GOKARNA

Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple. The great almighty Lord Shiva resides in Gokarna and is known as “Sri Mahabaleshwara”. The idol of Lord Shiva is called “Atmalinga” here. The temple is located near sea shore of beautiful Arabian sea of Uttara Kannada district of coastal Karnataka, India. The name Gokarna emerged Since the place is in the shape of “Cow’s Ear”. Sri Mahabaleshwara temple is one of the holy and popular pilgrimage places of India attracting thousands of devotees every day. Just as “Shri Kashi Vishwanath” temple is famous and most holy place in North India Lord “Mahabaleshwara” is popular in South India. Hence, this place is also called as “Dakshina Kashi.” Great river Maa Ganga (River Ganges) flows in Kashi (Varanasi) and the great Arabian sea and “Koti theertha” play the same role here at Gokarna . Why the name Mahabaleshwara? The meaning of ‘Maha’ is “Great” and the meaning of “Bala” is “Power.” ‘Ishwara’ stands for “Lord.”The combination of these three is Mahabal