Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna

📍 Location

• Gokarna, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka (on the Arabian Sea coast)

• The temple is very close to the beach; the coast forms the sacred “Om” shape. It's called the Om Beach

Deity:

The deity is Sri Mahabaleshwar (Atmalinga Swamy), a form of Lord Shiva.

• Lord Shiva – Mahabaleshwar

• Goddess Parvati – Gokarneshwari

🌳 Sacred Tree & Waters

• Temple Tree: Vilva (Bael)

• Sacred Waters (Tirthas): 33 in total.

📖 Legends

• Ravana & Atmalinga:

  • Ravana carried the powerful Atmalinga from Kailash to Lanka.

  • Lord Ganesha, disguised as a boy, tricked Ravana into placing it on the ground.

  • The Linga sank and became immovable → worshipped as Mahabaleshwarar.

✨ Specialties

• The Atmalinga is very small, appears like a cow’s ear – devotees can touch it.

• Ganapati idol has dents on its head – said to be from Ravana’s angry blows.

• Tradition: Devotees can bathe and adorn the Linga themselves.

📜 Scriptural Importance

• Praised by saints Appar, Sambandar, Sekkizhar.

🙏 Benefits of Worship

• Devotees pray here for:

  • Removal of sins

  • Peace of mind

  • Prosperity & strength

  • Protection from enemies

Which of the Naalvar sang at the temple?

• Thirugnana Sambandar (Sambandhar) – composed 1 Pathigam (10 hymns).

• Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) – composed 1 Pathigam (10 hymns) + mentions in other verses.