A PLACE OF TEMPLES

Gokarna is a place of temples. It is a town of god and goddesses. It is a place that gives peace of mind and ability to fight against rough and tough of life, boosting your willpower strongly in entire life. It is a place of natural beauty. It is a place of devotees.

The main temple of lord Ganesh, Mahabaleshwar and goddess shri Tamragouri is located very next to sea side, just 5 minutes walk able distance from main bus stand.

The temple is beautifully architected and designed and probably has been constructed by thousands of years ago as illustrated in the book. Lord Mahabaleshwar i.e. Atma Lingam has been investiture by Lord Ganesh to safeguarding the universe by villainous Ravana, the belial. Elude Atmalinga was investiture by Ganesh and hence this place is called as “Bhookailas”(a place where lord Shiva and Mata Parvati lives).

There are many temples nearby seashore like, Shri Rama Temple, Hanuman Temple, Bharat and Umamaheshwara Temple which is located in hilly region. Mahabaleshwar temple committee serves maha prasadam to all devotees every day. There are no restrictions on community, caste and religion. Even worship and performing puja by touching the atma lingam is also not prohibited in the temple. But every male visitor must take bath and remove shirt and banyans, and hang a towel on the left side of his shoulder before entering the temple. They must follow the rules and regulations of the temple management committee strictly. They should co operate with the management in maintaining the temple policy without any objection. They must maintain silence, cleanliness in the temple premises.

All the Brahmins and priests perform and chant Vedas and Mantras in the temple premises until the Mahapuja ends. Every day different types of puja will be performed from morning till evening in all the three temples (i.e. Lord Ganesh Temple,Mahabaleshwar Temple and Parvati Devi Temple). During this period of time thousands of devotees chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’ mantra continuously, including little child, youth and old age people.

 At that time the whole town flutters with ‘Om Namah Shivay’. There is no persecution on any devotee in performing puja. Every festival here is celebrated with great pomp and show and people from all around the town and from different villages gather to attend the festive occasion and also contribute their selfless service towards society in all ways.

The biggest celebrated festival of Gokarna is “Maha Shivaratri”(during the month of March to April), “Shri Ganesh Chowthi”( during the month of September to October), “Shravana Maasa”(July to August), “Dussehra(during the month of September to October)” and”,” Bandi Habba”( during the month of April to May). Maha Shivaratri festival is celebrated for five days. Festival ends with“Rathotsava” where thousands of devotees and tourists visit this place every year to be a part of it. Please note that smoking and alcohol is prohibited in Gokarn town.

OTHER HOLY TEMPLES APART FROM SRI MAHABALESHWARA TEMPLE

SHRI PATTE MAHA GANAPATHY TEMPLE

This temple of lord Vinayaka is located in Kotitheertha and is walk able distance from Shri Mahabaleshwar temple.  Those who visit Gokarna also visit this temple as this place has special attraction and spirit of Lord Maha Ganapathy.

SHRI VARADESHWARA TEMPLE

Another spiritual holy temple of Lord Shiva located in Kotitheertha. This temple is just one minute walk able distance from Shri Patte Maha Ganapathy temple. Devotees perform activities like Rudram, Shata Rudram, and many.

SHRI KRISHNAPURA TEMPLE

This temple is also located in Kotitheertha and is very close to Shri Varadeshwara temple. This temple is very beautifully designed traditionally where Lord Shri Krishna resides.

SHRI KALABAIRAVESHWARA TEMPLE

This temple of Lord Kalabairava is situated in Kotitheertha which is just 5 minute walk able distance from Shri Mahabaleshwara temple. Devotees perform religious functions and worship Shri Kalabairava to escape from premature death, accidents, afflictions, and unknowingly made peccadillo in life.

SHRI VENKATARAMANA TEMPLE

This temple of Lord Venkateshwara is located in the main street of Gokarna at a distance of ten minutes. The temple has well architecture with beautiful designs displaying history of Lord Venkataramana.

SHRI BHADRAKALI TEMPLE

This temple is located at the entrance of Gokarna and believed to known as Gramadevata(Village Goddess) of Gokarna. The festivals are Navaratri , Festival of harvest and shrink month. Thousands of pilgrimages visit this holy temple every day and worship goddess Shri Bhadrakali for various religious activities. The distance between Shri Mahabaleshwara temple and Shri Bhadrakali temple is only 20 minutes.

SHRI RAMTHEERTHA TEMPLE

The temple is located in the hillock near main beach of Gokarna. The temple is surrounded by beautiful Arabian Sea, mountains and coconut trees. The specialty of Ramatheertha temple is "availability of pure mineral water 365 days". The holy water from Ramtheertha has been taken to Ayaodhya Shri Rama Mandir construction recently.