Gokarna Mahaganapati Temple is an ancient temple located Near Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. Lord Ganesh is the main deity, where he played a prank on King Ravanasura. The idol of the shrine is said to be 1,500 years old. The Entry is free and it will take a maximum of 30 Mins to have the lord darshan on normal days. Photography is strictly not allowed to the main idol inside the Sanctorum.
Pilgrims visit these temples after taking a holy bath in the Arabian Sea in front of the Mahabaleshwar temple. However, it is not compulsory but it is a personal choice. Devotees should visit Mahaganapti Temple before visiting Mahabaleshwar Temple.
The main idol is small in stature and in a standing posture with short legs and a protruding belly, a typical figure of Shree Mahaganapati. The idol is very alive with radiant power and gives devotees a strange feeling when they touch the idol. There is a feeling as if there is life in the idol.
The Temple has a very strict dress code for visitors. You are supposed to wear decent clothes. Saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya established the Shree Ramachandrapura Mutt in Gokarna who look after the administration of the Gokarna Temple.
Gokarna Maha Ganapati Temple Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 12.30 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Gokarna Mahaganapati Temple History:
Legends say that while Asura King Ravana was carrying Shiva Linga from Kashi to Lanka, there was a condition that Shiva Linga should not be kept on earth, if so, it will settle there alone. While Ravana stopped (Gokarna) to perform Sandhya Vandana, he handed the Shiva Linga to Lord Ganesa (he made himself look like a little boy). During Ravana Sandhya Vandana, Ganpati called Ravana 3 times and eventually kept Shiva Linga there. It was the belief that once Shiva Linga reaches Lanka, no one can defeat King Ravanasura.
How to reach Gokarna Temple:
Gokarna is well-connected to Bangalore, Mangalore and Karwar. Regular buses ply from Kumata, Karwar, Goa and Mangalore.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport / Goa International Airport which is 155 km away from the temple.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Konkan which passes thru Gokarna and is 10 km away.
By Bus:
Direct buses are available from Bangalore to Gokarna, Mangalore to Gokarna, Hubli to Gokarna, Panaji to Gokarna and Karwar to Gokarna.
Ganesha Temple Address:
Gokarna Ganesh Temple,
Near Mahabaleshwar Temple,
Gokarna,
Uttara Kannada,
Karnataka – 581326.