Shree Mahalaxmi Saunsthan, Bandora — Attraction in Bandora

Hindus describes Mahalaxmi is a form of Mother of all Universes, who raised three super powers Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. This temple is built in the hollows of valley; the description of this temple goes this way, it has a small arched entrance at the one end with naubat khana placed on the up and further to this is a village. Two sides are kept open, in a miscellany of separate shrine parivar devatas are place displaying in the courtyard, with a simple plastered covering in a red colour. On the entrance of this main building there is a domed octagonal temple tower place with very rare two domes having the look of flattened which is something attractive, the main towers truncated dome is kept higher with huge lantern. This floor has new hall designed for dance and musical activities keeping in mind with festivals. Every side of mandapa’s entrance is designed with the arts of Hanuman who is known God of Monkey and Garoda Vishnu’s vehicle, half eagle half man and the doors are magnificently carved in wood placed with Ganesh on them.

A dynamic silver arched doorway which takes you from pillared hall to sanctuary, the best part is the creation of twenty four wooden panels painted lightly, thus displaying the pictures of Bhagvata Puran along with the story of Lord Krishna and Vishnu’s eighth incarnation. The actual main temple of Mahalaxmi is situated in Kolhapur one of Maharashtra’s state which is nearly 150 km away from Goa to the north. 4kms. from Ponda. Situated in the village of Bandode.

It is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult. The Sabhamandap has a gallery of 18 images, out of 24 images of emanatory aspects of Bhagvata sect, which is considered one of the few galleries of wooden images of Vishnu in India . The image of Mahalakshmi has a close resemblance to that of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur , the main centre of worship. Her special feature is that she wears a linga on her head and is considered a peaceful or Satvik form of the Devi. The Goddess Mahalakshmi was worshipped by the Shilahara rulers (750-1030 A. D.) and the early Kadamba Kings of Goa.

ABOUT SHREE MAHALAXMI TEMPLE Mahalaxmi is the Goddess of power and strength and is believed to be an incarnation of ‘Adishakti’-the supreme form of power and energy. The Shaktas- worshippers of Shakti cult, among the Saraswats, worshipped Adishakti in the form of the linga.

Wedding Halls:Kalyan Mantap is a wedding hall service offered by the Devasthan than to the devotees. Those who want to start their new beginning or perform any auspicious function near the feet of the Goddess Mahalaxmi can book the hall and perform the rituals. There are 2 halls 1)Out of two one hall is big and suitable for weddings and other bigger function with an attached buffet hall. One can book this hall with the Devasthan in advance for any bigger function like a wedding. 2)The second hall is a bit smaller as compared to the first one and can be suitable for small religious rituals like poojas, and Devkaryas.

Accommodation:Shree Mahalaxmi Devasthan offers accommodation to the devotees who come from other sates to pay their prayers and devotion to the Goddess Mahalaxmi. Rooms are available at an affordable rate with all the basic amenities for a better experience. Rooms are clean, and furnished with the bed, table, chair, and mirror. Devasthan has two types of rooms AC(Air conditioner) and Non-AC (Without air conditioner). Devotees can choose the rooms as per their requirements and can stay for days. Since rooms are within the premise of the temple, one can visit the temple anytime they wish to and offer prayers.

Parking:Temple has a very larger parking area which can accommodate several cars at a time. The parking area is within the premise of the temple and the temple is at a walkable distance. Cars and bikes parked at the parking area are very much safe and secure.

Canteen:Devasthan also has a canteen that serves a complete meal to the devotees. You can have a pure veg meal at...

Under the Portuguese rule, Portuguese relations with Hindus were not so good, it was during early 19th century Portuguese’s were so patient and co-operate with Hindus here in Bandora, in order to be grateful Hindus built here a temple called “Mahalaxmi” as she is referred to as Goddess of peace.

Mahalaxmi is the Goddess of power and strength and is believed to be an incarnation of ‘Adishakti’-the supreme form of power and energy. The Shaktas- worshippers of Shakti cult, among the Saraswats, worshipped Adishakti in the form of the linga.

Many accept Mahalaxmi as Pallavi, their supporting deity, who is believed to have been released when the gods and demons were churning the ocean for amrita the nectar of immortality. The Saraswats, at the time of their arrival in Goa , were worshippers of ‘Shiva-Shakti’- Shiva being represented by the ‘Linga’, and Shakti as the Goddess. Thus Shri Mahalaxmi was their Goddess and has been worshipped by the Shilahara rulers (750-1030 A.D.) and also the Kadamba Kings of Goa. This peaceful or Satvika form of devi that shows in the idol at this temple has a unique feature- that she wears linga on her head.

In addition to the black granite stone idol that we can see now, there was also an Utsava idol made of ‘panchloha’ (five metals). It is said that during the Portugese inquisition in 1557, two non-Brahmins, Sapta and Phato, carried the Utsava idol in a box, to save it from the rage of the Portuguese who already had then destroyed the granite idol. Sapta and Phato traveled by boat along the Arabian Sea, crossed the Rasai River and reached Talawal or Durbat in Atrunja, and handed over the Utsava idol to the Bhandiwade Mahalaxmi Temple . As a reward, Satto and Phato were given two balls of rice after the midday mahapuja under the instruction from the goddess to the temple management. This practice is still carried out at a small hut constructed (near the temple) in memory of these...

Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is located in Bandora in North Goa and temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi is the goddess of power and strength. She is believed to be the mother of universes and an incarnation of Adishakti, the supreme form of power and energy. Moreover, she is also believed to have raised the powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The Shri Mahalaxmi Temple in Bandora was built in her honor.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, relations between the Portuguese and Hindus were grim, at best. However, there came a time when peace prevailed between the communities and they started to co-operate with each other. This resulted in a time of peace. To show their gratefulness, the Hindus built the Shri Mahalaxmi Temple.

Upon approaching the Bandora Mahalaxmi temple, the first thing that you notice is the modern temple structure. The entrances of the temple are beautifully-decorated with elephant sculptures. Inside the walls, the temple contains numerous paintings and engravings of Lord Hanuman, Lord Garuda, and Lord Ganesha.

While walking into the extreme interiors of the temple, you will find yourself within the original abode of the Shakti goddess. Inside this, lies the granite idol of Mahalaxmi, her four arms widely stretched out. Each of her hands contains a sickle, a dagger, and a vessel containing prasad and flowers. The temple also contains an idol made out of panchaloha.

The best time when you can visit the Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is during Navaratri when the city brings out its pomp and grandeur. A must visit temple surely if you are a religious minded & devoted person & so it is even...