Shree Mahalasa Narayani Temple

During the Samudra manthan (churning of the ocean of milk) by the gods and the demons, the demons steal the pot of amruta (elixir of immortality). The god Vishnu took the form of the enchantress, Mohini. Mohini seized the amruta from the demons and served it to the gods. Mohini is worshipped as Mahalasa Narayani or Mahalasa.

According to another legend linking her to Khandoba, the god Shiva enchanted by Mohini. She promises to be his wife in her earthly reincarnation when he would be incarnate as Khandoba on earth. Mhalsa (as called in the Khandoba cult) is considered a form of Mohini as well as Shiva’s wife Parvati. Mhalsa was born as the daughter of a rich Lingayat merchant in Newasa called Timmaseth. On the divine orders of Khandoba in a dream to her father, Mhalsa was married to Khandoba on Pausha Pournima (the full moon day of Hindu calendar month of Pausha) in Pali (Pembar). Two shivlingas appeared on this occasion. An annual festival marking this event is celebrated in Pali every Pausha Pournima.

Lakhs of devotees and tourists visit the 450-year old temple every year to solicit blessings of the Divine Deity.

The Mardol temple has some unique features to its credit viz, the tallest Samai (lamp) or the Dnyandeepa, and the Deepasthambha (see photo below), which is famous all over the world thanks to it being highlighted in posters of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation; a full-granite Sabha Mantapa, copper roof to the main temple, historic bell with legal sanctity and many more interesting things.

A very special feature in Mardol temple is the appearance of Shri Mahalasa in various Alankaars at various periods, sometimes during various times of the day.

To the keen devotee, she appears as various Gods and Goddesses and Special Puja Offerings can be made to the deity.