Mallikarjuna Temple

According to the Indian mythology, Mallika (another name for Goddess Parvati) and Arjun (another name for Lord Shiva), after a long period of separation, were united at this location in Canacona, Goa. Though the Shiva lingam is considered to be one of the swayambhu lingams, the temple structure around it, is dated to be 200 years old. It hosts two unique and alternating events at the time of the traditional Shigmo Festival (typically in the month of March, around the festival of Holi). The ritual of Veeramel takes place every even year, when the town administration cuts off the power supply between 11 PM and 1 PM. During this, select sword-brandishing local youth, referred to as Gade, rush from house to house followed by people with drums and other musical instruments. Their route is cleared before the procession and tourists are advised not to venture out during this time. The ritual of Shisharanni is observed every odd year (say 2013, 2015 etc). It involves three persons lying on the ground with their heads touching each other, resembling the three stone fireplace. A vessel of rice is kept on their heads and fire is lit between the heads to cook the rice. This temple complex is barely a few kilometers from Palolem. A ceremonial gate marks the entrance of Sristhal, a small village, to the left on the Margao-Karwar highway. From here, it is a 2 km drive crossing the Goa Industrial Development Corporation compound.