The Shri Mahalsa Temple is one of the famous temple in Goa state dedicated to the Goddess Mahalsa. It is located at Mardol ward of Priol village of Ponda taluka which is just a five minutes drive from famous Mangeshi Temple. The Mahalsa temple is also known as the Shri Mahalsa Narayani Temple.

The Goddess Mahalsa is worshipped in two distinct forms or avatars. As an independent Goddess, she is considered as a form of Mohini, the female avatar of the god Vishnu which is known as Mahalsa Narayani.[2]

In second form, Mahalsa is considered to be a form of Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati. As per legends of Khandoba, Mahalsa was born as the daughter of a rich lingayat merchant in Newasa village called Timmaseth. On the divine orders of Khandoba in a dream to her father, Mahalsa was married to Khandoba on Pausha Pournima in Pali (Pembar). Khandoba is believed to be a manifestation of the rudra form of Lord Shiva.[2]

This temple represents a typical Goan Hindu temple style of architecture with distinctive white lamp tower, painted carvings of god/goddess inside the temple and ample space surrounding the temple. At the entrance of the temple there is a seven-storey lamp tower which is known as a Deepstambha, the Dnyandeepa tower and the tallest Samai tower. The Deepstambha  and Samai tower looks beautiful when it is illuminated at night with oil lamps during festivals.

The divine atmosphere within the temple and its surroundings makes you feel relaxed and provides inner peace.

Here are some beautiful pictures captured by me during my recent visit along with my family to Shri Mahalsa Temple.

Entrance of the temple

Entrance of the temple


The Samai tower and Dnyandeep tower


The Deepasthambha


Shri Mahalsa Temple


Shri Mahalsa Temple


Shri Mahalsa Temple


Shri Mahalsa Temple


Shri Mahalsa Temple


How to reach:
The best option is to hire a local taxi for sightseeing in Goa. The Mahalsa Temple is covered in South Goa sightseeing tour.
By Road – The temple of Shri Mahalsa is situated on Mardol ward of Priol Village of Ponda taluka. Many inter-state government-run and privately operated buses/taxi travel through Mardol from various cities of Goa.[1]
By Rail – The nearest railway station is Karmali or Old Goa, on Konkan Railway, from where one can take bus or taxi to Mardol
By Air – The nearest airport is located at Dabolim, which is 30 km from Panaji or Margao.

References:
1. Official Website – http://mardol.mahalasa.org/
2. Mhalsa Wiki site – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mhalsa