The Shiva Cave, also known as the Gogarbha Cave, is one of the main attractions in Gokarna. The Shivalingam or Atmalingam inside the cave makes it a sacred place for meditation. Legend says that Ravana, victim to trickery, let the Atmalingam touch the ground when not intended. This caused the cave to manifest around it and bless the town with boons that he had wished to grant to Lanka. People also believe that the cave led to a tunnel which took you to different parts of the country, access to which no longer exists. This cave is also home to bats.