Temples of Goa: History, Portuguese Persecution & Revival

This beautifully produced book, lavishly illustrated with over 300 high-resolution photographs, is a remarkable work by Brigadier A. P. Singh. It takes readers on an extraordinary journey through Goa — exploring its ancient temples, rich history, and enduring folklore. Beyond its scenic beaches, Goa reveals a deep cultural and spiritual heritage that this book brings vividly to life.

The author delves into the profound impact of the Portuguese Inquisition, the fierce Hindu resistance to colonial oppression, and the eventual resurgence of temple architecture that symbolizes the resilience of the Goan people. Through meticulous research and captivating narration, Brigadier Singh documents the surviving and rebuilt Hindu temples of Goa, celebrating their architectural grandeur and spiritual significance.

As François Gautier — journalist, author, and museum builder — notes, “This book takes us not only through Goa’s existing temples but also through its history and folklore. It is both a cultural, spiritual, and architectural discovery of Goa’s Hindu shrines, and I advise every Hindu, in India and abroad, to read this ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’.”

Echoing this sentiment, historian Dr. Vikram Sampath writes, “Brigadier A. P. Singh’s book is a meticulous documentation of architecture and a testament to the undying Hindu resilience through the ages. Goa’s rebuilt temples after the devastation of the Portuguese Inquisition embody the indomitable spirit of its people. In this deeply researched work, Brigadier Singh revives the story of Goa’s temples, weaving history, culture, and faith into a timeless narrative that stands as both scholarship and homage.”