Gokarna Temple

Gokarna Temple History, Mahabaleshwar, Timings and Route map

Gokarna Temple History

Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. Lord Siva here called by Mahabaleshwar. As per the Legend, Demon King Ravana did penance for Lord Siva and got Atma Linga to fulfil his mother’s request. Sun was setting while on his way to Lanka. Atma Linga not supposed to keep on the Earth, so Ravana handed over the Linga to a cowherd (Lord Ganesh disguised himself in this form). Cowherd boy after 3 reminders kept the Linga on the Earth. Ravana tried hard to pull Atma Linga, the extensive force resulted in throwing the coverings of the Linga to different places namely, Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Mrudeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples. The main Linga remained at Mahabaleshwar which resembles Cow’s ear. Hence the name Gokarna. The Ejjeshwara, Gunavanteshwara, Murudeshwara, Dhareshwara and Mahabaleshwara temples are called Pancha Maha Kshetras.

The temple is located a the Sangamam of Rivers Gangavali and Agnashini. It is believed that offering prayers for Lord Siva at this place will be relieved from ‘Brahma Hatya Dosha’. , Lord Rudra went to Patalaloka for penance on the advice of Lord Brahma and returned from the ear of Mother Earth, often symbolised as a cow. Since the place served as the womb for him, it is also known as Rudra Yoni or Adi Gokarna.

As per the folklore, Lord Rudra did penance in Pathala Loka as instructed by Lord Brahma and returned from Mother Earth’s ear. This place is called by Rudra Yoni or Adi Gokarna.

Temple will be heavily crowded during Sivaratri festival days. Thousands of devotees gather for Annual cart festival.s while priests conduct religious ceremonies inside.

Gokarna Temple Timings

Morning Hours: 6:00 am – 12:30 pm

Evening Hours: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Gokarna Temple Food timings

Lunch Hours: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Dinner Hours: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

How to reach Gokarna Temple?

By Air

The nearest airport is at Goa which is 155 km away.

By Train

Temple is reachable from Hubli, Mangalore.
Konkan Railway passes through Gokarna station which is 10 km from the temple.

By Road

The direct bus is available from Mangalore, Bengaluru and Goa.

Gokarna Temple images

Reference Link: History