Shri Mahalsa Narayani Prasann dedicated to Lord Vishnu was originally located at Verna, formerly Varunapuri...
This temple was originally located at Verna in Salcete taluka but migrated to Mardol (Ponda) in the 16th century during to Portuguese rule. Verna (locally Old Mhaddol) was formerly Varunapuri (Varuna is the Sea Goddess and puri means city) where a perennial spring is believed to have been created by Goddess Mahalsa.
She is regarded as the Mohini incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Narayani is another name of Lord Vishnu and Mahalsa was his consort, hence the temple is named as Mahalsa Narayani.
According to legend, the villagers of Varunapuri sought the help of Lord Parshuram when they were being troubled by the demon, Chandasur. Lord Parshuram requested the goddess to help the villagers who is said to have chopped off the head of the demon.
This temple at Mardol has the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. There is also a 12.5 metres deepmal (lamp) which is supported by a figure of Kurma, the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
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