Magnificent Temples in Gokarna

Mahabaleshwara Temple in Gokarna houses a 6 feet tall Shiva Linga known as the Atmalinga. Built using white granite, it is a classic example of the beauty of Dravidian architecture. A 1500 years old carved stone Lord Shiva idol in the standing position represents the main deity. The temple has been mentioned in the Hindu Mythics of Mahabharata and Ramayana and it is said to be as significant as Kashi, hence it earning the title, Dakshin (South) Kashi.

Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 5 PM to 8 PM
Dress Code: No jeans, trousers or shorts.

Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is located near the Mahabaleshwara temple and quite popular among pilgrims visiting Gokarna. As per the legend of Lord Shiva's blessings, visitors are supposed to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha before visiting the Mahabaleshwara temple.

Timings: 6 AM - 12:30 PM, 3 PM - 9 PM
Location: Gokarna Beach Road, Car Street, Dandebagh, Gokarna

This temple dedicated to the Goddess Uma is a popular religious site in Gokarna. The legends state that the Goddess was requested by Lord Cishnuto reside in this temple after she was abandoned by Ravana.

Timings: 5 AM - 12 PM, 4 PM - 8 PM
Location: Main Rd, Gokarna

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.

Location:  Gokarna Kudle Road, Gokarna

The Gokarna Rudragaya Temple or Harihareshwara Temple in Gokarna is said to be the place where Lord Vishnu asked for the benevolence of Lord Shiva for the protection of the Atmalingam. Now, the temple actively offers astrology & ritual services to pilgrims that are considered authentic and ancient. This temple is known for paranormal rituals and attributes its success to the energy and blessings of Gokarna.

Timings: Open All Day
Location: NearGokarna KSRTC Bus Stand, Prasad Nilaya Road Shri Ganapathi Prasad Bavan, Gokarna

The Shree Venkataramana Temple in Gokarna is dedicated to Lord Vishnu - the protector of the Atmalingam in Gokarna. Ornate pillars guide pilgrims into this sacred sanctum sanctorum where one can offer incenses and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. The temple-complex also hosts the Koti Teertha, a holy sanctuary tank. Non-natives may not enter the temple but can watch ceremonies being performed from outside the temple.

Location: Koti Teertha Rd, Kotiteertha, Gokarna

The Shree Pattevinayaka Temple in Gokarna is a small, quaint temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Gokarna lore suggests that eons ago, this region was arid & infertile. Displeased by this, saints and monks of Gokarna prayed for access to Gangetic waters. Through divine intervention, they are said to have overcome the curse of the dry terrain. The rivers of Gangavali and Aghanashini now flow by this town. To commemorate this gift from Lord Ganesha, this temple was built with an idol of him with four hands. He is revered here in his avatar as Chintamani Vinayaka - displacer of worry.

Location: South-east of Kotiteertha, Gokarna

The Umamaheshwar Temple in Gokarna is dedicated to Goddess Parvati in her avatar as Uma. It is said that she persuaded Lord Shiva to accompany her to Gokarna. Pleased by its beauty, they went to a secluded spot on top of the Shatashrunga Mountain, which is where this temple has been built. 

The Maneshwara Temple in Gokarna is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees visit this temple seeking salvation, wealth, relief from diseases and knowledge. Boons before or for a purchase of a vehicle are also said to be granted here.

Location: Dandebagh, Gokarna