The Kamakshi Temple is dedicated to Kamakshi or goddess Kamakhya, originally a deity from Guwahati, Assam. She is also known as Parvati or consort of lord Shiva and is known as Shantadurga or goddess of peace. The original temple of the deity was in Raia in Salcete Taluka which was destroyed by the Portuguese and the idol of Kamakshi was carried away to Shiroda in 1564-1568. The image of the goddess has been carved out of a Salagrama shila. The main tower design is quite marvelous with the roof bearing stark resemblance to that of a Buddhist pagoda. It has hooded serpent images on the corners of the roof and elephant statuettes at the corners of the square.

The vicinity of the Kamakshi temple has another small temple as is observed in most of the Goan Hindu temples, a shrine dedicated to Lord Rayeshwara or Shiva and the place where the temple is built has an ancient name Shivagram. People of all faith from all over Goa venerate and worship the Kamakshi Goddess who is believed to shower immense blessings on her devotees and fulfill desired wishes. The main festivals celebrated here are the Dussera, Mahashivaratri, the temple Zatra and Shigmo. Another occasion that draws large number of devotees is Umavas (no moon day). On this day most of the buses to Shiroda are packed and it is difficult to find transport due to the large number of travelling devotees.