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Shri Mahalaxmi at Bandora in Goa | Temples in Goa

Temples in Goa - "Mahalaxmi" is regarded as the goddess of peace. Hindus describe Mahalaxmi as a form of Mother of all Universes, who raised three super powers; Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. She is worshipped from many ages and by the 8th century many of the Hindu leaders adopted her.

Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is 4 kms from Ponda in the village Bandora. The presiding deity is Shri Mahalaxmi other deities in the temple are Shri Narayan, Shri Baleshwar, Shri Ravalnath and Shri Narayan Purush.

This place was known in the past as "Bandiwad" or "Bandivadem". Mahalaxmi is the Goddess of power and strength. She is believed to be an incarnation of 'Adishakti'-the supreme power and energy.

The Shaktas, among the Saraswats, worshipped Adishakti in the form of the linga. Many accept her as Pallavi, their supporting
deity, believing that this Goddess of tremendous strength and power was released when the devas and rakshasas were churning the ocean for amrita (nectar).

Religious Places in Goa - This Goddess has been worshipped by the Shilahara rulers (750-1030 A.D.) and the Kadamba Kings of Goa. This peaceful or Satvika form of Devi has a unique feature, that she wears linga on her head.

Many think that this temple was shifted from Colva in Sasasthi (Salcette) in 16th century during Portuguese invasion.

In fact the temple was erected at Bandivade. Because of transportation problem the Saraswats also built another temple in Colva which was then shifted to the main abode i.e. to the Bandivade Mahalaxmi Temple.

The history of the earliest known temples in Goa dates back to over a thousand years. The fundamental design of the temples of Goa are in essence like most Hindu temples in India, organized around the central shrine or the Garbagriha or the sanctum sanctorum that is home to the main deity.

The pyramidal shaped tower or the traditional Shikara arises from the main shrine. Generally, there are two or more smaller shrines housing other deities known as Parivar Devatas around the entrance to the Garbagriha.

The major temples in Goa are Shri Mahalaxmi at Bandora, Shri Bhagavati Temple, Shri Mangueshi Temple, Shri Shantadurga Temple, Shri Nagesh at Bandora, Shri Mahalsa at Mardol, and Shri Chandranath at Quepem.

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