Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna
Also known as: மஹாபலேஸ்வரர் கோயில் (கோகர்ணம்) · మహాబలేశ్వర ఆలయం, గోకర్ణ · महाबलेश्वर मंदिर, गोकर्ण
Karnataka Shiva
A temple by the sea at Gokarna that holds the Atmalinga. A Tevaram temple and one of the seven Muktikshetras of Karnataka.
- Deity
- Mahabaleshwara (Shiva, the Atmalinga)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Gokarna, Uttara Kannada
- State
- Karnataka
- Era
- Completed in 345–365 CE under Mayuravarma of the Kadamba dynasty, over an older lingam. Much of the complex is from the Vijayanagara period (1336–1646 CE).
Sthala Puranam
Ravana's mother worshipped a lingam, and Indra stole it and threw it into the sea. Ravana went to Kailash and received the Atmalinga from Shiva, on the condition that it must stay wherever it was first put on the ground.
Near Gokarna, Ganesha came as a Brahmin boy and held the lingam while Ravana did his rituals. When Ravana did not return after three calls, Ganesha put it down.
Ravana could not lift it and named it Mahabaleshwara, 'the lord of great strength'. The ear of a cow (go-karna) that went underground gave the place its name.
Speciality
- Granite Dravidian temple facing Gokarna beach on the Arabian Sea.
- The Atmalinga stands on a square Saligrama base with a small hole, through which devotees can see its top.
- One of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams of the Tevaram, and one of seven Muktikshetras in Karnataka.
- Many Karnataka Hindus perform death rites here.
Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri
- Ratha Yatra, starting from the Maha Ganapati temple on Car Street
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Maha Shivaratri is very crowded. Plan stay in advance.
Prayers for this temple
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