Goa is dotted with numerous temples. One can find temples in every village. Temples in GOA can be classified as:

• Sanskrit or Satwick Devtas
• Gram - Devtas

Sanskrit or Satwick Devtas
These temples are established by general public and have devotees called MAHAJAN all over India. There are many such temples in Ponda Taluka. Each temple has its own Mahajans. Some of the Mahajans make it a point to visit their temple at least once a year. All temples are well managed and maintained from the donations by Mahajans. Dieties are worshipped generally individually for the welfare of their families.

Goa was conquered by the Portuguese in two stages. 3 talukas were conquered first. Portuguese rulers after conquering 3 talukas started destroying Hindu temples and establishing churches in that place. Hindus therefore shifted the temples from the original location to the new ones which were under the control of the Hindu kings.

Shri Vijayadurga
Shri Vijayadurga is one of the such temples located in village Keri in the year 1560. Choice of the site of this temple shows the great aesthetic sense of the people who selected it.

        

This temple is surrounded on all sides by evergreen hillocks, groves of coconut, arecanut, bananas, etc. One beautiful water tank is situated just opposite this temple. Temple is a show piece of classical architecture, while the Deepstambha and the approach stair from temple to water tank depict modern architecture.

Gram - Devtas
These temples were established by original settlers in the village in order to offer prayers collectively for the welfare of the village - hence the name Gramdevtas. They are generally five in number and established with specific purpose.

SANTERI OR BHUMIKA This is the Mother Earth temple and is symbolised by ten feet or more in height of an ant hill (Varul in local language). It is believed that a cobra lives inside. Some villagers claim to have seen him. There is no incident of it causing harm to any human being.
BETAL Betal is a seven to ten feet high wooden or black stone statue. He is supposed to be the guardian of the village. It is confirmed by some old villagers that they have seen a tall figure with a long bamboo stick moving in the village late at night.
LAXMI NARAYAN It is a beautifully carved stone statue.
	GRAM - PURUSH It is represented by a small stone statue. No public functions take place in the village without obtaining his blessings.
KSHETRA - PAL It is symbolised by a tree or stone and is supposed to be guarding a particular area or kshetra.