The Mahalsa temple complex, located near the small settlement of Mardol, in the northern part of Goa, was built in honour of God Vishnu, or rather his only female incarnation, the Goddess Mohini, or as she is also known Mahalasa Narayani.
It is believed that this temple was originally built in Nepal, and then the idol of the of the goddess was moved to the city of Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra. But after conquest of these territories by the Mughal army, it was hidden in a secret place in Goa. The present temple was built during the Portuguese rule. It consists of two main buildings, one of which is the Mahalsa temple itself and the other is is dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan, who is also worshipped there along with Vishnu. Also on the complex there is also a seven-storeyed tower resembling a tall candle.
The main attraction of the Mahalsa temple complex is considered to be the huge copper bell. It is not used in rituals. It used to be rung only when they wanted to know whether someone was telling the truth or not. Legend has it that if a person lies while the bell is ringing, the goddess will kill them for three days afterwards. People believed this so strongly that this method was even was officially used in court hearings during the reign of the of the Portuguese.
Every Sunday, the statue of the goddess is carried on a palanquin out of the temple, decorated with and garlanded with flowers and garlands and carried round the building. At this time the assembled people sing songs in honour of Mohini.
Recently, foreigners are not allowed into the temple, explaining that they do not follow the rules of behaviour in the temple. the rules of behaviour in the temple and not dressed appropriately for the temple. visit the place.
