Shri Mahalasa Saunsthan is one of the oldest Hindu Temples in Goa, completing 450 years of existence at Mardol in Ponda Taluka. The Temple complex comprises of Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Shri Santeri Temple and the associate deities being housed separately behind and beside these main temples, a fresh water lake, two Agrashalas with a combined capacity of 50 rooms and an office block. One of the Agrashala has a multipurpose hall, suitable to accommodate about 500 persons.The Devasthan also runs a full time canteen within its precincts.

The Saunsthan celebrates various festivals throughout the year, Annual Jatrotsav in Magh and Navaratri in the month of Ashwin being the main festivals. Lakhs of devotees and tourists visit the temple every year to solicit blessings of the divine deity. The Saunsthan organizes annasantarpana, cultural programmes, besides various religious rituals annually.

The Saunsthan has some unique features to its credit viz, the Tallest Samai (lamp), full granite Sabhamandap, copper roof to the main temple, historic bell with legal sanctity and many more.

With a view to create an environment of religious serenity in the village of Mardol, with the temple as its focal point and precincts its aura, the general body of the Mahajans resolved to have create a Master Plan, for present and future managements to build upon and recreate a temple township according to Shri Vinay Pai Kane, President of the Saunsthan.

The Master Plan will reflect the essence of the temple dedicated to Shri Mahalasa Narayani, Mohini avatar of Lord Vishnu, the deep religiosity attached to the place, a sense of Justice which the Temple is famous for, and to create an environment which would induce peace to the mind and draw devotees to spend time in the precincts. The temple should be a centre for learning with focus on religious and spiritual literature, scriptures and to provide opportunities to the desirous to find peace and simultaneously giving the devotees necessary comfort, said Shri Vinay Pai Kane.

The proposed Master Plan is to provide for the next 50 years, facilities required for devotees of Shri Mahalasa Narayani, improve the environment around the temple with landscaped gardens, security of the temple wealth and stock, facilities required by the public for conduct of educational and religious rituals and a sense of direction which should have and includes creation of sustainable vocations for the local populace including creation of facilities to provide the artisans an opportunity to display their talent and wares. The plan would take into account the total property belonging to the temple and formulating plans for its best utilization.

The Managing Committee solicits “Expression of Interest” (EOI) from competent professionals/firms from across the country, conversant with temple culture, armed with brilliant, creative concepts and having reasonable experience. A jury of eminent, senior architects under the aegis of the Indian Institute of Architects will then shortlist five of the contenders who will then be invited to participate in the competition, the winner being rewarded Rs.75,000 and appointed retainer for a period of five years, renewable on mutual consent. The efforts of all firms invited to the competition will be suitably rewarded.

Shri Vinay Pai Kane further stated that the firms and individuals desirous of participating in the competition will be provided with the requisite survey plans and relevant details contained in the report of the Planning Committee accepted by the Saunsthan general body against their EOI. The EOI’s must be accompanied with details of the firm, list of manpower, financials of the previous two years and list of jobs completed.

The managing committee of the Saunsthan will release advertisements in leading local and national dailies inviting the EOI from competent professionals and firms. We are expecting a good response from the reputed professionals in the field, said Shri Kane.

A copy of the same will be placed on this website soon.