Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple - A Divine Abode in Mardol, Goa

The Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple, located in the village of Mardol in Ponda, is one of Goa's most revered Hindu shrines. The temple is dedicated to Mahalasa, who is worshipped as an incarnation of Vishnu in his female form, Mohini. Upon entering the complex, the most striking feature is a magnificent 12.5-meter-high brass lamp tower, or 'Deepastambha', which is beautifully illuminated with oil lamps during festivals. Another notable feature is the large brass bell that was installed without a tongue; it was believed it would only ring when a person who had committed a crime testified before the deity, though it now has a regular ringer.