The Shri Mangesh Temple has its origins in Kushasthali Cortalim; a village in Saxty (Salcette) which fell to the invading Portuguese in 1543. In the year 1560; when the Portuguese started Christian conversions in Salcete; the Saraswats of Vatsa Gotra moved the Mangesh Linga from the original site on the banks of the Aghanashini (Zuari) River to its present location; which was then ruled by the Hindu kings of Sonde of Antruz Mahal (Ponda) and thought to be more secure.

The main temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Manguesh; an incarnation of Shiva.