Mahalaksmi Temple

Surprised to find a popular Hindu temple in Panaji? Read on for the associated Portuguese heritage. For all the evangelization and destruction of ancient heritage that the colonizers are responsible for in Goa, they also had one liberal governor in 1818 CE by the name of Conde De Rio Pardo, who granted permission to build this temple. This was the first Hindu temple to be built in the area after nearly 300 years.

Fearing the policy of proselytizing and the practice of destruction of temples, the idol was hidden for many years. Mr. Narayan Kamat Mhamai, an influential person of the time, brought the idol to Panaji, his city of residence. He and his friend Mr. Purshottam Prabhu Sinari are credited with the construction of the Mahalakshmi Temple in 1819. Since then the Hindu community that settled in Taleigao of Tiswadi Taluka and originally brought along the statue to Goa in the 16th century lived without fear. While the temple now houses a metallic statue, the original one which has been carved out of stone, remains in safe custody within the same premises. This place of worship devoted to the Hindu Goddess of wealth and prosperity observes annual festivities in the month of August.
Mahalakshmi Temple remains open between 7:30 am and 9:00 pm and conducts aarti twice a day, at noon and at 8:00 pm. Fridays are special, the devotees sing bhajans (devotional songs) between 9:00 pm – 10: 00 pm. Last renovated in 1983, this major landmark is situated on Dada Vaidhya Road and is within walking distance of the Church of Immaculate Conception symbolizing mutual respect and communal harmony.