Archaeological remains dating back to the 14th–16th centuries have been discovered during restoration work at the old site of the Saptakoteshwar Temple on Divar Island, Goa.

The restoration work along the old pathway between Koti Tirth and Madhavachi Talli revealed remains indicating successive phases of temple construction and reconstruction.

The discoveries include a Kirtimukh motif, traditionally carved above temple doorways, a carved pillar capital reflecting the architectural sophistication of the earlier structure, and parts of Dev Khostam, which were used for placing idols within the temple.

About Saptakoteshwar Temple

Shaivite Tradition

The Saptakoteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is regarded as an important Shaivite temple of the Konkan region.

The temple has a long history of religious and cultural significance, with its traditions extending across several political periods in Goa.

Historical Connections

Kadamba Dynasty

The temple had strong associations with the Kadamba dynasty, which ruled parts of the region between the 10th and 14th centuries CE. The Kadamba rulers were devotees of Lord Shiva.

Coins carrying the inscription “Saptakotishvaralabdha–Varaprasada” indicate the importance of the deity among the Kadamba rulers.

Vijayanagar Period

Following destruction during earlier periods, the temple was reconstructed during the Vijayanagar period. This reconstruction reflects the continued religious importance of the shrine.

Portuguese Period

During Portuguese rule in Goa, the temple faced destruction and displacement, resulting in the relocation of the Shiva Linga.

Maratha Restoration

The temple tradition was subsequently revived under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who reconstructed the temple in 1668.

Legend Behind the Name

According to local tradition, seven sages worshipped Lord Shiva at the site. Shiva subsequently appeared as Saptakoteshwar.

The name is associated with “Sapt”, meaning seven, and “Koteshwar”, referring to the Lord of crores.

Archaeological Significance

The recent discoveries provide evidence of the temple's successive architectural phases. The Kirtimukh, pillar capital and Dev Khostam provide important clues about the architectural character of the earlier temple structures.

The findings are particularly significant because they help establish the continuity of the site through different historical periods.

Cultural Significance

Saptakoteshwar Temple represents the layered cultural heritage of Goa, reflecting the influence of the Kadamba, Vijayanagar, Portuguese and Maratha periods.

At the same time, it demonstrates the continuity of Shaivite traditions in the Konkan region despite successive political and cultural changes.

Why in News?

Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are destabilising Himalayan glaciers, increasing the risk of glacier collapse, avalanches and downstream hazards. An April 2026 study published in Nature identified 219 hanging glaciers in the Alaknanda Basin of the Garhwal Himalayas, highlighting their growing hazard potential.

What are Hanging Glaciers?

Hanging glaciers are masses of ice located on steep mountain slopes, often detached from the main glacier system. Because of their unstable position, they can suddenly break off and trigger ice and rock avalanches.

Formation of Hanging Glaciers

Rapid warming, glacier retreat and climate variability can reduce the structural stability of glaciers. These processes result in redistribution of ice, changes in glacier geometry and the development of unstable hanging-ice formations.

Global Context

Hanging glaciers have been extensively studied in the Alps, whereas basin-scale assessments in the Himalayas remain relatively limited because of difficult terrain and inadequate long-term monitoring.

Risks Associated with Hanging Glacier Collapse

Avalanche Hazards

The sudden break-off of a hanging glacier can generate a massive ice avalanche. Simulations indicate that avalanche flows in the Badrinath–Mana sector of Uttarakhand could exceed 50 metres in height, posing risks to settlements and infrastructure.

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods

Glacier collapse can also generate secondary hazards such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). A GLOF occurs when water stored in a glacial lake is suddenly released, producing a potentially destructive flood downstream.

Cascading Hazards

A collapsing glacier can carry rocks, snow and sediments downslope. This can produce compound or cascading hazards, including debris flows, river blockages and sudden floods.

Threat to Infrastructure

Himalayan valleys containing hydropower projects, roads, bridges, settlements and pilgrimage routes are particularly vulnerable to glacier-related hazards.

Study on Hanging Glaciers in the Alaknanda Basin

An April 2026 study published in Nature identified 219 hanging glaciers in the Alaknanda Basin of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Nearly one-third of the unstable hanging ice mass is concentrated in the Upper Alaknanda Basin, increasing the potential risk to downstream settlements and infrastructure.

The study also projected a significant increase in exposure to avalanche-related hazards. By 2030, around 120% more buildings and infrastructure land area could be at risk compared with 2000.

The population living in these risk-prone areas is projected to increase by approximately 17% over the same period, potentially increasing disaster vulnerability.