Betki Mandodari Temple, Goa

Address

Betki Mandodari Temple Betki , Khandola , Ponda Taluk Goa 403401

Deity

Amman: Goddess Shakthi

Introduction

• Mandodari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakthi and is located in Betki Village, near Marcel Town in Ponda Taluk, North Goa, India.
• The temple is situated about 700 meters from Betki Bus Stop, 14 kilometers from Karmali Railway Station, and 36 kilometers from Goa Airport.

Puranic Significance

• The name Mandodari is derived from the Sanskrit words “Mand” (water) and “Udar” (stomach), which together can be interpreted as “born in water” or “associated with water”.
• There may be some confusion with the name Mandodari, as it is also the name of Ravana’s wife in the Ramayana. However, the temple is not dedicated to the character from the Hindu epic, but rather to a local deity associated with water.
• The temple is believed to have been constructed in honor of children sacrificed for the well-being of the village, specifically to ensure the availability of a free-flowing stream of water.
• In the absence of well water, streams were vital for the village’s water supply, leading the community to worship this deity for the prosperity and sustainability of this essential resource. The name Mandodari reflects the deity’s strong connection to water and its critical role in the villagers’ lives.

Special Features

• Age of the Temple: The Mandodari Temple is believed to be over 1000 years old.
• Structure: It is a small temple with a sanctum and an extended mandapam.
• Village Deity: Mandodari is regarded as the gramadevata (village deity) of Betki Village and is housed in the sanctum of the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Nearest Bus Station

Betki

Nearest Railway Station

Karmali Station

Nearest Airport

Goa Airport

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