Original site of Shantadurga Temple

The taluka of Salcete, along with those of Tiswadi (Panaji) and Bardez (Mapusa), was part of the Portuguese old conquests of Goa in 1543 CE. Salcete erupted against the colonial rule and their policy of forcible conversions. Subsequently, when the Portuguese started proselytizing Salcete, it was accompanied by demolition of ancient heritage including temples. Many Hindus fled the region and some even managed to rescue their deity's idols. Most notably among those rescued were the idols of Shri Ramnath from his temple in Loutolim and that of Goddess Shantadurga from the temple in Cuncolim.
Though the temple of Shantadurga is now established in the nearby village of Fatorpa in Quepem taluka, devotees perform a ritualistic annual procession called Chatrostav or the Umbrella Festival on the eve of Holi, the festival of colors. The procession marks followers of Shantadurga carrying her idol from Fatorpa to Cuncolim and back, tracing the route that Hindus took 400 years ago while fleeing persecution by the Portuguese. The idol is carried through hilly roads in an ornately decorated palanquin sheltered under twelve umbrellas, hence the peculiar name of the festival. If you happen to be in Goa during the Holi festival, this would be a unique event to witness. In Cuncolim, the site of the erstwhile temple is now occupied by a church. However, locals have constructed one right opposite. It is built on a relatively small plot of land with an old and towering tree providing shade. The structure is an elegant pure white dome, resembling a palanquin itself, with its front facade flanked by two warriors atop charging horses. You may visit this simple yet artful temple that is hardly a few minutes east of the Cuncolim bus terminal.