ॐ साईं राम

तत् त्वम् असि • Love is God • अयम् आत्मा ब्रह्म • Help Ever Hurt Never • ब्रह्मन् • Omnipotent • सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म • Vedas are Breath of God • यद् भावं तद् भवति • Omniscient Love All Serve All • प्रज्ञानम् ब्रह्म • अहम् ब्रह्म अस्मि • God is Love  • Omnipresent

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Shri Shantadurga Temple, Kavlem

Shri Shantadurga Temple

Shri Mahaveer Ji Temple, located in Mahaveerji town (formerly Chandanpur) in Karauli district, Rajasthan, is a revered Digambara Jain Atishaya Kshetra dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.


ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं महालासायै नमः॥

― Shri Shantadurga Temple

She is regarded as a powerful deity who combines the strength of Devi Durga and the wisdom of Vishnu, making her a unique form of Shakti. The temple is an important center of faith for Goud Saraswat Brahmins and other Goan Hindu communities, with a long spiritual and cultural legacy.

Mythological Significance & History

The original shrine of Mahalasa Devi was located in Verna, Salcete. During the Portuguese rule, many Hindu temples were destroyed or relocated to avoid persecution. The idol of Mahalasa was shifted to Mardol in the 16th century, and the present temple complex was built and expanded over time by the local devotees.
The temple has since become a spiritual hub, and the deity is also considered the Kuldevi (family goddess) of many Hindu families in Goa and Karnataka. Several other temples dedicated to Mahalasa have since been built across India, but Mardol is considered the main seat of her worship.

Significance of the Temple

Goddess Mahalasa Narayani is believed to possess the combined energies of Vishnu, Durga, and Mohini, making her a unique deity of power, grace, and protection.
She is regarded as the destroyer of evil, granter of justice, and protector of dharma.
Devotees worship her for health, prosperity, protection from negative forces, and justice in legal matters.
The temple is also known for its strict discipline, where no alcohol or meat is allowed on temple premises or during festivals.
The main festivals celebrated here include Navratri, Jatra (Zatra) in Magha month, and Shukravar Seva (Friday services).

Architecture of the Temple

The temple reflects classic Goan temple architecture, featuring a multi-tiered deepastambha (lamp tower) and a spacious sabhamandap (assembly hall).

The idol of Mahalasa is in a standing posture, with four arms holding a trident, sword, demon’s head, and a drinking bowl, symbolizing her powerful yet graceful nature.

The sanctum is decorated with silver ornamentation, traditional oil lamps, and murals from mythology.

The temple complex also includes rest houses, gardens, and facilities for yagnas and religious functions.

How to Reach to Temple

Location: Mardol, Ponda Taluka, North Goa, Goa – 403404

🚌 By Road: Well-connected by road via Ponda. Buses and taxis are available from Panaji (20 km) and Margao.

✈️ By Air: Nearest airport is Manohar International Airport (Mopa) – approx. 30–35 km. Dabolim Airport is around 35–40 km.

🚆 By Train: Madgaon (Margao) Railway Station – 25 km; Thivim Railway Station – approx. 40 km.

Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    5:30 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Temple Location

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