Panaji TEMPLE

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Mahalaxmi Temple

The Mahalaxmi temple enshrines the deity of Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth. Mahalaxmi is also regarded the presiding deity of the Panaji city. The temple was approved for construction in 1818, after the elapse of 300 years and inordinate delays by the Portuguese authorities. Located on the Dada Vaidya road (Rua de Saudade during the Portuguese times), the Mahalaxmi deity is the chief object of veneration for all Panjimites, irrespective of caste, class, sex or creed.

The original deity today lies in a small box in the rear wall of the temple which faces the present day main idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi. Sometime later in 1817, Narayan Kamat Mhamai of Panaji dreamt of the deity and the next day itself he along with others went to Mayem and brought the diety to Panjim and hid it at a place where stands the People's High School today.

The magnificent subhamandap of the temple has been added later and today the recently completed new building of the temple stands proudly as a superb addition to the landmarks of Panjim city. During the process of approval the deity was at the house of Mhamai Kamat, near the Idalcao's palace.

The main festivals at this temple are Navaratri and Chaitra Purnima. It was secretly moved to Bicholim in the 16th century to escape Portuguese persecution. Still fearing for the safety and security of the deity, he moved it to Mayem village of the Bicholim Taluka where it remained till 1817. The Maruti Jatra festival held at the Shri Mahalakshmi Temple during January-February draws a large number of devotees.