Karnataka · South
GokarnaGokarṇa
Coastal temple town of the Mahabaleshwar Temple, which enshrines the Atmalinga
- Principal temple
- Mahabaleshwar TempleShiva as Mahabaleshwar (the Atmalinga)
- Best time to visit
- October to March
- Nearest airport
- Dabolim International Airport, Goa, ~149 km
- Nearest railway station
- Gokarna Road (GOK), Konkan Railway, ~10 km
- Tradition
- Śaiva
Overview
Gokarna is a historic temple town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, also known for its beaches. It is known for the Mahabaleshwar Temple, a granite temple dedicated to Shiva that enshrines the Atmalinga and is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in the Tamil Tevaram. According to legend, Ganesha, disguised as a Brahmin boy, set the Atmalinga down here as Ravana carried it from Kailash, rooting it permanently in place. Maha Shivaratri, with its chariot procession, is the town's principal festival.
See sources [1–5]- Shiva as Mahabaleshwar (the Atmalinga)
- Ganesha
Main temples
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Shiva as Mahabaleshwar (the Atmalinga)
A 4th-century-CE granite temple enshrining the Atmalinga that, in legend, Ganesha set down here, and one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams of the Tevaram.
Maha Ganapati Temple
Ganesha
Its Ganesha image is traditionally identified with the Ganesha who tricked Ravana into setting down the Atmalinga, and the Shivaratri Rath Yatra starts from this temple.
Key festivals
- Feb – Mar
Maha Shivaratri
Māgha (February or March)
- Feb – Mar
Rath Yatra (chariot procession)
During Maha Shivaratri (February or March)
Festival dates follow the Hindu calendar and move from year to year — confirm them with the temple before you travel.
Plan your visit
When to visit
Best time to visit
October to March
Festival days draw the largest crowds. Check the festival calendar above and the temple's own timings before you travel.
How to reach
- By air
- Dabolim International Airport, Goa, ~149 km
- By rail
- Gokarna Road (GOK), Konkan Railway, ~10 km
Related
Book a pooja with priests here
Priests joining soon
No verified priest lists a temple in Gokarna yet. Meanwhile, browse the poojas our verified priests perform.
Sources
- Gokarna, Karnataka - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Gokarna - Karnataka Tourismkarnatakatourism.org
- Gokarna Road railway station - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Maha Shivaratri - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Know this town well? If anything here is wrong or missing, tell us and we’ll correct it.