The length and breadth of India is graced by Shiva temples, some small, some big, some simple, and some the epitome of grandeur. Many of these temples are very ancient and held sacred by the Hindus. Of course, the twelve Jyotirlinga temples are believed to be the most sacred and these are the temples of Somnath in Gujarat, Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, Bhimashankar in Maharasthra, Kashi in Uttar Pradesh, Nashik in Maharashtra, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, Deogarh in Jharkhand, Dwarka in Gujarat, and Grishneshwar in Maharasthra. Another important Shiva temple that is as sacred if not more is the Gokarna temple also known as Gokarna Mahabaleshwara Temple in Gokarna, Karnataka, India. The Shivling worshipped here is believed to be the Atma Linga of Lord Shiva.
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Gokarna Mahabaleshwara Temple – Dakshina Kashi
The Shiva temple known as Gokarna Mahabaleshwar temple is located near the Gokarna beach in the town of Gokarna. The original temple dates back to 4th Century CE and is currently managed by the Sri Ramachandrapura Mutt. The Gokarna temple is very sacred because of its history and links to Hindu mythology, it is believed to be as sacred and holy as the Kash Vishwanath temple in Kashi (Varanasi) in Uttar Pradesh and is hence referred to as Dakshina Kashi. Gokarna is also a place where Hindus perform the various rituals and obsequies of their departed near and dear ones. Gokarna is one of the ancient Muktikshetras which are considered auspicious for performing these rituals.
Gokarna Temple History – The Legend Of Ravana And Ganesha
Mahabaleshwar Temple History is quite interesting! There is a very fascinating and popular legend regarding the origin of the Shivling in the Gokarna temple. This is a story that many would have heard in the lap of their parents or grandparents. The legend has it that once, the mighty king of Lanka, Ravana, who was a staunch devotee of Shiva, went to Mount Kailash to get an Atmalinga from Lord Shiva for his mother to worship. He pleased Shiva with his penance who granted him his Atmalinga with one condition, he could not put the Atmalinga down till he reached his abode in Lanka. An overjoyed Ravana agreed and clutching the sacred Atmalinga to his bosom made his way home.
The Gods were worried as Ravana would assume many more supernatural powers with the regular worship of the Atmalinga. So they conspired to ensure that Ravana did not reach his home with the Atmalinga. When Ravana was near Gokarna, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to block the sun. Ravana thought it was evening and time for him to do his evening Sandhyavandana.
As he was wondering what to do, a small Brahmin boy who was actually Lord Ganesha appears and offers to hold the Atmalinga till Ravana completes his Sandhyavandana. But as the Atmalinga is very heavy for the boy, he tells Ravana that he will call him thrice, and if he did not come back, he would keep the Atmalinga on the ground. Ravana agreed and proceeded to do the rituals of the Sandhya. Lord Ganesh calls him thrice but Ravana does not come as his rituals are incomplete. This prompts Ganesha to place the Atmalinga on the ground. After this, he vanishes.
Ravana on his returns sees the Atmalinga on the ground and there is no sign of the Brahmin boy. He wraps his arms around the Atmalinga and heaves with all his might, but the Atmalinga does not budge an inch. However, due to the pressure exerted by Ravana, the Atmalinga assumed the shape of a cow’s ear, and hence the name Gokarna. The Atmalinga that Ganesha took from Ravana and kept on the ground is the same Shivaling that is the deity of the Gokarna Shiva temple.
How To Reach Gokarna in Karnataka
Gokarna is in Kumta taluk, Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India.
Bangalore to Gokarna Route Map
Gokarna Location
- The Gokarna Mahabaleshwar temple is located in Gokarna, Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka State, India
- Gokarna is about 486 kilometres from Bangalore
- Gokarna is about 152 kilometres from Goa
- The nearest airport to Gokarna is Goa International Airport at a distance of about 145 kilometres
- One can travel by overnight bus from Bangalore to Gokarna, or easily travel by road from Goa
Mahabaleshwar Temple Gokarna Timings
Mahabaleshwar Shiva Temple timings are as follows:
6 am to 12.30 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.
Have you visited the famous Gokarna and the temple of Shiva there? Do let us know your thoughts about the temple and Gokarna through our comments section.
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I just love temples and the legends that surround them. Thank you for sharing The Legend Of Ravana And Ganesha – fascinating read. Love hearing so much about the Indian culture. The photos are beautiful.
Hi there. I’ve never heard of Gokerna but if I visit it it will definitely be to view the temple. These temples are so so beautiful and always amaze me all the effort that was put into manufacturing it.
Wow what a fantastic legend that goes with Shivling in the Gokarna Temple! I find it fascinating to hear about all the legends and the Gods, it is so foreign to me. What a beautiful place to visit one day.
My husband used to live in Karnataka for work and has visited this temple about a decade ago. I am seeing the photos for the first time though. It looks so beautiful specially the architectural details.
I’ve been to a Gokarna temple in South Karnataka – golden temple. Not the same I think. Ancient temple histories and architecture are indeed a pleasure to know and see. This temple looks gorgeous! Great photos, too, Sandy!