Mahabaleshwara Temple, Gokarna – The Classical Shrine Built in Dravidian Style
Mahabaleshwara temple, Gokarna is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Lord Shiva is worshipped here. The temple is in the classical Dravidian style. It was originally constructed by Mayurasharma of Kadamba dynasty.
The temple has been built with granite stones. The deity of lord Shiva was built about 1500 years ago. There are many devotees, who visit the place for tonsuring their head, and after taking bath in the Sea they worship lord Ganesha in Shri Maha Ganapathi temple that is located few yards away.
Later, prayers are performed in the temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva will wash away all the sins of devotees. Many festivals are celebrated here with enthusiasm. Shivrathri is celebrated in the month of February with joy and happiness.
Pilgrims from different corners of the world visit the place during this time. Rathyatra is organized every year on this auspicious day.
Some of the famous tourist attractions
Images and paintings of lord Shiva are displayed on chariots. Rath is pulled by the devotees from shri Maha Ganapathi temple. Some of the other exciting tourist spots are Gokarbha, temple of Bharat, Kotitheertha and many others.
Kotitheera
This is basically an artificial pond. People come here to bathe, as there is a belief that it washes away all their sins. Statue of lords are immersed in the pond. It is situated near Mahabaleshwara temple. According to an old ritual, devotees must take bath in the pond before visiting the temple.
The pond remains clean the whole year. Strict action is taken against those who spoil the place.
Temple of Bharat
Temple of Bharat is located on a hillock near the most famous Mahabaleshwara temple. Temple of Rama is also situated in close proximity to this place.
A cave is being constructed on the hill named Gogarbha. Sadhus often visit the place. Besides this, it is being used as a resting point.
How to reach the destination
You could choose many routes to reach Gokarna. You can reach Karnataka by air or by rail. Indian railways connect different corners of the country. State supports many domestic and international airports. From there you can hire a bus or a car for Gokarbha. It would take about 3 to 4 hours to reach.
You can buy bus tickets from any of the bus stands in Karnataka. There is the option to book bus tickets online to avoid any inconvenience. Gokarbha is a very religious and pious place.
Keshava temple, Somnath Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, Bandipur national park, Bannerghatta national park, temples of hoysala and Belur are some other tourist attractions.
Keshava temple
This temple is one of the most famous tourist attractions. The old sculptured temple is a famous pilgrim centre. These exciting locations have made Karnataka the most famous location in India.
Bannerghatta temple
Bannerghatta national park and Bandipur national park are the habitat for thousands of species of birds, animals, reptiles and mammals. Rare and endangered species are protected here. Elephants, jackal, robin, eagle, kiwi, panther are safe here.
Gokak falls, uchalli falls, magod falls and abbey falls are some of the beautiful water falls, which have attracted many tourists from different corners of the world.
The temple has been built with granite stones. The deity of lord Shiva was built about 1500 years ago. There are many devotees, who visit the place for tonsuring their head, and after taking bath in the Sea they worship lord Ganesha in Shri Maha Ganapathi temple that is located few yards away.
Later, prayers are performed in the temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva will wash away all the sins of devotees. Many festivals are celebrated here with enthusiasm. Shivrathri is celebrated in the month of February with joy and happiness.
Pilgrims from different corners of the world visit the place during this time. Rathyatra is organized every year on this auspicious day.
Some of the famous tourist attractions
Images and paintings of lord Shiva are displayed on chariots. Rath is pulled by the devotees from shri Maha Ganapathi temple. Some of the other exciting tourist spots are Gokarbha, temple of Bharat, Kotitheertha and many others.
Kotitheera
This is basically an artificial pond. People come here to bathe, as there is a belief that it washes away all their sins. Statue of lords are immersed in the pond. It is situated near Mahabaleshwara temple. According to an old ritual, devotees must take bath in the pond before visiting the temple.
The pond remains clean the whole year. Strict action is taken against those who spoil the place.
Temple of Bharat
Temple of Bharat is located on a hillock near the most famous Mahabaleshwara temple. Temple of Rama is also situated in close proximity to this place.
A cave is being constructed on the hill named Gogarbha. Sadhus often visit the place. Besides this, it is being used as a resting point.
How to reach the destination
You could choose many routes to reach Gokarna. You can reach Karnataka by air or by rail. Indian railways connect different corners of the country. State supports many domestic and international airports. From there you can hire a bus or a car for Gokarbha. It would take about 3 to 4 hours to reach.
You can buy bus tickets from any of the bus stands in Karnataka. There is the option to book bus tickets online to avoid any inconvenience. Gokarbha is a very religious and pious place.
Keshava temple, Somnath Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, Bandipur national park, Bannerghatta national park, temples of hoysala and Belur are some other tourist attractions.
Keshava temple
This temple is one of the most famous tourist attractions. The old sculptured temple is a famous pilgrim centre. These exciting locations have made Karnataka the most famous location in India.
Bannerghatta temple
Bannerghatta national park and Bandipur national park are the habitat for thousands of species of birds, animals, reptiles and mammals. Rare and endangered species are protected here. Elephants, jackal, robin, eagle, kiwi, panther are safe here.
Gokak falls, uchalli falls, magod falls and abbey falls are some of the beautiful water falls, which have attracted many tourists from different corners of the world.
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