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Gokarna has a rich history with its classical temples, mythological tales, and pristine beaches. The mighty Shatashrunga mountain and the Atma Lingam are among its most prominent features.
The town is one of Hinduism’s seven important centers of pilgrimage. It’s also home to a sacred man-made pond called Koti Tirtha that is used for ritual bathing and idol immersion.
List of Most Famous Religious Places in Gokarna
1. Mahabaleshwar Temple Gokarna
Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas (pious shrines where Hindus perform final rituals for departed souls). It enshrines a two-armed Shivalinga called Atmalinga. The temple is about 1500 years old and built in the Dravidian style.
2. Maha Ganapati Temple Gokarna
Maha Ganapati Temple in Gokarna is a popular religious site that’s dedicated to Lord Ganesha, a popular deity of Hinduism. It attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the country.
Besides, devotees can touch the dent on the Ganesha idol’s head that’s believed to have been caused by Ravana’s blow.
3. Bhadrakali Temple Gokarna
Bhadrakali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Uma and is one of the most important shrines in Gokarna. The Goddess is depicted in her ferocious form with big eyes and weapons in her hands.
Gokarna is home to several awe-inspiring temples that are filled with devotion, spirituality, and Hindu mythology. These temples offer a unique experience for every tourist and pilgrim.
4. Gokarna – Tamra Gauri Temple
Tamra Gauri Temple is a Devi temple and stands in the rear of Mahabaleshwara. It depicts Mahesh or Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
After killing the asuras Shumbha and Nishumbha, Goddess Parvati came to Gokarna and washed her weapons there. She meditated here as Bhadrakali. Opposite the temple, there is a sacred pond named Tamra Kund. If the ashes or ‘aasthi’ of a dead person is immersed in this pond they stay in heaven till the remains remain in it.
5. Shiva Cave Temple Gokarna
Shiva Cave Temple Gokarna is one of the most important Hindu shrines. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva emerged here from the ear of a cow hence the name Gokarna.
The temple houses the original image of the Atmalinga carried to Gokarna by Ravana from Mount Kailas in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
6. Mahalasa Temple Gokarna
Mahalasa Temple Gokarna is a beautiful temple that has many rituals and celebrations throughout the year. Dedicated to Sri Siddhivinayak, this temple is well known for its festivities and elaborate decorations during festivals.
Known as Kotiteertha, this unique temple has colorful temples surrounding a sacred pond. This pond is filled with coconut trees, creating an amazing atmosphere.
7. Shree Venkataramana Temple Gokarna
Shree Venkataramana Temple is one of the main temples in Gokarna. Devotees visit this 4th-century temple to seek salvation, wealth, relief from diseases, and knowledge.
The legend associated with this temple and the fact that it is located at the conversion of Gangavali and Aganashini which structures a shape like a cow’s ear, gives it the name Gokarna.
8. Shree Pattevinayak Temple Gokarna
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this quaint temple is among the most famous religious tourist places in Gokarna. It was built thanks to Ganesha’s success in removing the Atmalinga from Ravana’s mother.
The sanctum sanctorum is accessible via ornate pillars. Devotees pray to seek wealth, relief from diseases, and knowledge here.
9. Shree Gopal Krishna Temple Gokarna
Shree Gopal Krishna Temple is a beautiful temple that can be found at a walkable distance from Mahabaleshwar. It is a well-known shrine that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It is believed that Lord Shiva emerged out of the ear of a cow at this place. The temple has gained worldwide spiritual significance.
10. Shree Kalbhairav Temple Gokarna
Shree Kalbhairav Temple is a small rocky temple that houses a powerful Shivalinga. The linga commemorates the moment when Bhairava in a fit of anger disembodied Ravana.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this is one of the best places to visit for a religious experience during your vacation in Gokarna. It is located on the Shatashrunga Mountain.
11. Shree Shankar Narayan Temple Gokarna
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at the entrance of Gokarna. This is a very powerful temple. There is a tank called Koti Theertha near this temple.
This temple is believed to cure diseases related to skin. It is also a sacred place for sarpa dosha.
12. Shree Uma Maheshwar Temple Gokarna
Gokarna is a coastal town with stunning beaches and grand temples that tell centuries-old stories of devotion, tradition, and Hindu mythology. Every temple in this sacred place has a tale of its own and attracts pilgrims from all over the country.
FAQs
Which God is famous in Gokarna?
Shiva God is famous in Gokarna.
Which Shankar Mandir is near Gokarna?
Mahabaleshwar Temple is near Gokarna.
Which pooja is famous in Gokarna?
- Narayana Bali Pooja
- Bilvarchana Pooja
- Panchamrutabhishek pooja
- Sankalpa pooja
- Dhatri Homam
Is Gokarna a jyotirlinga?
No, Gokarna is not a jyotirlinga.
Which temple is Gokarna famous for?
Gokarna is famous for Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Which temple to visit first in Gokarna?
The first Temple to visit first in Gokarna is Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Can we touch Atmalinga in Gokarna?
Yes, we can touch Atmalinga in Gokarna.
Top Best Famous Places to Visit in Gokarna
- Shri Mahabaleshwara Temple
- Gogarbha Cave
- Mirjan Fort
- Half Moon Beach
- Shree Bhadrakali Temple
- Koti Teertha
- Gokarna Main Beach
- Small Hell Beach
