Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Mardol

The Mahalasa Narayani Temple, situated in Mardol, Ponda, in the Indian state of Goa, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalasa. Mahalasa is primarily identified with Mohini, the enchanting female avatar of the god Vishnu. The iconography of Mahalasa at this shrine is distinctive, featuring four hands holding a Trishula (trident), a sword, a severed head, and a drinking bowl. She is depicted standing on a prostrate figure, often a demon, while a tiger or lion licks blood from the severed head. Notably, she also wears the yajnopavita (sacred thread), a symbol traditionally associated with male deities.

History and Relocation

The history of the Mahalasa Narayani Temple is marked by resilience and preservation. Its older precursor, located in Old Mardol (also known as Velham or Verna in Salcette), was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1567 during their campaign of forcible Christianization. Fortunately, the sacred icon of Mahalasa was rescued before the destruction. To ensure its safety, the icon was moved from Velham to its current location in Mardol, which was outside Portuguese control at the time. When the present temple was constructed in the 17th century, the icon was reconsecrated, continuing its devotional lineage in a new sanctuary.

There are also traditions suggesting the icon's journey predates its time in Verna, with some accounts placing its original temple in Nepal, followed by a move to Aurangabad in Maharashtra. During periods of Mughal rule, when Aurangabad was under Muslim authority, the icon was reportedly moved to a secret location in Goa before a smaller temple was eventually built at Verna.

Architecture and Complex

The temple complex is not solely dedicated to Mahalasa; it also houses smaller shrines for the goddesses Shantadurga (Santeri) and Lakshmi Narayan (Vishnu accompanied by his consort Lakshmi), who are worshipped daily. Additionally, within the premises are shrines for five main ganas (attendants) of Mahalasa: Grampurush, Bhagwati, Dadh, Simha Purush, and Mhal Purush. Daily worship is conducted for all these deities before attending to the main goddess.

A notable feature of the Mardol temple is its large brass bell, which famously lacks a ringer. Historically, a ringer was attached only when someone needed to take an oath. It was believed that the goddess would punish anyone who lied while ringing the bell, a belief so strong that testimonies given in the temple were considered legally admissible in court during Portuguese rule. The temple is also recognized for its Brass Divli/Samai, an ornate oil lamp.

Rituals and Festivals

Mahalasa is venerated as both a female deity (Mohini) and, at times, as a male form of Vishnu. Throughout the year, she is adorned and worshipped in costumes representing various Vishnu-related deities, including his consort Lakshmi and his male manifestations such as Rama, Krishna (in his infant form as Bala Krishna, and as Krishna slaying Kaliya), Vithoba, and Venkateswara.

Special significance is attached to Sundays, a day for Palakhi Seva, where the goddess is carried around the temple in a decorated palanquin, attracting large crowds of devotees. The temple's primary annual celebrations are the Magha Jatra festival and the Navaratri festival, dedicated to the Hindu goddess.

In 2011, the temple administration banned the entry of foreigners, citing reasons of objectionable dressing and conduct.