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

Goa, GoaTEMPLE

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

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TEMPLE

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1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

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.

Contact Information

Phone: +91-832-2343334

Email: mahalasa@mahalasa.org

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Location & Address

Shri Mahalasa Narayani Devasthan, Mardol, Priol, Ponda Taluka, Mardol, Goa, Goa, India

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Best Time to Visit

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.
Peak Crowd: Sundays (due to the Palkhi procession), festival days like Magha Jatra and Navratri, and during the peak tourist season from December to January.
Moderate Crowd: Weekday evenings and public holidays.
Low Crowd: Weekday mornings and afternoons, especially during the off-season months of July to September.

How to Reach

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 - GOX) is about 50 km away.

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 and auto-rickshaws are available from both stations.

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 buses, taxis, and rental vehicles connect it to all major towns in Goa.

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 explore the Ponda region at their own pace.