*Goa Tourism meets temple committees to strengthen Ekadasha Teertha yatra*
*Panaji, June 16, 2025:* As part of its ongoing efforts to promote spiritual and regenerative tourism, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is actively working towards the development of the Ekadasha Teertha Yatra—a unique pilgrimage circuit that connects eleven prominent temples across the state.
In line with this initiative, a coordination meeting was held today with representatives of the temple committees associated with the Ekadasha Teertha. The meeting was chaired by Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik in the presence of Deputy General Manager, Marketing/Hotels, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar; Assistant Director, Department of Tourism, Shri Jayesh Kankonkar; representatives of eleven temples and others.
The session began with a detailed presentation explaining the concept and operational plan of the Yatra, which proposes visiting four temples per day, while also highlighting nearby tourist attractions to create a holistic travel experience.
The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra covers eleven iconic temples representing Goa’s rich spiritual legacy: Sri Manguesh Temple in Mangeshi, Sri Mahalasa Narayani Temple in Mardol, Mahadev Temple in Tambdi Surla, Sri Saptakoteshwar Temple in Narve, Sri Brahma Temple in Sattari, Sri Shantadurga Temple in Fatorpa, Hari Mandir in Margao, Sri Damodar Temple in Zambaulim, Parashuram Temple in Poinguinim, Sri Mahaganapati Temple in Khandola, and Sri Dattatreya Temple in Sanquelim.
Following the presentation, an open-floor discussion was held between temple committee members and department officials. Committee representatives welcomed the initiative and expressed their support for its successful implementation. They also provided valuable inputs to ensure that the spiritual sanctity of each temple is maintained while hosting tourists.
Speaking during the meeting, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, said: “Ekadasha Teertha is not just a tourism product, it is a journey of spiritual immersion, local engagement, and cultural preservation. We are grateful to the temple committees for their wholehearted support and valuable inputs, which will help us co-create a meaningful and respectful experience for all visitors.”
The committees emphasised the importance of formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for visiting tourists. They also recommended that tourist itineraries be planned carefully during temple festivals and Utsavs.
Parking and traffic management emerged as another key concern, particularly when buses and large vehicles carrying tourists arrive at temple sites. The committees urged the Department to consider site-specific solutions to ensure smooth visitor movement and avoid congestion.
The Department of Tourism assured continued collaboration with all stakeholders to refine the Yatra plan and uphold the core values of Goa’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
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