The
temples of Goa are in essence like most Hindu temples in India, based around
a deity which is worshipped. The architecture of Goan temples is a little different
mostly because of historical reasons.
The fundamental design of any Hindu temple is organized around the central shrine
or the "Garbagriha" or the "sanctum sanctorum" that houses
the main deity. A tower or "Shikara" arises from the main shrine and
is traditionally pyramidal shaped. There are usually two or more smaller shrines
housing other deities known as "Parivar Devatas" around the entrance
to the Garbagriha.