Site of the original Mahalasa Temple - Varunyapuri (old Mardol)

India / Goa / Queula /
This was a temple fort razed to the ground by the Portuguese in 1567 is now being rebuilt by Hindu devotees.

The 8-foot carving on laterite stone is that of Mother Goddess transported intact from Curdi, near Selaulim dam in Sanguem in 1987, by the collaborative effort of the Directorate of Archives, Archeology and Museum and Goa University.(See the photo)

When the Portuguese took possession of Salcete from the Moslem ruler, the soldiers on their way to the Rachol fort stopped at this site, where the Mass was offered in 1519/1520. A cross was erected here (visible on the photo) to commemorate this event.

The water tank or ablution pool is one of the largest in Goa.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   15°21'35"N   73°56'43"E
This article was last modified 7 years ago