Mahadeva Temple, Tambadi Surla

Tambdi Surla is a small place in in the midst of a forested area of Mollem National Park. This offbeat place which is 65 kms from Panaji is known for the ancient temple in the whole of Goa. 

Here small, beautifully carved and perfectly proportioned 13th century Mahadeva Temple built by Hemadri, a minister of the Yadava king Ramachandra. This temple has been preserved intact amidst serene picturesque Anmod Ghats. The temple consist of garbhagriha, antarala and a pillared Nandi mandapa that is built using finest weather–resistant grey–black basalt. 

The mandapa had balustrade entrances on three sides and it is covered with a roof of plain grey sloping slabs. The mandapa has four pillars embellished with fine carvings of elephant and chains support a stone ceiling decorated with intricately carved lotus flowers of ashtakon variety. 

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and there is linga mounted on a pedestal inside the inner sanctum.

The intricate carvings created by skilled craftsmen adorn the interior and the sides of the building.

There is a headless Nandi in the centre of the mandapa, surrounded by four matching columns.