Navdurga Temple

Tiwsadi, the taluka of Panaji, was the original location of this deity before communal violence and persecution by Portuguese saw that temple destroyed. It had multiple idols. The rescue act saw a few idols going to neighbouring Vengulara Redi in Maharashtra while others to Kundaim and Madkai in Ponda, Goa. Navdurga or Mahishasuramardini is a fierce avatar of Goddess Durga. She is a popular deity in Goa and, similar to Goddess Shantadurga, you may come across Navdurga temples elsewhere in the state too. However, the Nadurgas at these two locations in Goa (along with the Navdurga at Vengulara in Maharashtra) are considered as the patron deities of a large community of people. This site in Madkai is particularly considered as the most magnificent in Goa and commands a relatively large following. Its unique idol of the presiding deity has a tilted head. Legend goes that when a wealthy devotee offered an expensive flower to the Goddess, her head tilted.

This Goan temple was built in the early 17th century and has been renovated a few times since and has a mix of old and new idols. Some of the idols here have been replaced a few times. However, the latest idol replacement planned in 2016 has run in to trouble. A few devotees have opposed the replacement of the traditional idol and the argument is now sub-judice. When you visit, feel free to check the status. Drive a few kilometres from Mahalaxmi Temple (or from the lake side entrance of Nagesh Temple) towards Madkai to reach this site.