This Temple is located behind the main Temple in front of the old Vasathi Gruha. This Temple existed in Ankola at the time our forefathers brought Shri Mahamaya and Shri Lakshminarayana along with the Parivara Devathas

The theistic system of Hindu Philosophy and the cults based on them use the general term Bhagavan to denote God. He possesses ‘Bhaga’ or six blessed qualities of Jnana, Aiswarya and so on in abundance. His power conceived as his consort is called Bhagavathi; same as Shakti or Devi.

Though this word can apply to any goddess or female deity it is almost invariably used to denote Parvati and her several aspects.

Bhagavati/ Mahishasur Mardini is the Rudra roopa of Parvati.

Though a Parivara Devata in the original Temple at Nagve, our forefathers did not bring the Bhagavathi Idol from Nagve to Ankola. The Idol at Nagve was relocated at Marcel in Goa.

The origin of this Temple is not known. A Subbaraya Sharma was the presiding priest and perhaps the sole repository of this Temple. He kindly gave overnight shelter to the group of persons transporting the Idols and belongings of the Temple in Nagve. The subsequent developments have already been stated elsewhere.

The present idol is not the original idol. The original idol was replaced in 1952, on the grounds that it is broken, after the difference of opinion amongst the Mokhtesars was resolved in a court judgment.

On all days, except Ekadashi, Aarti is offered to Bhagavati at night after the Mangalarti in the main temple. That pooja and Chauri pooja sevas are also offered to Bhagavathi. Major festivals associated with this Temple are Mahanavami and Vijaya Dashami.

The original Temple was in Bijapur architectural style. Major repairs were done in 2006. The roofs were copper plated and the Khalashas with gold plating were installed.

Vadas, during the Vade Panchami, are prepared in this Temple. The ritual requires devotees wearing  Anwale/Sanvale only to enter the Temple, kneed the dough, prepare the Vadas, and  fry them. When about 2500 Vadas are ready the Gaonkar picks up Vadas with his bear hands.  

Until about 1950 the ritual of  seeking devine solace, clarifications, clearances and blessings through the means of falling flowers from a Linga used to be done here. This was discontinued after the relevant text used for interpretation of the falling flowers was ostensibly lost.