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 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). 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.
Goa-travel.com provides information on Shri Mahalaxmi at Bandora in Goa and different Temples in Goa.
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