Mahalasa Narayani Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Dabolim Airport (GOI) in Goa is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Madgaon Junction (MAO) is the nearest railway station.

Rules to know

• In 2011 the temple banned entry of foreigners over objectionable dressing and conduct.

Why devotees come here

Mahalasa Narayani Temple stands in Mardol, a small town in Ponda, Goa. It is dedicated to Mahalasa, a form of Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu. Its huge brass bell is famous across Goa.

Legend says Goud Saraswat Brahmins and Vaishnavas from Goa and South Canara identify Mahalasa with Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu. They also use the names Narayani and Rahu-matthani, meaning slayer of Rahu, as the Bhavishya Purana tells it.

The older temple stood at Verna, also called Old Mardol, Velham or Salcette. The Portuguese destroyed it in 1567, but the idol was rescued. When the current temple was built at Mardol in the 17th century, outside Portuguese control, the idol was reconsecrated there.

The temple is built in the traditional Hemadpanti style, with an ornate facade and carved pillars. Inside the complex, smaller shrines honour Shantadurga and Lakshmi Narayan, and five attendants of Mahalasa: Grampurush, Bhagwati, Dadh, Simha Purush and Mhal Purush. The temple is also known for a brass samai oil lamp.

Festivals

• Each yearMagha Jatra

  One of the two main annual celebrations, full of cheer and fervour.

• Each yearNavaratri

  The other main annual celebration of the temple.

Tips for your visit

• On Sundays the temple performs the Palakhi Seva, along with its other rituals.
• Prasad, the holy meal, is served after the morning and evening aarti.
• The Shantadurga Temple is a stone's throw away.
• The temple is peaceful and removed from the usual bustle of city life.
• After prayers, you can take a stroll and find the shrines of the five attendants of Mahalasa.

Questions people ask