Shri Brahmadev Ji Temple, Brahma Karmali Goa — Attraction in Goa

Shri Brahmadev Ji Temple (Brahma Temple) in Brahma Karmali (also Nagargao), Sattari taluka, Goa, is one of the rare temples in India dedicated to Lord Brahma—the creator—making it a unique & significant cultural gem of the region.

📜 History & Legend

Origin & Upshift: The temple dates back to the Kadamba period, around the 12th century. The black stone idol is a chaturmukhi (four-faced) sculpture, notable for the bearded front face and rich Kadamba-era artistry .

Portugues Inquisition Escape: Around 1541, fearing destruction by the Portuguese, devotees spirited the idol from Carambolim in Old Goa (Tiswadi) through dense forests to the then-independent Sattari .

Place shaping: The reception site, initially “Chandivade”, eventually took the deity’s name—Brahma Karmali—melting the old village name “Karmali” with Lord Brahma’s presence .

🛕 Architecture & Iconography

Temple Layout: Simplicity defines its design—square garbhagriha, mandapa, and plinth for the idol .

The Idol: Standing ~1.5 m tall on a three-tiered pedestal, carved from black basalt, the central Brahma has a beard, holds a rosary, Vedas, kamandalu (water pot), and fire ladle (sruva), and is flanked by goddesses Saraswati and Gayatri .

🗓 Rituals & Nearby Nature

Daily Pooja is performed by the resident priest, though the sanctum is often secured behind a grill—visible through openings .

Brahmotsav: Celebrated every December (Margashirsha Tṛtīyā), this festival draws large local crowds .

Natural surroundings: Nestled in verdant Western Ghats, the temple is near perennial springs, paddy terraces, betel-nut groves, and is adjacent to a sacred stream .

💡 Why Visit?

Historical rarity: Apart from Pushkar (Rajasthan) and one in Khajuraho (M.P.), temples for Lord Brahma are exceedingly rare .

Art and atmosphere: Its exquisite Kadamba sculpture, tranquil rural setting, and living heritage rituals make it a serene retreat & culturally enriching stop.

Cultural revival: Recently renovated with support from Goa Tourism & local leadership via a ₹1.37 cr beautification project—enhanced pathways, lighting, seating, and entry porticos—for improved pilgrim comfort and aesthetics .

🕰 Visitor Info

Timings: Open daily, 7 AM–9 PM .

Access: About 6 km north of Valpoi via tribal forests of Sattari. Entry through steps and side portals.

Best time: Visit during Brahmotsav in December or pair with a nature walk through the Mhadei‑region springs and forests.

✨ In Summary

Shri Brahmadev Ji Temple at Brahma Karmali is a rare survivor of Brahma worship, preserved through tumultuous times and enshrined with nature and art. It's a must-visit for heritage seekers, spiritual explorers, and anyone intrigued by Goa's...

Goa is generally famous for Portuguese culture, amazing beaches, Goa hotels and beach shacks to just to name a few. The spiritual side of Goa is still unexplored which includes the Brahma Karmalli temple that is located in Valpoi, Sattari. The idol of Brahma in the temple dates back to the 11th century. The statue of Brahma in the temple is made up of black stone and is believed to be brought from Carambolim in Goa in the 20th century by the devotees. There are all together only 6 temples in India

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Nestled in the serene village of brahmakarmali in Goa's Sattari taluka, the Brahma Karmali Temple offers visitors a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush greenery. This temple is notable for being one of the few in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator in the Hindu trinity. The temple houses a beautifully chiseled black stone idol of Brahma, dating back to the 12th century during the Kadamba period. The temple's location on a small hillock provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, making it a peaceful destination for those seeking spiritual solace and a connection...