Mahalsa Temple in Ponda, Goa

The Mahalsa temple, dedicated to Goddess Mahalsa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is located in Mardol village in Ponda Taluka, Goa state of India. It is a huge temple famous for its architectural grandeur. Also known as Mahalsa Narayani temple, this is a prominent shrine in Ponda.

The deity of this temple was originally located in the village of Verna. But when the Portuguese invaded, it was moved to the current location.

The deepasthambha or the ornamental lamp pillar in the courtyard is the main attraction of this temple. It is 40 feet in height and contains 21 rings of a hundred-and-fifty small lamps, which are lit up during the annual festival day.