Shri Mahalsa, Mardol

         The temple is dedicated to Mohini a female form of Lord Vishnu.

According to Hindu mythology, when amrit (a potion for immortality) was obtained after churning of sea by devas (gods) and asuras (demons). A battle was fought between the gods and demons for the possession of amrit, it seemed that the demons might win and become immortal with amrit.
                                                 So, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, the most beautiful women ever and lured the demons by her beauty and took away the pot of amrit from them and handed over to gods.

This beautiful temple was constructed in 1567, its courtyard is dominated by a seven storeyed deepmal or lamp tower, besides which is a 12.5 metres high deepa stambha (oil lamp) made of five metal (panchalayi) which is considered to be the largest of its kind in the world. It symbolises the mythological churning of sea, where mount kailash was used as a churning stick, which was placed on the back of tortoise Kurma (featured at the base of the lamp), the second form of Lord Vishnu. Vasuki, the serpent was wound around mount kailasha, as a churning rope and the sea was churned to retrieve the treasures of the world lost in the Great Flood. On top of the lamp is Garuda, the celestial vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The lamp is lit on every sunday evenings.

The interiors of the temple are very impressive with intricately carved huge wooden pillars and slatted windows. The worship hall of the temple has painted carvings of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu which are quite interesting. The main sanctum has a silver frame on its doorway inside which is the idol of the presiding deity draped in red and yellow silk. The temple has a red pyramidal roof in typical oriental style.

To the west of the temple a flight of steps leads down to a water tank, besides a sacred peepal tree. The scenic views behind the temple with palm trees and paddy field are breath taking.

The main festivals celebrated here are the Vijayarathotssava, popularly known as Mahalsa Jatra (February) and Navratri (Sep./Oct.)

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