GTDC to renovate Shri Mallikarjun temple at Avem-Cotigao

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) will undertake the beautification and renovation of the Shri Mallikarjun temple at Avem-Cotigao in Canacona at a cost of ₹5.42 crore.

The tender has been awarded to Allabaksh Mulla, and the work order specifies completion within 240 days, with a deadline of May 28, 2027.Calling the work order a milestone for Canacona, Minister for Art and Culture and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar said the project is a significant step toward preserving and conserving one of the taluka’s most revered temples, while enhancing the experience for the thousands of devotees and tourists who visit each year.A controversy surfaced after the contract was awarded to Allabaksh Mulla, with objections raised over a Muslim contractor being associated with a Hindu temple’s renovation. Tawadkar said the contract is in Mulla’s name, but the entire construction work will be executed by Jagadish Bhat, described as a devout Brahmin, strict vegetarian, and traditional practitioner of deity worship.According to the minister, the first tender did not receive acceptance, following which he requested Bhat—who lives in Ponda and has built over 300 temples in Karnataka—to take up the project. A second tender was floated to facilitate Bhat’s participation, but since Bhat did not have the licence required for a project of this scale, the bid was submitted in Mulla’s name. Tawadkar appealed to community members not to harbour doubts over the work.Anandu Desai said the temple’s exterior has been designed by an architect from Andhra Pradesh and is expected to be visually striking once completed. Desai also urged devotees to support the project and offer their blessings.