Gokarna Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple is a 4th-century temple situated in Gokarna, Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka. Srikshetra Gokarna is one of the holiest places in India. The Father of the universe Parashiva is in Gokarna in the form of Athmalinga. The temple faces the coast of the city of Karwar from the Arabian Sea of the Western Sea. The Almighty, known as Mahabaleshwara, is also known as Sarvabhouma.
The Mahabaleshwar temple is considered as sacred as the Shiva temple on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi and Kashi in North India. Hence, Gokarna is known as Dakshin Kasi. This is the place where the most revered Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya, who spread spiritual knowledge from south to north throughout India, established Shree Ramachandrapura Math, sacred and saintly Jagadguru Peetam.
The temple is run under the guidance of Paramapoojya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Gokarna Mandaladheeshwara ShreeShree RaghaveshwaraBharathiMahaswamiji of SriramachandrapurMath. Under the divine and philanthropic guidance of Sri Mahaswamiji, the administration of Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple, Gokarna is on the path of progress.
Gokarna Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Temple Closed: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Mahabaleswara Temple Daily Programme:
6.00 AM – Pooja – Aparsha Darshan Starts, Mangalarati, Udayana Bali
12.30 PM – Pooja – Sparsha Darshan Ends
12.30 PM to 2.00 PM – Mahanaivedya, Mahapooja, Bali (Devotees are allowed up to Nandi Mantapa for darshan)
2.00 PM to 5.00 PM – Temple closed
5.00 PM to 8.00 PM – Pooja – Sparsha Darshan
8.30 PM – Nityotsava, Bali
Gokarna Mahabaleswara Temple History:
In order to obtain the Athmalinga of Lord Shiva, Ravana performed severe penance at Kailasa and secured the Athmalinga. The Suras frightened by this approached Lord Ganesha and prayed to Him, to retain the Athmalinga at Gokarna. As the abode of the one and only one Athmalinga of Lord Shiva, Gokarna gained worldwide spiritual significance. This holy place is known as Bhookailasa and the Southern Varanasi. (Ref. Skandha Purana, Guru charitra) In this Temple all devotees can enter the sanctum sanctorum and have the touch darshan of Athmalinga and can perform Abhisheka with their own hands. Shivaratri Mahotsava is the Car festival when lakhs of people attend and pray for their well-being. Nature :
This sacred Temple is situated on the Seashore and by the side of western ghats. Here we can hear the roaring sound of the sea and can see the jumping tides of the sea. At the same time, we can see the green scenario of the western ghat and can hear the melodious music of the winds.
Gokarna Sri Mahabaleswara Temple Pooja:
Every day thrice, Pooja is performed with Pancha Vadya. Morning Udyanabali, Afternoon bali, Mahapooja, evening Bali, Utsava and Mahapooja . A number of celebrations are held throughout the year.
Ananga trayodashi
Shivadamanotsava
Shiva Pavitraropanam
Dadhi Shikyotsava
Vijayotsava
Shivaganga Vivaha Nishchayotsava
Sri Mahabaleshwara Pratistha Mahotsava
Tripura Deepotsava
Shiva Parvathi Vivahotsava
Mahashivaratri
Maharathotsava
Avabhrutha, Ankurarpanam
Gokarna Shiva Temple Bhojana:
Free Amrutanna Prasad Bhojana is being served twice daily to all the devotees.
Afternoon 12 to 2.00 and Evening 7.30 to 8.30
Weddings are arranged free of cost for the weaker sections of society.
Financial assistance is offered to the needy in their time of necessity.
Gokarna Shiv Temple Donation:
Devotees can avail of the opportunity to perform the following poojas, Pooja will be performed in your name and Prasad will be sent to your address.
Abhisheka Pooja
Suvarna Nanyabhisheka Pooja (A special Pooja performed in Brahmi muhoortha. )
Shashwata Pooja
Annadaana
Somawara Utsava Pooja
On every Monday from Karteek to Vaisakha Monday Utsava will be performed. You can participate by donating 5,000/- in any Somawara Utsava.
Gokarna Temple Rituals:
- Sankalpa Pooja Mangal Aarti
- Bilvarchana
- Ashttotara Bilvarchana
- Kumbhabhishek and Kshirabhishek Pooja
- Panchamrutabhishek Pooja
- Maha Panchamrutabhisheka Pooja
- Navadhanya Abhishek Pooja
- Silver Nagabharana Special Pooja
- Golden Nagabharana Special Pooja
Donation for Silver door / Ornaments
A majestic Silver door is being erected at the main entrance of the temple. You may donate any amount more than 1,000/- for this cause. The administration welcomes your participation and wishes you the blessings of the Lord for total well beings.
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.
Distance to Gokarna Temple:
From Karwar 60 Kms
From Kumata 32 Kms
From Bangalore 488 Kms
From Mangalore 231 Kms
From Chennai 842 km
From Hyderabad 656 km
Sri Mahabaleshwara Swami Temple Address:
Koti Teertha Road,
Kotiteertha,
Gokarna,
Uttara Kannada District,
Karnataka 581326.
Phone: 083862 57956