Mahalaxmi Temple

Mahalaxmi is the Goddess of wealth, prosperity and beauty. She is the main deity worshiped on one of the biggest Hindu festivals of Deepawali. In Indian mythology, she is the wife of Lord Vishnu. It is said that when Lord Vishnu descended on earth taking on the avatars of Rama and Krishna, Goddess Laxmi incarnated as Sita and Rukmini respectively. Culturally speaking, all new born girls are perceived as incarnations of this iconic Goddess.

This is a unique temple with two idols of Goddess Mahalaxmi. The temple is known to exist since 12th century CE. The other idol though has a familiar story of rescue and rehabilitation from the Portuguese persecution. It was moved in the dark of the night and smuggled from Colva in Salcete taluka and installed here to the right of existing idol in the 16th century. The other interesting fact about this temple is that it also celebrates the two people responsible for the rescue act. The site has a small dome installed in their memory as a sign of love, respect and courage shown by the duo in the face of adversity.
A few years ago, the temple installed a 15-feet tall statue of the Goddess built using a combination of five metals or panch dhatu. This 1936 CE creation by award-winning sculptor Late Mr. Ramchandra Kamat can be seen next to the entry-gate.