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/Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna
State Temple
Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna
महाबलेश्वर मंदिर, गोकर्ण
Location
Gokarna, Karnataka
Darshan
–
Deity
🪔Lord Shiva (Mahabaleshwar)
Entry
Free entry
Gokarna is considered the Kashi of the South. It is one of the seven Mukti Stalas of Karnataka. The temple houses the sacred Atma Linga (the soul of Shiva), making it as holy as the Jyotirlingas.
Mythology
Ravana obtained the Atma Linga from Shiva after severe penance but was warned not to place it on the ground. The gods, fearing Ravana's invincibility, devised a plan. Lord Vishnu obscured the sun, making Ravana believe it was time for his evening prayers. Lord Ganesha, disguised as a Brahmin boy, offered to hold the Linga but placed it on the ground. It became firmly rooted (Mahabala - greatly powerful). Gokarna means 'Cow's Ear', as Ravana tried to pull it out, it stretched and looked like a cow's ear.