Mahalasa
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Mahalasa is the Mohini avatar of Lord Vishnu. When the Amrut,obtained by churning of the ocean by the Devas and Danavas was being divided amongst them, to prevent the evil danavas from becoming immortal after consuming the Amrut, the lord took the form of Mohini. As a beautiful Damsel, Lord Vishnu took hold of the Jar of Amrut and served it to the devas.
This Mohini form of Lord Vishnu is prayed to by the Hindus as the Goddess Mahalasa Narayani. She is also known as Mhalshi/Mhalshi. A large temple is present at Goa. The Lamp post of the temple is very famous as also its dep stambh.
The Goddess has a large following with the Saraswats being Kulavis. An Oath taken in front of the Goddess Mahalasa was admitted in the Portuguese courts as the Goddess is thought to destroy falsehood and evil.
[edit] Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Mangalore
There is a Mahalasa Narayani temple in Konchady, Mangalore. This is affiliated to the Goa temple and also is very popular in the city.
