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.