Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Mardol

She stands on a prostrate man or demon, as a tiger or lion licks blood dripping from the severed head.

[1] She stands on a prostrate man or demon, as a tiger or lion licks blood dripping from the severed head.

Goud Saraswat Brahmins as well as Vaishnavas from Goa and South Canara identify her with Mohini and call her Narayani and Rahu-matthani, the slayer of Rahu, as told in the Bhavishya Purana.

[3] Mahalsa's older temple in Old Mardol or Velham or Verna, Salcette was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1567, though the icon of the Mahalasa was rescued.

When the current temple in Mardol (which was outside Portuguese control) was built in the 17th century, the icon was reconsecrated.

During the Mughal domination, Aurangabad fell under the Muslim rule and the icon was moved to a secret location in Goa.

The belief was so strong that during the Portuguese rule the testimony in the temple was considered acceptable in the court of law.

[1] Generally, the male or main deity accompanies the right hand position (considered superior to the left).