Shri
Mahalaxmi Temple is 4 kms. from Ponda. Situated in the village of Bandode.
It is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult. The
Sabhamandap has a gallery of 18 images, out of 24 images of emanatory
aspects of Bhagvata sect, which is considered one of the few galleries of
wooden images of Vishnu in India.
The image of Mahalakshmi has a
close resemblance to that of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur, the main centre of
worship. Her special feature is that she wears a linga on her head and is
considered a peaceful or Satvik form of the Devi. The Goddess Mahalakshmi
was worshipped by the Shilahara rulers (750-1030 A. D.) and the early
Kadamba Kings of Goa.
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