Shri Naguesh Temple

The Naguesh temple with old scriptures on stone at Nagueshim, the Mahalakshmi at Nagueshim Bandora, the Ramnath temples at Ramnathi and Shantadurgta temple at Kavalem. The Ganesh temple has been bequeathed to posterity but the temple was subsequently renovated in the days of Chatrapati Shahu, the Maratha ruler of Satara.

The galleries of the Sabhamantapa contain exquisite specimen of intricate woodcarvings of famous episodes from Ramayana on one side and wooden images of "Astadikpal" and "Gandharva".

This is one of the few temples which was not affected by Portuguese Persecution and continues to be located at its original site at Bandode, 4 km east of Ponda. The deity Lord Naguesh, is an incarnation of Lord Siva. The deity was established by the Saraswats who came from Trihotra in the Mithila district of Bihar. The temple was constructed in 1413 AD and was later renovated by King Shahu, grandson of Sivaji the Great. The Sabha Mantap " or the main hall has a gallery on either side with images carved in wood depicting scenes from the epic "Ramayana". In the inner shrine is a "Lingam" a symbol of Lord Siva. In front of the shrine is an image of Nandi bull, in black stone.

Beside the temple is a five-storied lamp tower. On the lower half of the tower is brightly painted deities. The temple also has a centuries old water tank. Shri Nagesh Temple is a "Swayambhu" shrine of Lord Shankar known for its miraculous myths. The history is not available at present, except a reference in the folk songs. As the legend goes a cow-boy noticed that a cow from his herd used to visit the place regularly and showered milk. This led to the discovery of Shivlinga.The most important festival that is commemorated here during the month of November is the Anguish Satrap. The Mahajans of the temple are of Kaushiks, Vatsa and Bharadwaja Gotras.