Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple is located in the Indian state of Goa. More specifically, this temple is situated in the Mardol ward of the Priol village in the Ponda Taluka. The ruling deity of the temple is goddess Mahalasa. Mahalasa is the other name of goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. This temple is known to be as old as 450-years. A plethora of devotees and tourists visit this temple every year to worship the goddess. It is important to note that goddess Mahalsa is accepted as Vishnu`s consort in Goa. This temple is also known by the other name of Mardol Temple. Mahalasa Narayani Temple is one of the most famous temples in Goa.

Belief Regarding the Deity of Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple
According to a belief, Mahalsa is regarded as the female form of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu once took the form of Mohini. As Mohini, Lord Vishnu prevented the demons from exercising their evil intentions of destroying the world, by luring them. Mohini is regarded as the only female avatar of the Lord. It is Mohini which later came to be known as Mahalsa.

History of Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple
This deity of Mahalasa Narayani Temple is known to be originally located in a temple in the Salcete Taluka. Unfortunately, the troops of Adil Shah attacked the temple in the 16th century and completely destroyed it to the ground. The deity was later rescued and shifted to its present location.

Architectural Design of Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple
Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple has many noteworthy features. A seven storied lamp tower is located at the entrance of this temple. This tower is called the deepstambh or the dnyandeepa. This artistic feature of the temple is made entirely of brass and has a height of about 12.5 meters. The temple has an inner hall. This hall is adorned with carvings of about 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The temple also has a full-granite sabha mantapa. The roof of the temple is made up of copper. The doorway to the sanctum is bedecked with a silver frame. An ancient water tank is located behind the Mahalasa Narayani Temple. This tank is known for the serene ambience around it. A very special feature in Mahalasa Temple is the appearance of Shri Mahalasa in various alankaars at various periods, sometimes during various times of the day.

Festivals Celebrated in Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple
The annual fair of Mahalasa Narayani Temple is considered to be its main festival. It is celebrated in the month of February. This festival is also known by the other name of Mardol Zatra. The other festivals observed here are Mahashivratri and Kojagiri Purnima.

Visiting Information
Mahalasa Narayani Temple is known to be easily reachable from all parts of Goa and Karnataka. The nearest airport to this temple is Dabolim Airport. This airport is located at a distance of about 30 kilometers from the temple. As far as railway is concerned, Karmali or the Old Goa Railway Station on the Konkan Railway is a viable option available to tourists to reach the temple. Mahalasa Narayani is located on the NH (national highway) 4A which connects the cities Ponda and Margao. This temple is located at a distance of about 21 kilometers from Panaji, the capital city of Goa and on the same route about 9 kilometers from Ponda. Many interstate buses travel through Mardol.

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