Explore the Mahalasa Temple in Goa

Shree Mahalasa Narayani Mandir is a hindu temple located in Mardol near Ponda in Goa, India

January

17.4 - 35.2 °C

February

17.9 - 36.2 °C

March

20.2 - 35.5 °C

April

22.6 - 35.3 °C

May

23.0 - 35.4 °C

June

22.2 - 34.4 °C

July

22.4 - 31.5 °C

August

22.7 - 31.2 °C

September

22.7 - 32.2 °C

October

21.7 - 35.0 °C

November

19.6 - 35.4 °C

December

18.3 - 34.9 °C

Major Airports :

Dabolim Airport (GOI), Goa

Manohar International Airport (GOX), North Goa

Nearest Railway Station :

Madgaon Junction Railway Station (MAO)

Peace comes to those who believe

Mardol is a small town in Ponda, Goa. It is removed from the usual bustling city life, and that’s why it is peaceful and harmonious. The Shri Mahalsa Narayani Temple is situated in the lap of this tranquil village. Dedicated to Mahalsa, the consort of Lord Khandoba, this sacred sanctuary emanates an aura of spirituality and quiet. The air here is woven by history, architectural brilliance, and faith in God.

Built in the traditional Hemadpanti style, its ornate façade and intricately carved pillars draw pilgrims and devotees from far and wide. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene ambience, the temple offers a slice of zen for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. With its rich history and divine ambience, the Mahalsa Temple is an immersive journey of faith and enlightenment.

Faith will always find a home

Years ago, during the rule of the Portuguese and their era of mandatory Christianization, Goa saw the destruction of temples in large numbers. One such temple that was a victim of the same fate was Shri Mahalsa Temple, located in Verna at that time. Though the temple was razed to the ground, the idol was rescued and kept in its current place in Mardol. It was safe here, as the territory was outside Portuguese control.

The triumph of good over evil

Mahalsa is said to have a close interlink to Mohini, Lord Vishnu’s charming female avatar. In the temple of Shri Mahalsa, you will find the idol raising four hands. One has a Trishul, one has a sword, the third has a severed head, and the fourth holds a drinking bowl. She is seen standing upright over a figure, which is a powerful and dominant image of the victory of good over evil.

You might also be intrigued to know that Shri Mahalsa is often represented as a tiger that is seen consuming the dripping blood from the severed head. Her commanding aura and divine supremacy are the reasons for her having devout followers, mainly Goud Saraswat Brahmins and Vaishnavas from Goa and South Canara.

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Timings

Opening time - 06:30 AM

Closing time - 08:30 PM

An enchanting devotion

The designers and the craftsmen of the temple nurtured and crafted the walls, floors, and ceilings of this monument with a lot of love. As you enter, you will be captivated by the architectural marvel of the place. The hypnotic beauty is not just limited to the main shrine of Shri Mahalsa, but is extended to the entire complex that’s dotted with smaller temples. You can pay your respects to Godesses Shantadurga and Lakshmi Narayan here in peace. After you spend a minute or two praying to the Almighty, you can take a stroll and discover the shrines that were built for the five attendants of Mahalsa - Grampurush, Bhagwati, Dadh, Simha Purush, and Mhal Purush.

The judgement bell

Most monuments seem to have legends associated with them and so does this. This temple’s fable comes with a brass bell. During a time when modern-day law and order were a far cry, people believed in other supernatural forces to ring in justice. It is said that this bell was rung during testimonies. The alleged accused would be told to sound the bell and confess or voice the truth. If the person did ring the bell and lie, he or she would meet a tragic fate in three days. The power of this bell was believed to be so true that the Portuguese also took the testimonies taken with the ringing of the bell as true.

A procession of faith

If you visit the Shri Mahalsa Temple during the time of festivities and celebration, you will be caught in the middle of positivity, grandeur, and joy. During an important festival, Shri Mahalsa is worshipped as her female avatar, which is Mohini, as well as her male avatar, which is Vishnu. On Sunday, the community gathers together and performs the Palakhi Seva. It is when the deity is taken around in a palanquin with people singing holy songs of devotion. The Magha Jatra and Navaratri are the two main celebrations that bring in a lot of cheer, fervour, and celebration.

Around the Temple

When you step outside the Shri Mahalsa Temple, you can pay your respects and visit the Mangeshi Temple. You can soak yourself in the divine aura as well as gaze appreciatively at the craftsmanship of the temple. The Shantadurga Temple is also a stone’s throw away. You can just sit, close your eyes, and imagine the goodness and purity that reside in your soul. You will be at peace and drift into the tranquilly of the place.

As the sanctum doors gently close, leaving the lingering scent of incense in the air, Sri Mahalsa Temple stands as a beacon of divine grace, offering solace and inspiration to all who seek the blessings of the revered deity.