Shree Mahalaxmi temple Panaji Goa - Located at the heart of Panaji city in Goa is the famous Mahalaxmi temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi and is visited by a large number of worshipers throughout the year. Off Dada Vaidhya road at the Altinho foothill, this temple has a major significance for being the first Hindu temple to be built in Goa after the Portuguese invasion by Alfonse de Albuquerque.
The deity of Mahalaxmi was originally enshrined at the village of Taleigao. It was secretly moved to Bicholim in the 16th century to escape Portuguese ill-behavior.
The temple was constructed in 1818 after sliding off for almost 300 years because of the inordinate delays made my Portuguese authorities in Goa. Thr original structure of the temple has undergone many changes since its developments, the last being made in 1983.
One of the major festivals celebrated at Mahalaxmi temple includes Maruti Jatra festival which is conducted during the months of January and February. The festival draws a large number of devotees every year from all over the world. Apart from that, devotees throng in the large crowd during the festivals like Dussera and Mahashivratri at Mahalaxmi temple in Panaji. Navaratri and Chaitra Purnima is also celebrated with great enthusiasm at the temple.