Shri Laxmi Narasimha Temple


Almost immediately after leaving the village of Mardol on the main road, a side road to the right takes you up a hill towards the little village of Velinga and the Laxmi Narasimha Temple, one of the most attractive and secluded temples around Ponda. It’s dedicated to Narasimha, or Narayan, a half-lion half-human incarnation of Vishnu, which he created to defeat a formidable adversary.

The deity was moved here from the district of Salcete in 1567, and the most picturesque part of the temple is the old water tank, to the left of the compound as you enter, spring-fed and entered via a ceremonial gateway. Although the temple has a sign by the door announcing that entry is for the ‘devoted and believers only', respectful nonbelievers will probably be allowed to have a look.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Shri Mahalsa Temple

0.48 MILES

The Mahalsa Temple, 1km down the road from the Shri Manguesh Temple, is in the tiny village of Mardol. This temple’s deity originally resided in an…

2. Shri Manguesh Temple

0.9 MILES

Around 9km north of Ponda, this temple is one of the most visited of Goa’s Hindu temples, admirably combining two key features of Goan Hinduism: first, it…

3. Shri Naguesh Temple

1.93 MILES

In the village of Bandode is the small and peaceful Naguesh Temple. The most striking part of the temple is the ancient water tank, with its overhanging…

4. Shri Mahalaxmi Temple

1.95 MILES

Only 4km outside Ponda, and a stone’s throw from Naguesh Temple, is the relatively uninspiring Mahalaxmi Temple. The goddess Mahalaxmi, looked upon as the…

5. Shri Ramnath Temple

2.42 MILES

Though undoubtedly one of Ponda’s less-attractive temples, Shri Ramnath is notable for the impressive and extravagant silver screen on the door to the…

6. Safa Shahouri Masjid

2.57 MILES

The Safa Shahouri Masjid, Goa’s oldest remaining mosque, is on Ponda’s northern outskirts. Built by Bijapuri ruler Ali Adil Shah in 1560, it was…

7. Butterfly Conservatory of Goa

2.62 MILES

This small butterfly sanctuary, 5km north of Ponda, is home to more than 100 species of free-flying butterflies (it’s not enclosed) in a small patch of…

8. Shri Shantadurga Temple

2.69 MILES

Surrounded by forest and paddy fields, the Shri Shantadurga Temple is one of the most famous shrines in Goa and is consequently packed with those who come…