The original temple at
Quelossim (Keloshi) in
Salcete was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1566. The goddess was shifted to Kavalem and worship was continued there. The site on which the original Temple of Shantadurga stood at Quelossim (Keloshi) is known as "Deoolbhata" and it is in the possession of the Shree Shantadurga Saunsthan Committee, Kavale. The current temple was constructed during the reign of
Maratha Empire Chattrapati Shahu Maharaj of
Satara during the period from 1713 AD to 1738 AD. Naroram Mantri (Rege) originally from Kochara village in the Vengurla Taluka,(Konkan) was a
Mantri (Minister) in Chattrapati Shahu Maharaj (Grandson of Chh.Shivaji Maharaj & Son of Dharmaveer Chh.Sambhaji Maharaj) Ashtapradhan Mandal at Satara Due to his efforts, the village of Kavalem was bequeathed to the Temple by Shrimant
Baji Rao I Peshwa in 1738. The Temple reconstruction started around 1730s. The temple complex is on the slope of the foothills of a mountain chain, surrounded by lush vegetation. There is a main temple and three smaller temples of other deities, which have been built on three sides of the temple. The temple consists of a collection of pyramidal roofs with a dome. The pillars and floors are made of
Kashmir stone. The temple has a huge
tank, a
Deep Jyoti Stambh and
agrashalas (guest houses). Many renovations have been completed over the years to the main temple and the temples of the other deities as well as to the
agrashala. The temple has recently banned entry of foreigners, into the temple citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason. ==Architectural styles==