Shri Anant Devasthan Savoi Verem: History, Architecture & Visitor Guide
Hidden away in the lush, spice-scented village of Savoi Verem in Ponda taluka, Central Goa, the Shri Anant Devasthan (also known as the Shri Ananta Temple) is one of the most peaceful and uniquely significant shrines in the state.
Unlike the majority of major temples in Goa that are dedicated to Lord Shiva or Goddess Shakti, Shri Anant Devasthan is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in His eternal form as Ananta—resting upon the cosmic serpent Sheshnag (Anantashayana). Tucked beside a natural freshwater spring and surrounded by coconut, areca nut, and spice plantations, this temple offers a calm, authentic glimpse into Goa’s ancient spiritual traditions.
Here is a complete guide to Shri Anant Devasthan Savoi Verem, covering its history, unique iconography, architectural charm, major celebrations, visitor details, and nearby attractions.
View Location on Map
To easily navigate to the temple using GPS or Google Maps, use the map location details below:
- Location Address: Shri Anant Devasthan, Savoi Verem, Ponda Taluka, Central Goa 403401
History & Spiritual Significance: The Resting Lord Vishnu
The history and deity of Shri Anant Devasthan make it a rare gem in Goan temple heritage:
- Rare Anantashayana Iconography: The presiding deity carved in black stone depicts Lord Vishnu reclining on the multi-hooded serpent Sheshnag (Ananta) floating on the cosmic ocean, with Goddess Lakshmi at His feet and Lord Brahma emerging on a lotus from His navel. It is one of the very few shrines in Goa dedicated to this specific manifestation of Vishnu.
- Ancient Origins: The original shrine dates back centuries and managed to remain intact in the interior hinterland of Savoi Verem during colonial rule due to its tucked-away inland location.
- Gramdevta of Savoi Verem: Lord Ananta serves as the revered Gramdevta (village deity) for the people of Savoi Verem and holds deep spiritual reverence among local farming and priestly families.
- Surrounding Affiliated Shrines: The temple complex houses affiliate shrines dedicated to Lord Shantadurga, Lord Kamakshi, and Lord Grampurush.
Temple Architecture & Special Features
The temple complex blends seamlessly into the natural countryside environment of Savoi Verem:
- Freshwater Spring & Water Tank (Tali): The temple is built directly next to a natural freshwater spring. A clear, stone-lined water reservoir (Tali) sits in front of the shrine, constantly fed by fresh hill streams.
- Traditional Goan Structure: The main shrine features red-tiled sloping roofs, simple white pillars, and a modest dome (Shikhara) designed to stay cool amidst the surrounding tropical greenery.
- Intricate Wooden Carvings: The interior assembly hall (Sabhamandap) contains beautiful wooden columns and ceiling work depicting traditional Hindu floral motifs and mythological scenes.
- Idyllic Plantation Setting: The temple path winds through dense groves of betel nut trees, pepper vines, and nutmeg trees, providing a serene environment for contemplation and quiet visits.
Major Festivals & Celebrations
- Anant Chaturdashi: Celebrated in September (during the month of Bhadrapada), this is the most important annual festival at the temple. Devotees gather for special rituals, continuous chanting, and elaborate Abhishekam dedicated to Lord Ananta.
- Annual Zatra (Jatra): The temple’s annual festival features night palanquin (Palkhi) processions where the deity is carried through the decorated temple courtyard accompanied by traditional percussion music (Dhol-Tasha).
- Kojagari Poornima & Navratri: Observed with devotional singing, special floral decorations (Makharotsav), and community prayers.
Key Visitor Information
| Essential Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Savoi Verem Village, Ponda Taluka, Central Goa |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March, or during Anant Chaturdashi |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Dress Code | Modest traditional attire (knees and shoulders covered) |
| Nearest Airport | Dabolim Airport (~35 km) / Manohar International Airport, Mopa (~45 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Karmali Railway Station (~12 km) / Madgaon Railway Station (~26 km) |
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Combine with Spice Plantations: Savoi Verem is famous across Goa for its organic spice farms (like Savoi Spice Plantation). Visiting the temple alongside a spice plantation tour makes for a perfect countryside day trip.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: If you want to avoid large tour crowds found at bigger temples like Mangeshi, Shri Anant Devasthan provides a quiet, authentic atmosphere.
- Respect Local Etiquette: Maintain silence around the water tank and inside the main prayer hall. Photography inside the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha) is restricted.
Photo Gallery Of Shri Anant Devasthan Savoi Verem
Nearby Attractions to Visit Around Savoi Verem
When visiting Shri Anant Devasthan in Savoi Verem, you can easily explore these popular nearby attractions:
- Savoi Spice Plantation: Located just 1 km away, one of Goa’s oldest eco-tourism spice farms offering guided botanical walks and traditional Goan meals served on banana leaves.
- Shri Mahaganapati Temple (Khandola): Located about 5 km away in Marcel, a historic 450-year-old Ganesha shrine.
- Shri Devaki Krishna Temple (Marcel): Located around 6 km away, famous for its unique idol depicting Lord Krishna carried on the hip of His mother Devaki.
- Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple (Mardol): Located about 8 km away, famous for its towering 40-foot brass lamp tower.
- Shri Mangesh Temple (Mangeshi): Located about 9 km away, Goa’s famous white-domed Shiva shrine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where is Shri Anant Devasthan located?
A: The temple is situated in Savoi Verem village, within the Ponda taluka of Central Goa, approximately 20 km from Panaji city and 12 km from Karmali Railway Station.
Q2. Who is the presiding deity of the temple?
A: The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu in His form as Ananta (Anantashayana), depicted reclining on the multi-hooded serpent Sheshnag.
Q3. What makes this temple unique in Goa?
A: It is one of the rare temples in Goa dedicated specifically to Lord Vishnu in the reclining Anantashayana pose, set in an untouched countryside location beside natural water springs and spice plantations.
Q4. Is there an entry fee to visit the temple?
A: No, entry to Shri Anant Devasthan in Savoi Verem is completely free for all visitors.