Shri Mahalaxmi, Bandode         

The temple is considered to be the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult.

The stone plaques found in the temple indicate that the shrine has been in existence since 1413. The temple was rebuilt in 1913 but the old outline and the architectural style was retained.

The idol at temple of Mahalaxmi in Colva(Salcete taluka) was also brought here in 16th century, to avoid persecution during the Portuguese inquisition era. It is said that Safto and Fato, the two devotees brought the idol in trunk and first took it to the town of Talauli near Ponda, where the sign of the feet of the goddess is still worshipped.

There are also idols of Shri Ravalnath. Shri Baleshwar, Shri Narayan purush and the two devotees Safti and Fato.

The Sabha Mandap has gallery of 18 images, out of 24 images of emanatory aspects of Bhagvata sect. This rich collection of intricately carved wooden images of Vishnu are quite unique and cannot be seen anywhere else in the country. The image of Mahalaxmi has a close resemblance to that of Mahalaxmi at Kolhapur (Maharashtra), the main center of Mahalaxmi worship.

The Goddess Mahalaxmi was worshipped by the Shilahra rulers (750-1030 A.D) and the early Kadamba kings of Goa.

Festivals
The main festivals celebrated here are Ramnavami and Mahashivratri.

On Ramanavami day, the idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi from Colva is taken out in a procession, while on the second day of the festival, both the idols of Mahalaxmi are taken out in one chariot to be paraded in the huge procession.

On the auspicious day of Mahashivratri the main idol of Mahalaxmi is taken out on a chariot carried on the shoulders of devotees.

Distance's From :