The Goa Department of Tourism is taking significant strides toward promoting spiritual and regenerative tourism with the development of the Ekadasha Teertha Yatra—a unique pilgrimage circuit linking eleven of the state’s most revered temples. In a key move toward execution, the department recently held a coordination meeting with representatives from each participating temple.
Chaired by Tourism Director Shri Kedar Naik, and attended by senior officials including GTDC’s Shri Deepak Narvekar and Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, the session featured a detailed presentation outlining the Yatra’s operational blueprint.
The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra is designed to provide pilgrims and tourists with a spiritually enriching and culturally immersive experience. The proposed itinerary features visits to four temples a day, along with nearby heritage sites. The circuit includes:
Sri Manguesh Temple (Mangeshi)
Sri Mahalasa Narayani Temple (Mardol)
Mahadev Temple (Tambdi Surla)
Sri Saptakoteshwar Temple (Narve)
Sri Brahma Temple (Sattari)
Sri Shantadurga Temple (Fatorpa)
Hari Mandir (Margao)
Sri Damodar Temple (Zambaulim)
Parashuram Temple (Poinguinim)
Sri Mahaganapati Temple (Khandola)
Sri Dattatreya Temple (Sanquelim)
During the interactive session, temple committees expressed their support for the initiative while underlining the importance of preserving the spiritual sanctity of the sites. They recommended the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for tourist conduct, particularly during festivals and utsavs—and raised logistical concerns regarding parking and the movement of larger vehicles near temple premises.
Director Kedar Naik reiterated the government's commitment to developing the Yatra as a pathway of spiritual discovery, local community involvement, and heritage conservation. The Department assured that it will work closely with all stakeholders to fine-tune the plan, ensuring the initiative respects and enhances Goa’s rich spiritual and cultural identity.