13.353874.9168Goa, Goa

TEMPLE

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

A prominent Hindu temple in Mardol, Goa, known for its massive brass lamp tower, silver sanctum doorway, and unique deity worship.

Goa, Goa1-2 hours6:00 AM – 8:30 PMFree EntryNo Photography

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Best Season:The ideal time to visit is from October to March when the weather in Goa is pleasant and cool. This period is perfect for sightseeing without the discomfort of heat or rain. The temple's biggest festival, the Magha Jatra or 'Mardol Jatra', usually occurs in February and is a spectacular time to visit, though it gets very crowded. Avoid the peak summer months of April and May due to high heat and humidity. The monsoon season from June to September sees heavy rainfall.

Duration:1-2 hours

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple?

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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.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

Sundays (due to the Palkhi procession), festival days like Magha Jatra and Navratri, and during the peak tourist season from December to January.

Moderate

Weekday evenings and public holidays.

Low Season

Weekday mornings and afternoons, especially during the off-season months of July to September.

Entry Fees & Timings

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Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

6:00 AM — 8:30 PM

Open all days. The temple might close briefly in the afternoon for rituals. Timings can vary during festivals, so it's advisable to check locally if visiting for a specific event.

Entry to the temple is free for all visitors. Donations are voluntary.

Location & Directions

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Address

Shri Mahalasa Narayani Devasthan, Mardol, Priol, Ponda Taluka

Coordinates

13.3538, 74.9168

Nearest City

Goa

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Goa International Airport (Dabolim - GOI) is the nearest airport, located about 28 km away (45-60 minutes by taxi). The new Manohar International Airport (Mopa ...

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Madgaon (Margao) Junction (MAO), about 21 km away. Karmali Railway Station (KRMI) is also nearby, around 15 km away. Taxis ...

By Road

The temple is easily accessible by road, situated near the Panaji-Ponda highway (NH748). It is approximately 22 km from Panaji and 7 km from Ponda city. Regular...

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws and motorcycle taxis (known as 'pilots') are readily available from Ponda town. Renting a scooter or car is a popular option for tourists to expl...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The history of this temple is tied to the Portuguese occupation of Goa. The main idol of Mahalasa was originally located at a temple in Verna, Salcete. In the 16th century, during the period of the Portuguese Inquisition, devotees moved the idol from Verna to its present location in Mardol, which wa...

Significance

Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple holds immense religious significance as a 'Kulkshetra' (a pilgrimage site for a specific community) for many Gowd Saraswat Brahmin families. The deity is unique, as she is considered both a female form of Vishnu (Mohini) and the consort of Khandoba, an incarnation of Sh...

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