Situated at the foothill of Kavalem, the Shantadurga Temple boasts of a huge tank, a Dipa Stambha and Agrashalas.

Due to his efforts, the village of Kavalem was bequeathed to the Temple by Shrimant Baji Rao I Peshwa in 1738–39.

The original site of Shri Shantadurga temple is Kardelivana of Quelossim (Keloshi) in mormugao Taluka.

To avoid the increasing Portuguese missionary activities in Goa, the GSB community was afraid for the safety of the temples and idols.

They finally installed the deity at Kavale village known then as Kapilpura or Kaivalyapura in the Antruj Taluka (Present day Ponda).