Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Bandora
A serene sanctuary in Bandora, Goa, dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, known for its unique idol and intricate wooden art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Bandora
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene sanctuary in Bandora, Goa, dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, known for its unique idol and intricate wooden art.
"A serene and spiritually uplifting place! The Mahalaxmi Temple in Bandora is one of the most peaceful and beautifully maintained temples in Goa."
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees to show respect. :pray:
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of ongoing prayers; ask before taking close-ups. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi
Sanctum
Goddess Mahalaxmi's unique idol, adorned with a linga on her head, radiates divine grace and power.
Intricate Wooden Panels
Sabhamandap
Marvel at 18 painted wooden panels depicting scenes from the Bhagvata Purana, a rare artistic treasure.
Traditional Goan Architecture
Temple Facade
Admire the temple's beautiful blend of traditional Goan style with intricate carvings and a distinctive domed tower.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Respectful Attire and Conduct
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees to show respect. :pray:
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of ongoing prayers; ask before taking close-ups. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Temple has a large, secure parking area within premises. :car:
🍽️ On-site Canteen
Enjoy pure vegetarian meals at the temple's canteen. :forkandknifewithplate:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees to show respect. :pray:
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of ongoing prayers; ask before taking close-ups. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Temple has a large, secure parking area within premises. :car:
🍽️ On-site Canteen
Enjoy pure vegetarian meals at the temple's canteen. :forkandknifewithplate:
🏨 Affordable Accommodation
Rooms available for devotees at reasonable rates. :bed:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Bandora for its serene ambiance, beautiful architecture, and spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The unique idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi and the intricate wooden panels are frequently highlighted as must-see features. It's considered a peaceful sanctuary offering a blend of devotion and tranquility, making it a worthwhile visit for both devotees and cultural explorers.
"Goas one of the most beautiful temple. Soothing ambience and beautiful architecture 😍 must visit🩷💕"
Prachi Pradeep Naik
"A serene and spiritually uplifting place! 🙏✨
The Mahalaxmi Temple in Bandora is one of the most peaceful and beautifully maintained temples in Goa. Surrounded by greenery and a calm atmosphere, it offers a perfect blend of devotion and tranquility.
The temple architecture is stunning — traditional Goan style with intricate carvings and a well-kept courtyard. The idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi radiates divine grace, and the energy inside the sanctum feels powerful yet soothing.
The temple premises are clean and organized, with ample parking and facilities for devotees. Festivals like Navratri and Chaitra Pournima are celebrated with great devotion and vibrant decorations.
Whether you’re a devotee or a traveler exploring Goa’s heritage temples, Mahalaxmi Temple, Bandora is definitely worth a visit for its divine ambiance and positive vibrations. 🌸🪔"
Laxman Gunaji
"Hindus describes Mahalaxmi is a form of Mother of all Universes, who raised three super powers Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer.
This temple is built in the hollows of valley; the description of this temple goes this way, it has a small arched entrance at the one end with naubat khana placed on the up and further to this is a village. Two sides are kept open, in a miscellany of separate shrine parivar devatas are place displaying in the courtyard, with a simple plastered covering in a red colour. On the entrance of this main building there is a domed octagonal temple tower place with very rare two domes having the look of flattened which is something attractive, the main towers truncated dome is kept higher with huge lantern.
This floor has new hall designed for dance and musical activities keeping in mind with festivals. Every side of mandapa’s entrance is designed with the arts of Hanuman who is known God of Monkey and Garoda Vishnu’s vehicle, half eagle half man and the doors are magnificently carved in wood placed with Ganesh on them.
A dynamic silver arched doorway which takes you from pillared hall to sanctuary, the best part is the creation of twenty four wooden panels painted lightly, thus displaying the pictures of Bhagvata Puran along with the story of Lord Krishna and Vishnu’s eighth incarnation. The actual main temple of Mahalaxmi is situated in Kolhapur one of Maharashtra’s state which is nearly 150 km away from Goa to the north. 4kms. from Ponda. Situated in the village of Bandode.
It is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult. The Sabhamandap has a gallery of 18 images, out of 24 images of emanatory aspects of Bhagvata sect, which is considered one of the few galleries of wooden images of Vishnu in India . The image of Mahalakshmi has a close resemblance to that of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur , the main centre of worship. Her special feature is that she wears a linga on her head and is considered a peaceful or Satvik form of the Devi. The Goddess Mahalakshmi was worshipped by the Shilahara rulers (750-1030 A. D.) and the early Kadamba Kings of Goa.
ABOUT SHREE MAHALAXMI TEMPLE
Mahalaxmi is the Goddess of power and strength and is believed to be an incarnation of ‘Adishakti’-the supreme form of power and energy. The Shaktas- worshippers of Shakti cult, among the Saraswats, worshipped Adishakti in the form of the linga.
Wedding Halls:Kalyan Mantap is a wedding hall service offered by the Devasthan than to the devotees. Those who want to start their new beginning or perform any auspicious function near the feet of the Goddess Mahalaxmi can book the hall and perform the rituals.
There are 2 halls
1)Out of two one hall is big and suitable for weddings and other bigger function with an attached buffet hall. One can book this hall with the Devasthan in advance for any bigger function like a wedding.
2)The second hall is a bit smaller as compared to the first one and can be suitable for small religious rituals like poojas, and Devkaryas.
Accommodation:Shree Mahalaxmi Devasthan offers accommodation to the devotees who come from other sates to pay their prayers and devotion to the Goddess Mahalaxmi. Rooms are available at an affordable rate with all the basic amenities for a better experience. Rooms are clean, and furnished with the bed, table, chair, and mirror. Devasthan has two types of rooms AC(Air conditioner) and Non-AC (Without air conditioner). Devotees can choose the rooms as per their requirements and can stay for days. Since rooms are within the premise of the temple, one can visit the temple anytime they wish to and offer prayers.
Parking:Temple has a very larger parking area which can accommodate several cars at a time. The parking area is within the premise of the temple and the temple is at a walkable distance. Cars and bikes parked at the parking area are very much safe and secure.
Canteen:Devasthan also has a canteen that serves a complete meal to the devotees. You can have a pure veg meal at this canteen."
SIDDESH NAIK
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is conveniently located in Bandora, just about 4 km from Ponda. You can easily reach it by local bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw. Many visitors also find it accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. 
The temple has a large parking area within the premises, and the main areas are generally accessible. However, some older sections might have steps. It's advisable to check on arrival for specific needs.
The temple is situated in Bandora, a village near Ponda. Ponda is the closest major town, and Panaji (Panjim), the capital of Goa, is about 28 km away.
From Ponda, head towards Bandora. The temple is well-signposted. If using GPS, searching for 'Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Bandora' should guide you directly.
Yes, local buses frequently run between Ponda and Bandora, making public transport a viable and economical option for reaching the temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to visit the Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Bandora. It is a place of worship, and entry is free for all devotees and visitors.
The temple is generally open from early morning until late evening. Specific timings can vary, but it's usually accessible throughout the day for darshan.
Yes, visiting during festivals like Navratri or Chaitra Pournima is highly recommended for a vibrant experience, though it will be more crowded.
No, advance booking is not required as there is no entry fee. You can visit the temple at your convenience during its operating hours.
While generally open all day, it's best to avoid very late hours. The temple is a place of worship, so respectful visiting hours are appreciated.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This temple is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult and is believed to be an incarnation of 'Adishakti'. The idol resembles the one in Kolhapur, a major center of worship.
Don't miss the unique idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi with a linga on her head, and the rare gallery of 18 painted wooden panels depicting the Bhagvata Purana in the Sabhamandap.
Photography is generally permitted in most areas, but it's crucial to be respectful and avoid clicking pictures during prayers or aartis. Always be mindful of others.
Yes, the temple premises are well-maintained and usually offer basic facilities like restrooms and drinking water for devotees.
Visit during quieter hours, dress modestly, and take time to absorb the serene ambiance. Participating in aarti, if available, can be a profound experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Devasthan operates a canteen that serves pure vegetarian meals to devotees. It's a convenient option for a simple, wholesome meal.
The canteen offers complete vegetarian meals, providing a taste of local Goan cuisine in a sattvic environment.
While the temple canteen is convenient, you can find various local eateries and restaurants in the nearby town of Ponda, offering a wider range of cuisines.
It's generally advisable to consume food outside the main temple complex out of respect. The canteen is available for meals.
Trying the local vegetarian thali at the temple canteen is a good way to experience authentic Goan flavors in a spiritual setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The temple's facade with its intricate carvings and domed tower, the courtyard with the shrines, and the beautifully decorated entrance are great for photos. The wooden panels inside are also visually striking.
Photography is usually not allowed inside the inner sanctum where the main idol is housed. Always look for signage or ask temple authorities.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers a softer, more atmospheric glow, ideal for capturing the temple's beauty without harsh shadows.
Drone photography is generally prohibited at religious sites to maintain peace and privacy. It's best to avoid using drones.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is suitable. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded hours to allow children to explore at a comfortable pace. The peaceful ambiance can be a good contrast to the usual tourist hustle, offering a moment of calm reflection for the whole family. Remember to dress modestly and explain the importance of quiet behavior within the temple grounds.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Visitors often describe the energy within the sanctum as both powerful and soothing. Taking time to sit in quiet contemplation, observe the rituals (if any are taking place), and absorb the divine aura can be a deeply rewarding experience. The availability of affordable accommodation within the temple premises further enhances the opportunity for a prolonged spiritual retreat.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The interplay of light and shadow, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, can create stunning photographic opportunities. Remember to be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. While photography is generally allowed in many areas, avoid intrusive shots during prayers or aartis. Focus on capturing the architectural details, the artistic expressions on the wooden panels, and the overall serene ambiance of the temple complex.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Significance
It is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult, a powerful aspect of the divine feminine. The temple's architecture reflects a blend of traditional Goan style with unique elements, including a domed octagonal tower. The presiding deity, Goddess Mahalaxmi, is revered as the Mother of all Universes and an incarnation of 'Adishakti'. Her idol bears a striking resemblance to the main deity at Kolhapur, a significant pilgrimage site in Maharashtra. A unique feature of the Bandora idol is the presence of a linga on her head, signifying a peaceful or Satvik form of the Devi.
Historically, the Goddess Mahalakshmi was worshipped by rulers like the Shilahara dynasty and the early Kadamba Kings of Goa. The temple's Sabhamandap houses a rare gallery of 18 painted wooden panels, depicting scenes from the Bhagvata Purana, which is considered one of the few such galleries in India.
Architectural Marvels
The temple's main tower is a domed, octagonal structure, with a truncated dome that is higher and features a large lantern, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the Sabhamandap is a highlight, featuring a gallery of 18 intricately carved and painted wooden panels. These panels vividly illustrate scenes from the Bhagvata Purana, narrating the stories of Lord Krishna and Vishnu's incarnations. This collection is considered one of the few of its kind in India, showcasing remarkable artistry and storytelling through wood.
The transition from the pillared hall to the sanctuary is marked by a dynamic silver arched doorway. The temple premises also include separate shrines for parivar devatas, displayed in the courtyard, and a modern hall designed for dance and musical activities during festivals. The overall design emphasizes both spiritual devotion and cultural expression.
Community and Facilities
For devotees traveling from afar, the temple provides accommodation in both AC and Non-AC rooms at affordable rates. These rooms are clean, furnished, and located within the temple premises, allowing for easy access to darshan at any time.
Practical amenities include a spacious and secure parking area within the temple grounds. Additionally, a canteen is available on-site, serving pure vegetarian meals, making it convenient for visitors to dine without leaving the premises.
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