the Buddhist sect that prevailed in Goa till the early 12th century AD. The temple architecture The temple is a masterpiece of Goan temple architecture, with a huge hall for public gatherings during festivals and meetings (Sabhamantapa a stage and a Nagarkhana which is above the stage is used to play drums and shehnai during specific times of the day and during specific rituals), the main hall inside the temple (Chowk), path for circumambulation (Sarwali) and Sanctum sanctorum (Garbhakud or Garbhagruha), with a huge golden Kalasha. Temple is surrounded by Agrashalas, two beautiful gates (Praveshdwaras) and a magnificent lamp tower (Deepastambha) is eye-catching. The devotees and patrons of the temple The deity is believed to be patron deity of above said Gomantak Daivadnya Brahmin community of Goa . The patrons of the temples or the Mahajans are divided into four groups:Sashtikar, Bardeskar, Tiswadkar, Antrujkar. Festivals The Shishirotsav of Kasarpal temple attracts pilgrims from Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is a 10-day-long celebration, includes procession of deities in different Vahanas, and various other rites like Ganga Pujan, Homa, Dhwajarohana, Gulalotsava, Rathotsava etc. An orchestra known as Suvari is played during the festival which includes musical instruments Ghumot, Kasale, cymbals and Shehnai. Other important festivals are Ratha Saptami, Navaratri, Vasant Puja, Akshay Tritiya, Dasara, Avali Bhojan. Silver Palanquin procession of the deity on every Chaturdashi of the dark fortnight of Hindu lunar calendar is also a major attraction Museum It is the first temple in Goa to have a private museum on its own, titled as Kaalika Sangrahaalaya''. It has objects of ancient, medieval and the modern period. The museum has around 10 small galleries housing rare antiquities including stone sculptures, brass lamps, wooden and silver artifacts etc. See also Goan temple Kansarpal List of Temples in Goa Shantadurga Kalangutkarin Temple, Nanora Notes External links Official website of Shree Mahamaya Kalika temple A video documentary on Shishirotsav at Mahamaya Kalika temple Hindu temples in North Goa district