The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a sacred site in Goa that left me spellbound upon entering. The atmosphere is holy, serene, and blissful. Surrounded by nature, the temple complex is beautiful. The temple houses a somewhat fierce but equally captivating idol of Narasimha, seated with Lakshmi on his left thigh, set amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Two Special Incarnations of Lord Vishnu
Narasimha and Mohini are two significant incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Rather than calling them incarnations, it is more appropriate to refer to them as divine plays or manifestations of Vishnu. Both emerged to protect the good from evil and to ensure that the righteous received their due. When the unrighteous gain power, they only use it for malicious purposes. When evil grows uncontrollably, eliminating it becomes the only solution.
Distinct Characteristics but a Common Purpose
These two avatars are vastly different. The enchanting and captivating Mohini contrasts sharply with the fierce and terrifying Narasimha. One deceives the wicked with charm, while the other brings them face-to-face with a dreadful death. Through these avatars, we learn that no matter how evil prevails, if we surrender completely to the divine and hold firm in our devotion, miracles are bound to happen.
In Goa, temples for both Narasimha and Mohini (Mahalasa) exist. The Mahalasa temple in Mardol is close to the Mangeshi temple, and nearby, in Veling, is the Lakshmi Narasimha temple.
Architecture of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
The Lakshmi Narasimha temple follows traditional Goan architecture. It consists of the sanctum, a central hall (chauk), and an assembly hall. The columns in the central hall and decorations primarily use wood.
The temple walls depict the story of Narasimha, Prahlada, and Hiranyakashipu from the Narasimha Purana. The accompanying illustrations are exquisite. Among all devotees, Prahlada is my favourite, and I consider him the supreme devotee. In moments of doubt in my devotion, I remember Prahlada.
The outer assembly hall features paintings of sages and saints, from Valmiki and Vishwamitra to Tulsidas, Dnyaneshwar, Eknath, and Namdev, which draw our attention.
This temple has been preserved in its original form, as it’s believed that any changes would require divine approval. Therefore, any repairs have maintained its traditional appearance without modernization. There is a large Tulsi Vrindavan in front of the temple, but unlike most temples, it lacks a Deepastambha (lamp tower), which is another unique feature.
The Sacred Temple Pond
The temple pond in front of the temple remains in its original state. Despite its somewhat rugged appearance due to a lack of modernization, the pond exudes a sense of peace. Clear, cool water flows into the pond from a nearby mountain spring, and the sweetness of this water is truly refreshing.
Narasimha and Mohini Temples in Goa
The Lakshmi Narasimha temple, set in the lap of nature, is a must-visit. Located in Veling, about two kilometers from the Mangeshi temple, it is close to the Mahalasa temple in Mhardol. Visitors to Goa should not miss the opportunity to seek blessings at the Lakshmi Narasimha and Mahalasa Narayani temples along with the Mangeshi temple.