Alight here for the famous Aathmalingam shrine.. Derived from Mythology, Ravana after undertaking severe penance, got a boon of Lord Shiva to take himself as Aathmalingam to Srilanka. But on one condition that the Linga be kept on the ground, there will be no way it can be again pulled out from the Earth.The other Gods, shocked by Ravana holding the Aathmalinga, approached Lord Ganesha for help. Lord Ganesha took form of a cowherd and waited near the Arabian Sea where the pious Ravana arrived exactly at sunset. Pious brahmin that he was, he had to do his evening Sandhavandhanam and hence seeing Ganesha, asked him to hold the Linga for him. Lord Ganesha agreed but on a condition that Ravana returns within him calling 3 times, lest he keep the lingam on the ground. As planned by the Gods, Lord Ganesha calls out to Ravana 3 times even as he...
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sat down for his rituals and kept the Lingam on the ground citing 3 times was over. Ravana tries pulling it out but not much of success. Astonished at strength of the Lord, Ravana names him Mahabaleshwara (One who has the most strength) and left the place
The Temple is located about 10 kms from the Railway station. Regular Town buses are available from Ankola and Kumta to Gokarna and they pass close to the Railway station at regular intervals though not very frequent.
While at Gokarna, dont forget to visit the temple of Lord Ganesha who is responsible for the placement of the lingam at this place.
Gokarna is also a torusit place with beaches like Om Beach (Hindi Om inverted curved) , Half moon beach, sunset beach adorning the place.
Not many restaurants available in Gokarna Town. However free food is provided by Temple authorities in the temple for lunch and dinner