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Mahalsa Narayani Temple, Mardol - महालसा नारायणी मंदिर, मर्डोल

Key Highlights
◉ This temple is dedicated to Mata Mahalasa Narayani, who is also worshipped as Mohini.
◉ The temple is built in the traditional Hemadpanti style.
◉ A massive brass Deepastambha stands at the temple entrance.

The Mahalsa Narayani Temple in Mardol, Goa, is one of the state's most renowned Hindu temples. Dedicated to Goddess Mahalsa Narayani—who is considered a form of Mahalakshmi or Mohini—the temple is a place of worship for many devotees who revere her as their Kuladevi (family deity). Traditionally, the deity is associated with the Mahalsa or Mohini avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Visiting Hours for Mahalasa Narayani Temple
The Shree Mahalasa Narayani Temple remains open throughout the week, with visiting hours from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Major Festivals of Mahalasa Narayani Temple
Magh Yatra, Navaratri, Champa Shashthi, Deepotsav, Jaya Puja, Mahashivaratri, and Rang Panchami are the major festivals celebrated at the Mahalasa Narayani Temple.

How to Reach Mahalasa Narayani Temple
The Mahalasa Narayani Temple is located in Mardol, Goa. The place is well-connected by road, and Mardol is approximately 20–25 km away from Panaji. Karmali Railway Station and Madgaon Junction are the nearest railway stations to the temple. Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport.

Popular Name: Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple

Timings

Open Close Timing

6 AM - 9 PM

6:30 AM: Mangla Aarti

8:15 PM – 8:30 PM: Sandhya Aarti

Festival

Navratri, Durga Puja, Shivaratri | Read Also: एकादशी

History and Architecture of the Mahalasa Narayani Temple

The presiding deity of the Mahalasa Narayani Temple is Shri Mahalasa Narayani. The history of this temple is deeply intertwined with the displacement of Hindu temples in Goa during the Portuguese rule. To protect the deity's idol from the vandalism and religious persecution perpetrated by the Portuguese, it was moved to a safe location within the state and eventually consecrated at Mardol.

The principal deity, Mahalasa Narayani, has four arms, in which she holds a trident, a sword, a severed head, and a vessel of nectar. She also wears the Yajnopavita (sacred thread), an adornment traditionally reserved for male deities. She stands in a triumphant posture over a fallen demon or male figure, while a tiger or lion licks the blood dripping from the severed head.

According to the legend of the Bhavishya Purana, she is worshipped as the goddess who slew Rahu. Apart from her usual form, devotees arriving early in the morning can also behold her in the form of the sacred Shaligram. Throughout the week and during festivals, she is adorned with various ornaments, depicting different forms of Lord Vishnu and other deities such as Bala Krishna, Rama, Venkateshwara, and Lakshmi.

The current temple complex was developed over subsequent centuries and became a significant center for the Gaud Saraswat and Konkani Hindu religious traditions. The temple's large brass (or metal) lamp tower—illuminated during festivals—is particularly striking.

महालसा नारायणी मंदिर, मर्डोल हिन्दी में पढ़ें

मर्डोल, गोवा का महालसा नारायणी मंदिर गोवा के सबसे प्रसिद्ध हिंदू मंदिरों में से एक है। यह मंदिर देवी महालसा नारायणी को समर्पित है, जिन्हें महालक्ष्मी या मोहिनी का ही एक रूप माना जाता है।