush green vegetation all around. The scenic beauty and the calm and serene atmosphere provide a relaxed and soothing ambience for visitors. Each year, hundreds of devotees throng in the temple from all over Goa and other parts of worship the deity. Devotees have a strong belief that the temple has unique healing powers. People with unsound brain or mental difficulties are said to have been healed through prayers offered to the deity. Every year, the Datta Jayanti carnival is celebrated in the month of December in the temple with large pomp and show. The carnival attracts hundreds of devotees and tourists from all over Goa.
