Shri Mahalaxmi Temple

The Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is situated in the village of Bandode, 4kms from Ponda. The Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult. A tour of the temple can be made after offering prostrations to the Goddess Lakshmi – who is the presiding deity of Panaji, the capital of Goa. The Goddess Mahalakshmi was worshipped by the Shilahara rulers (750-1030 A. D.) and the early Kadamba Kings of Goa.

The ‘Sabhamandap’ in the Shri Mahalaxmi temple has a gallery of 18 images, out of 24 images of emanatory aspects of Bhagvata sect, which is considered one of the few galleries of wooden images of Vishnu in India. The image of Mahalakshmi in the Shri Mahalaxmi temple has a close resemblance to that of the image of the Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur – the main centre of worship. Her special feature is that she wears a linga on her head and is considered a ‘Satvik’ (peaceful) form of the Devi.

The main temple has been reconstructed recently. The main festivals at this temple are Navaratri and Chaitra Purnima.

Quick Facts:

• Location: Goa
• Deity: Goddess Lakshmi