Goa's Oldest Temple at Mardol

 Mhalasa Temple At Mardol

Ponda is the home to number of imaginative temples. Ponda has been considered as elegant place of religion’s and all sacred temples are positioned in this locality. The architecture of temples is unique and it is structured in both Indian and Mughal style. It attracts large numbers of tourists all around the world.

Start your trip by visiting the legendary temple of Mhalasa Narayani situated on NH4 at a distance of 2km from city centre Mardol, Ponda , North Goa. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Mhalasa Lakshmi the goddess of wealth and prosperity presiding as divine being of the temple. The goddess Mhalasa is accepted as Vishnu’s companion. There is another belief that Mhalasa is the female form of lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took the ritual of Mohini i.e. an extremely beautiful woman and trapped the demons away from their sinful intent of destroying the world. Mhalasa temple is more prominent for the huge brass bell. The bell does not have the ringer. It is believed the ringer was attached only when somebody have to be testify. It was accepted as truth, if someone lied while ringing the bell, the person will die in three days. Since this belief is followed from Portuguese reign and now it is accepted in the court of law. The daily worship of the goddesses namely Grampurush, Bhagwati, Dadh, Simha Purush and Mhal Purush is carried before worshiping the main goddess.

It is also famous for the brass samai (ornamental lamp pillar) which is in the courtyard of temple. On the annual festival day or jatra, the brass samai is lit up with oil wicks and this scene is likely to be observed. 

Jaiyanchi puja in the month of august and the Kojagiri Pornima just after the monsoon on full moon day are two special festivals held inthis temple. In traditional ceremonies, large number of crowd gathers to participate and sing glories. There is facility for tourist to stay within the temple complex, vegetarian and goan foods are served for lunch and dinner.

There is an ancient water tank behind the temple and the atmosphere of this place is too calm.

“With splendid blessings make a visit to this sacred home”