Divar Witnesses Historic Beginning of Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple Restoration
Dev, Dharma and Desh is the guiding principle of our work,” says Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant
Mumbai/Panaji, 4 September 2026 ( TGN ) : A centuries-old chapter of Goa’s heritage began anew today as the restoration of the original site of Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple was formally launched at Divar under the Koti Teerth Corridor Development Project. Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Union Minister Shripad Naik inaugurated the restoration through the traditional rituals of Udak Shanti and Ganga Pujan.
The project revives a sacred site that remained without a temple for nearly four and a half centuries. Beyond the restoration of the temple, the Koti Teerth Corridor aims to conserve the heritage precinct stretching from Mahadev Tali to Koti Teerth and Hatkeshwar Ghat, celebrating Divar’s rich religious, cultural and historical legacy.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said Goa’s history must be preserved and passed on to future generations. He recalled that the State had witnessed the rule of the Bhojas, Chalukyas, Kadambas, Adilshahi and the Portuguese, and noted that many temples were destroyed during the Portuguese era. “Dev, Dharma and Desh is the guiding principle of our work. It is our responsibility to ensure that the next generation understands Goa’s glorious history and heritage,” he said.
CM Dr. Sawant also highlighted the contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in restoring the Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s resistance against forced religious conversions in Goa. Referring to the history of Cuncolim, the Pinto Revolt and the struggle led by Dipaji Rane, he said these events remain defining chapters of Goa’s identity. He added that the recent discovery of remains linked to the original temple site had added special significance to the restoration, and expressed confidence that the project would be completed within a year.
Historically known as Deepavati Kshetra, Divar is mentioned in the Sahyadri Khand of the Skanda Purana for its spiritual importance. Built during the Kadamba dynasty in the distinctive Kadamba Nagar Prasad architectural style, Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple was one of Goa’s most revered temples. The restoration project seeks to revive this historic landmark while preserving the sacred landscape surrounding the Mandovi and Zuari river corridor.
Among those present on the occasion were Union Minister Shripad Naik, BJP Goa President Damu Naik, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, MLAs Chandrakant Shetye, Rudolf Fernandes, Rajesh Faldesai and Jit Arolkar, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Secretary of the Department of Archaeology Prasad Lolayekar, Padmini Foundation Chairperson Sulakshana Sawant, Restoration Committee Convenor Bhushan Bhave, members of the Shri Saptakoteshwar Koti Teerth Restoration Committee, and residents of Divar.
