Bandora Mahalaxmi Temple, Goa

Address

Bandora Mahalaxmi Temple, Bandiwade Bandora, Ponda, Goa 403401 Phone: 0832 233 5355

Diety

Amman: Sri Mahalaxmi

Introduction

• Location: Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is situated in Bandora (Bandivade), North Goa, about 27 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand and 22 km from Margao Railway Station. It is located approximately 4 km from Ponda.
• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.
• Significance: The temple is known for housing the original Goddess of the Shakti cult and is unique for the Devi wearing a linga on her head. It features one of the largest galleries of wooden images of Vishnu in India.

Puranic Significance:

• Historical Worship: The Goddess Mahalakshmi was revered by the Shilahara rulers (750-1030 A.D.) and the early Kadamba kings of Goa.
• Temple History: Originally located in Kolambe near Colva Beach, the temple was destroyed by the Portuguese. Devotees relocated the idol to Talaulim, and later it was moved to Bandivade, Ponda, where a small temple was established in 1866.
• Architectural Features: The temple’s modern structure includes a beautifully decorated arch and entrance, sculptures of elephants, a black stone Deepa Sthamba, a Tulsi Vrindavan, and antique chandeliers in the Sabha Mandapa. The walls are adorned with paintings and engravings depicting various Puranic stories and images from the Bhagavata sect.

Special Features:

• Idol Description: The idol of Mahalaxmi features four arms, holding a sickle, club, dagger, and a vessel with Prasad and flowers. The image closely resembles the Mahalakshmi idol at Kolhapur and is unique for its feature of wearing a Linga on her head.
• Shakti Worship: Mahalaxmi is considered an incarnation of ‘Adishakti,’ the supreme form of power and energy. The Shaktas worship Adishakti in the form of the Linga. This form of worship reflects the historical context of the Saraswats as worshippers of ‘Shiva-Shakti.’

Festivals:

• Navaratri: Celebrated grandly at the temple.
• Shri Ram Navami: Another significant festival.
• Shri Mahalakshmi Pratishthapana Day: Celebrated in Vaisakha.
• Maha Shivaratri: During this festival, the main idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi is paraded on a chariot carried by devotees.

Century/Period/Age

750-1030 A. D

Nearest Bus Station

Panjim Kadamba

Nearest Railway Station

Madgaon Station

Nearest Airport

Goa

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