Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Mardol

Mahalasa Narayani Temple at Mardol, Ponda district, is one of the most important Goan shrines and home to a uniquely Goan deity. Mahalasa is considered a local form of Lakshmi, Mohini (the female avatar of Vishnu), or Goddess Durga, depending on the tradition — an example of the remarkable religious syncretism of Goa.

The temple's most striking feature is its Deepastambha — a magnificent 12.5-metre-tall lamp tower, one of the tallest in Goa, which when lit during festivals creates a dazzling spectacle. The temple complex also features a large talav (tank), a naubat-khana (drum house), and ornate silver doors. The original deity was brought here from Verna during the Portuguese period to save it from destruction. The current structure reflects the unique Indo-Portuguese temple style that emerged in this era.