Betki Shree Mandodari Temple

Shri Mandodari temple is a Hindu temple in the village of Betki near Ponda in Goa. The temple is located at 81 ft elevation. Temple is known for the miracles of Water Goddess Mandodari and sacrifice made by the villagers. Water Goddess, Mandodari is the chief deity of the temple.This is a temple for Mandodari the gramadevata or the village deity of Betki. It is not a temple for Ravana’s wife Mandodari.

The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. This is a small temple with sanctum and extended Mandapam. Mandodari is considered as village deity (gramadevata) of Betki Village. She is housed in the sanctum.

The name “Mandodari” is from the words mand (water) and udar (stomach). It means someone who is born in the water. This temple is a tribute to the children who sacrificed their lives and the blessing of the Goddess Mandodari who showered their village with lifetime water and happiness.

According to the information you provided, the temple was built in honor of children who were sacrificed for the betterment of the village and the availability of a free-flowing stream of water. In areas where there is no access to well water, streams often serve as a crucial source of water for the community. Therefore, the village started worshipping this deity, possibly associated with water, to ensure the continued availability of this vital resource. The name “Mandodari” in this context likely reflects the deity’s connection to water and its importance in the lives of the villagers. It’s a reminder of the deep cultural and religious significance that water holds in many communities across India.

Every Mahashivratri, a palanquin procession reaches the Mandodari shrine, where the goddess is worshipped.