Gokarna
situated in coastal Karnataka is 453 kms from Bangalore and about
55 kms from Karwar, the District headquarters. It is described as
a Shaiva Centre, as important as Kashi and Rameshwar. History has
it that the Atmalinga brought by Ravana got struck here and his
efforts to extricate it resulted in his throwing the coverings of
the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar
temples (the last places is very near Karwar).
The
Mahabaleshwara is one of the major temples here. The deity here
is two-armed, standing, and atleast 1500 years' old. The Bhadrakali
and Venkataramana temples, Kotiteertha tank etc., are other holy
places here. Gokarna is also famous for its beautiful virgin beaches
and breathtaking landscapes.
With
its narrow streets, traditional houses, and temples, the nondescript
town of Gokarna has become the favourite haunt of Hindu pilgrims,
Sanskrit scholars, and beach buffs. Locals believe that Gokarna
derives its name from a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from
the ear of a cow.
Literally meaning ‘cow’s ear,’ this village is
formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Adventurous travellers
must be prepared for a bit of cliffscrambling in this coastal town.
Om beach, one of Gokarna’s five famed beaches, takes the shape
of an ‘Om,’ a spiritual symbol. The other beaches, wedged
between gigantic cliffs that protrude like delicate fingers into
the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon, and Paradise.
The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna is a scenic
delight with rocky mountains and the Western Ghats on one side and
the Arabian Sea on the other. Here, you can experience the famed
Karnataka hospitality in friendly guesthouses run by local families.
» How
to reach Gokarna
Gokarna
is well-connected to Bangalore and Mysore. Regular buses ply from
Karwar, Goa and Mangalore.
Gokarna, Religious Places in India Reservation Form
