Welcome to the most famous Hindu temple tourism Website. In this article our experienced guides share all the information about Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple the like Gokarna Temple Sparsha Darshan Timings and How to book Gokarna Temple Sparsha Darshan Tickets Online and What are the various types of Pooja List perform in the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple. The Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is a very famous and Hindu temple that is located in Goa in the state of Karnataka India. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and the very famous pilgrimage site that attracts the thousands of devotees across India. This temple is also called as Kashi of the South.

The people believe that the temple is house of the Atmalinga, is a very powerful Shiva Linga that is given to the Ravana by Lord Shiva himself. The Gokara is a very famous place that is a collection of Hindu ancient temples and it is a very famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the spiritual places. The temple has a very rich history the king of Lanka, Ravana performed severe Penance and got a wish from the Lord Shiva that he obtained Atmalinga from Lord Shiva after that lord Shiva tricked the Ravana and the Atmalinga was placed at Gokarna from the time it has been worshiped as a Mahabaleshwar.
In this temple only priests are allowed to perform the rituals and the devotees can touch and offer prayers to the Lord Shiva.
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Overview of Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple
One of the most revered temples devoted to Lord Shiva is Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, which is located in the coastal town of Gokarna, Karnataka. The Atmalinga, a self-manifested idol of Lord Shiva, is housed in this historic temple and is thought to have been brought to the town by Lord Ravana himself. Hindu mythology is rich in the legend surrounding this temple, especially the part about how Lord Shiva gave Ravana the Atmalinga only to have the godly object placed at Gokarna per the gods’ decree.
The temple is well-known for its peaceful ambiance, which attracts both tourists and devotees who are enthralled by its spiritual aura and closeness to the sea.Known as the “Kashi of the South,” Gokarna is a popular destination for pilgrims, drawing thousands of visitors who come to carry out rites and ask Lord Shiva for blessings. Gokarna is the ideal location for both nature lovers and spiritual seekers because it provides a more private and tranquil experience away from the busy crowds than other Indian temples.
With its imposing gopuram (gateway tower) and elaborately carved sculptures, the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple boasts traditional Dravidian architecture. The Atmalinga’s residence, the sanctum sanctorum, continues to be the temple’s main attraction, where followers pray and ask for blessings. The temple’s special setting, tucked away between hills and the Arabian Sea, enhances its spiritual significance because it is thought that Lord Shiva himself
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Darshan Timings
Daily Schedule:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Afternoon Break: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Note: Free entry for all devotees during darshan hours.
Gokarna Temple Sparsha Darshan Timings
Day | Morning Hours | Evening Hours |
---|---|---|
Monday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Thursday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Friday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Saturday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Sunday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Darshan Timings
Darshan Type | Timing | Details |
---|---|---|
Sparsha Darshan | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Open to all devotees, free entry |
Abhishekam | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Devotees can perform Rudrabhisheka |
Special Seva / Puja | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Includes Mahapuja, Rudrabhisheka, and other rituals (paid services) |
Prasad Distribution | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Free meals for devotees |
Temple Closing Time | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Afternoon break) | Temple remains closed during this period |
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Pooja Schedule
Time | Pooja/Ritual |
---|---|
6:00 AM | Mangala Aarti & Sparsha Darshan Begins |
12:30 PM | Sparsha Darshan Ends |
12:30 PM – 12:50 PM | Maha Pooja Preparation |
12:50 PM – 2:00 PM | Maha Naivedya, Maha Pooja, Bali Pooja |
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Temple Closed |
5:00 PM | Temple Reopens & Evening Sparsha Darshan Begins |
8:00 PM | Evening Sparsha Darshan Ends |
8:30 PM | Nityotsava, Maha Pooja, Bali |
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Prasadam( Free Meals )Timings
Time Slot | Prasadam Details | Location |
---|---|---|
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Afternoon Amrutanna Prasadam (Free Meals) | Temple Annadanam Hall |
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Evening Amrutanna Prasadam (Free Meals) | Temple Annadanam Hall |
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Abhishekam timings
Abhishekam Type | Timing |
---|---|
Kumbhabhishek & Kshirabhishek | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Panchamrutabhishek | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Maha Panchamrutabhisheka | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Navadhanya Abhisheka | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Pooja and Seva Ticket Prices
Pooja/Seva | Price (INR) |
---|---|
Sankalpa Pooja Mangalaarathi | 25 |
Bilvarchana Pooja | 51 |
Ashtottara Bilvarchana Pooja | 101 |
Kumbhabhishek & Kshirabhishek Pooja | 151 |
Panchamrutabhishek Pooja | 251 |
Maha Panchamrutabhisheka Pooja (with Rudrabhisheka) | 351 |
Navadhanya Abhisheka Pooja | 501 |
Silver Nagabharana Special Pooja | 1101 |
Gold Nagabharana Special Pooja | 1501 |
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Shashwat Pooja Ticket Prices
Shashwat Pooja/Seva | Price (INR) |
---|---|
Ashtottara Bilvarchana Pooja | 2001 |
Kumbhabhishek & Kshirabhishek Pooja | 2501 |
Panchamrutabhishek Pooja | 3001 |
Maha Panchamrutabhisheka Pooja (with Rudrabhisheka) | 3501 |
Navadhanya Abhisheka Pooja | 4001 |
Silver Nagabharana Special Pooja | 5001 |
Gold Nagabharana Special Pooja | 10001 |
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Festivals
Festival | Month/Date |
---|---|
Maha Shivaratri | February/March |
Rathotsava (Car Festival) | February/March |
Kartika Deepotsava | October/November |
Navaratri & Dasara | September/October |
Shravana Maas Poojas | July/August |
Pradosha Pooja | Twice a month |
Nag Panchami | July/August |
Chaitra Purnima | March/April |
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Nearby Attractions
- Om Beach: Famous for its unique shape and serene environment.
- Kudle Beach: Popular for its sunset views and relaxed atmosphere.
- Mirjan Fort: Historical fort located near Gokarna.
- Yana Rocks: Unique rock formations and a popular trekking spot.
Dress Code & Visitor Guidelines
Conduct: Maintain silence and refrain from touching carvings.
Dress Code: Traditional attire recommended; modest clothing required.
Footwear: Remove all footwear before entering temple premises.
Photography/Videography: Prohibited inside the temple complex.
Mobile Phones: Must be switched to silent mode; usage inside the temple is discouraged.
How to Reach Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is located in the Gokarna and it is very well connected by all routes like by train, air and road
1. By Air ️
- The nearest airport to the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is Goa International Airport from there the temple is approximately 155 km .
- From the airport regular buses and taxis are available to reach to the temple directly.
2. By Train
- The nearest airport to the Mahabaleshwar Temple is the Gokarna Road (GOK) From there the temple was approximately 10 kilometres.
- Other Nearby Stations:
- Ankola Railway Station – 20 km
- Karwar Railway Station – 60 km
- From the railway station you can hire a taxi to reach to the temple directly
- The regular trains and buses are available to the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple from major cities like Goa, Mumbai and Bangalore
3. By Road
- From Bengaluru: 485 km – Overnight buses and taxis are available.
- From Goa: 145 km – Direct buses and cabs are available.
- From Mangalore: 235 km – Connected by NH66 with buses and taxis.
- From Hubli: 145 km – Well-connected by road.
- KSRTC Buses: Karnataka State Road Transport (KSRTC) and private buses operate regular services from Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli, and Goa to Gokarna.
- Self-Drive: If you are driving, NH66 (Mumbai-Goa-Kerala Highway) is the best route to take.
Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Contact Details
Address: Shri Mahabaleshwar Temple Koti Teertha Road, Kotiteertha Dandebagh, Gokarna Karnataka 581326, India
Phone: +91 8386 257956 +91 9482 331354
FAQs About Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple
1. What makes Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple so special?
The temple houses the sacred Atmalinga, believed to have been given by Lord Shiva to Ravana. It is considered as powerful as the Jyotirlingas, making it a rare and spiritually potent shrine.
2. Who can enter the sanctum sanctorum?
Unlike many temples, devotees are allowed to touch and worship the Atmalinga, offering abhishekam (ritual bathing) with water, milk, and flowers—a unique and deeply personal ritual.
3. What is the temple’s connection to Ravana?
Legend says Ravana was tricked into placing the Atmalinga on the ground here, where it became immovable. Thus, the temple marks the spot where the divine Shiva linga took root.
4. Is Gokarna only for religious pilgrims?
No, Gokarna is both a spiritual center and a beachside retreat. Many visitors combine temple visits with time at Gokarna Beach, creating a peaceful balance of devotion and relaxation.
5. What are the temple timings?
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Early mornings are ideal for abhishekam rituals and peaceful darshan.
6. Is there a dress code for visitors?
Yes, traditional attire is expected—men in dhoti or pants, women in sarees or modest Indian wear. Western attire may be restricted within the sanctum.
7. Can tourists perform rituals here?
Yes, even first-time visitors can participate in Shiva abhishekam and other rituals by purchasing pooja items and following priestly guidance.
8. How do I reach the temple?
Gokarna is accessible by road and rail, with the nearest major station being Gokarna Road (10 km away). It is about 150 km from Goa and 60 km from Karwar.
9. Is photography allowed?
Photography is not allowed inside the temple, especially near the sanctum. However, the temple’s scenic coastal surroundings offer great photo opportunities outside.