Gokarna, a peaceful coastal town of Karnataka, is famously known as “The Kashi of South”. The holy town is of immense religious importance being the location of Lord Shiva’s Atmalinga in the Mahabaleshwar Temple. The blend of nature’s bounty and spiritual power, This is a destination pilgrims and travelers cannot help but visit.
Gokarna is a town in Karnataka renowned for the Atmalinga temple, where the Atmalinga, a sacred form of Lord Shiva, is enshrined. It is a principal pilgrim centre and a popular beach resort. The temple is built in the Dravidian style and is over 1500 years old.
History of Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Gokarna temple of Mahabaleshwar is over 1500 years old and one of the Karnataka state’s seven Mukti Sthalas. It is the temple of Lord Shiva and the home of the sacred Atmalinga, which is said to have been presented by Lord Shiva to Ravana.
As per the mythology, Ravana was transporting the Atmalinga to Lanka, but he was forced to abandon it in Gokarna due to a trick played by Lord Ganesha. Ever since then, the Atmalinga stayed embedded in this sacred land and is revered by pilgrims from across India.
The temple is built with granite in Dravidian style. The Atmalinga is fixed inside the temple on a Saligrama Peetha (pedestal) which is square in shape. Devotees have a small hole in the center of the pedestal from where they can see the top of the Atmalinga.
Kings Who Ruled Gokarna
This was governed by various dynasties like the Kadambas, Chalukyas, and Vijayanagara Empire earlier. These dynasties expanded the temple, enhancing its design and sponsoring Vedic research and rituals.
It was later, in the colonial era, still a sacred spiritual town and even now maintains its religious and traditional appeal.
Bangalore to Gokarna distance
Gokarna is around 485 kilometers from Bangalore by road. It’s an 8-9 hour road trip via NH 48 and NH 66. You can drive, take a bus, or train to Ankola or Kumta, the nearest towns, and taxis for a short ride to Gokarna.
Nearest railway station: Gokarna Road (GOK) – approximately 10 km from town.
Nearest airport: Dabolim Airport, Goa – about 140 km.
Near By Attraction
- 1. Om Beach: This beach is named after the Om-like shape, and it is perfect for meditation and relaxation.
- 2. Kudle Beach : A serene and scenic beach visited by pilgrims and tourists in common.
- 3. Paradise Beach & Half Moon Beach : Both these isolated beaches are hike and boat accessible and offer wonderful views.
- 4. Mirjan Fort Situated around 22 km from Gokarna, the ancient fort was constructed by Queen Chennabhairadevi of the Tuluva-Salva dynasty and is covered with overgrowth and mystery.
- 5. Maha Ganapati Temple Located near Mahabaleshwar Temple, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha who was instrumental in putting things right with the Atmalinga.
