Mahalsa Temple, Ponda
Address
Mardol, Ponda, North Goa, India, 403404
Getting There
Transport is available from Ponda.
Patron Diety
Goddess Mahalsa
Visiting Time
Geo Location
15.44041 N, 73.972546 E
The temple of Mahalsa lies in Mardol 9km. from Ponda. It was shifted here from the Velha conquistas salcette, Goa to avoid destruction during the forcible Christianization of Salcette, Goa. Mahalasa is considered as the Mohini form of Lord Vishnu and hence she is referred to as "Mahalsa Narayani".
The Magha Jatra (festival) at the temple and Navaratri are the days of importance in the yearly calendar.Jaianchi puja is also famous puja held in this temple in the month of August. Sunday holds a special significance for the temple as on this day Palakhi Seva is performed. The goddess is taken out for a ride around the temple in a Palkhi. The Palkhi is decorated with flowers and traditional colorful decorations. A large crowd gathers to participate in the event and the devotees sing her praises.