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Introduction and History
Mahalasa Narayani Temple is a Hindu temple to the goddess Mahalasa, located in Mardol, Ponda, in the Indian state of Goa.
Mahalasa is identified with Mohini, the female avatar of the god Vishnu. Mahalasa has four hands, carrying a Trishula, a sword, a severed head, and a drinking bowl. She stands on a prostrate man or demon, as a tiger or lion licks blood dripping from the severed head. She also wears the yajnopavita (sacred thread), which is generally dedicated on male deities.She stands on a prostrate man or demon, as a tiger or lion licks blood dripping from the severed head. Goud Saraswat Brahmins as well as Vaishnavas from Goa and South Canara identify her with Mohini and call her Narayani and Rahu-matthani, the slayer of Rahu, as told in the Bhavishya Purana.
While in this shrine, Mahalasa is associated with Mohini and Vishnu, in the Khandoba cult, she is regarded as a form of goddess Parvati and wife of Khandoba, a form of Shiva (Parvati’s husband).
Mahalsa’s older temple in Old Mardol or Velham or Verna, Salcette was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1567, though the icon of the Mahalasa was rescued. It was shifted here from Velham to avoid destruction during the forcible Christianization of Salcette. When the current temple in Mardol (which was outside Portuguese control) was built in the 17th century, the icon was reconsecrated.
The icon’s history before Verna is blurry. Some believe that the main temple of Mahalasa was originally located in Nepal. She was moved to Aurangabad in Maharashtra. During the Mughal domination, Aurangabad fell under the Muslim rule and the icon was moved to a secret location in Goa. Later, a small temple was built at Verna.
The Mardol temple complex also has smaller temples of the goddess Shantadurga (Santeri) and Lakshmi Narayan (Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi), who are worshipped daily with Mahalasa. The shrines for five main ganas (attendants) of Mahalasa, namely Grampurush, Bhagwati, Dadh, Simha Purush and Mhal Purush, are also located within the temple premises. Daily worship of all these deities is carried out before worshipping the main goddess.
The temple has canteen which is run by the workers. After the morning and evening aarti the Prasad- the holy meal is served here.
The temple is famous in Goa for its huge brass bell. The bell does not have a ringer. The ringer was attached only when somebody wanted to testify. It was believed that the goddess will punish the person by killing the person in three days who lied while ringing the bell. The belief was so strong that during the Portuguese rule the testimony in the temple was considered acceptable in the court of law. It is also famous for its Brass Divli/Samai (oil lamp).
Mahalasa is considered as both female (as Mohini) and male (as a form of Vishnu). She is dressed in alankar (ornaments, costume) as various Vishnu-related deities at various days in the year. She is dressed as Vishnu’s wife Lakshmi as well as Vishnu’s male forms like Rama, Krishna (Bala Krishna – infant Krishna, Krishna killing Kaliya), Vithoba, Venkateswara etc.
Generally, the male or main deity accompanies the right hand position (considered superior to the left). However, in joint processions or functions, Shantadurga is given the right hand seat, while Mahalasa sits on her left, as per the lore that Mahalasa gave the former the honour.
Sunday holds a special significance for the temple and the presiding goddess. On this day, Palakhi Seva is performed in addition to other rituals. The goddess is taken out for a ride around the temple in a palanquin (palakhi). The palanquin is decked up with flowers and traditional colourful decorations. A large crowd gathers to participate in the event and the devotees sing her praises.
The Magha Jatra (festival) at the temple and Navaratri (festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess) are the main annual temple celebrations.
In 2011, the temple banned entry of foreigners into the temple citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason.
Photos
Presiding Deity
Goddess Mahalasa 🙏
Timings
Monday to Sunday – 5:30 am to 8:00 pm
The winter season is perfect to visit the place as it is so hot in Summers in Goa which can cause dificulties to visit.
Festivals
Main
Diwali,Vijayadashami/Punyathidi, Ramnavmi,Hanuman Jayanti, Dushera
Nagpanchmi,Amavas Purnima, Tulsi Vivaha Naag Panchami, Vijayadashami, Anant Chaturdashi, Devshayani Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi..
Common
Mahashivratri,Durga Pooja, Ganesh Chaturthi,Sree Ramanavami, Kartikeya Purnima,Sree Gurupournami, Holi,Parshuram Jayanti, Narasimha Jayanti, and other ekadashis, Kartik Purnima etc..
Annual Kaaloutsav( held in December)and sottryo(umbrellas) held on the third day of Holi with palki is the main attraction of the temple.
Basic services
Drinking Water Cooler , CCTV Security, Prashada Serving, Puja Samagri stalls etc..
Activities
Open the Darbar gates of Presiding Diety and pay Prayers after Bhagwan Subrabhat Bhauj.
Morning Vedic enchanting and Nature’s welcome (ethnic way).
Vedic Yagya- To purify our inner self for realization and world peace.
Tribute to five basic elements i.e. Land, Water, Sky, Fire and Air.
Pay the last pray of the day in evening after Presiding God Bhauj.
THINGS TO DO
MEDITATION
Discover inner peace and positive energy through the ancient practice of meditation
AYURVEDA
If you are looking for holistic physical healing through non-invasive methods, Ayurveda could be of interest to you.
ASTROLOGY
Wish to know more about your stars and your place in the firmament? Consult an astrologer.
ARADHANA and ARCHANA
Devotees and visitors come here to take experience of pure spiritualism and peace as they use to do visit every day and pray to
Goddess Mahalasa, Goddess Sita – Lord Ram and Hanumaji❤️🙏
Pooja, Aartis and Timing
Basically the Aartis to be perform as per the Concern Shraddhas of devotees and Concern Deities.
Believing Aartis are :
Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva at 7 AM
Goddess Mahalasa,Lord Ram Maa Sita Aarti and Pooja at 7:30
Along with Lord Hanuman.
Maa Durga and Lord Ganesha Aarti and Pooja at 7:400AM
Sita Maa – Bhagwan Ram, Hanuman Ji, Krishna ji,Vishnu Bhagwan and Shiv Bhagwan Bhajans etc…
Nearby Famous Temples
Sateri Temple Khandola
Shanta Durga Temple
Devaki Krishna Temple
Mahaganpati Temple
Nearby Dharamshalas and Hotels
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Famouse Markets
Please click the link below to look upon markets-
Margao Market
Mapusa Municipal Market
Vasco Municipal Market etc..
👉MORE MARKETS,SHOPS AND ADDRESS
Restaurants
Please click the link below to know about Restaurants-
RICA FAMILY RESTAURANT
Legacy of Bombay pure veg restaurant
Red Chilli Family Restaurant
Go with the Flow Restaurant
Beyond Dosa etc..
Hospitals
Please click the link below to look upon More Hospitals-
Victor Hospital
Nagarsenkar’s Classic Hospital
Healthway Hospital etc..
Concern Police Stations
Calangute Police Station.
Vasco Police Station
Anjuna Police Station
Names, phone numbers , photos and brief introduction of Pujaris, Archaks, Mahants and Management Committy.
Details to be taken.
Miscellaneous information
Details to be taken.
Legal information
The temple is situated on legal site taking care by Govt. and Mandir Community, there is no legal obligation on Temple Property or Temple Schedule, Criteria,Rules etc..
Samajik Sahayat,Goshalas, Sadhus, Sants, Mahants, Famous Dharmik Writers/ Musicians/Dancers/ Craftsmen around the Temple.
Initiattives like Pashu Sewa, Pakshi Sewa, Langar Sewa, Vedic Pathshals etc are in Planning process.
There is a temple group of some devotees who use to role as band of temple as they do kirtans, Kathas and Narrating sewas time to time.
Mitra Mandal Link for Advice/Guidance*
Forms will be allow to fill for getting membership soon.
Modes of Travel
By air:
If you are coming to Goa by airways then the nearest international airport is located at Dabolim. Dabolim main airport is situated at a distance of almost 29 kilometers away from Panaji. This international airport is well connected with the major domestic cities as well as international major cities in U.K. and Germany as well.
By road:
Travelers can also reach Goa through roadways as there are n numbers of buses offer their services to travelers. The nearest bus stand is Kadamba bus stand of Panaji which is considered as the main bus station. Even Goa has its own bus service that connects major cities in and out of the state which makes how to reach Goa very easy.
By train:
Via railways, it is quite easy to reach Goa as the major railway stations in Goa are located in Margao. The main railway station is known as Madgaon and Vasco-da-gama. These railway stations are well linked with Mumbai and then other major parts of the country as well.
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Address for Donation and visiting purpose
Shri Mahalasa Narayani Mandir
Mardol, Ponda, Goa 403404
0832 234 3421
Visitors Views
Apart from the structural beauty, the divine rituals around the Temple are also the main centres of attraction for devotees. We at Mandir Darshan, we intend to provide you with the tiniest details of every temple and the rituals carried out in the premises. With us as your touring guides of Goa, you are sure to explore and enjoy every bit of the numinous land. The Data mentioned above as links are taken from Google, YouTube, TripAdvisor, Justdial, Wikipedia, Google Maps etc,. just for Knowledge purpose. There is no Followers or Money gaining intentions behind that!