Mahabaleshwar Temple
Also known as Gokarna Mahabaleshwar
Home to the Atmalinga, said to have been brought here by Ravana. Considered older than Rameshwaram and equally sacred.
Photos of Mahabaleshwar Temple
Mahabaleshwar Temple at a Glance
| Location | Gokarna, Karnataka |
|---|---|
| Presiding deity | Shiva |
| Established | 4th century CE |
| Architecture | Dravidian |
| Timings | 06:00–12:30, 17:00–20:30 |
| Address | Car St, Gokarna 581326 |
History of Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Atmalinga was granted by Shiva to Ravana with a condition it should never be set down until Kailash; a divinely disguised Ganesha tricked Ravana into placing it at Gokarna.
Festivals Celebrated at Mahabaleshwar Temple
- Maha Shivaratri
- Rathotsava
How to Reach Mahabaleshwar Temple
Gokarna is on the Konkan railway, 60 km south of Karwar.
Temples Near Mahabaleshwar Temple
- Mookambika TempleKarnataka · about 93 km in a straight line
- Shri Mahalsa Narayani TempleGoa · about 108 km in a straight line
- Shri Mangueshi TempleGoa · about 108 km in a straight line
- Sri Krishna MathaKarnataka · about 142 km in a straight line
More Shiva Temples to Visit
- Virupaksha TempleKarnataka
- Vadakkunnathan TempleKerala
- Bhimashankar TempleMaharashtra
- Mallikarjuna Swamy TempleAndhra Pradesh
- Arunachaleswarar TempleTamil Nadu
- Srikalahasti TempleAndhra Pradesh
Frequently Asked Questions about Mahabaleshwar Temple
Where is Mahabaleshwar Temple located?
- Mahabaleshwar Temple is located at Car St, Gokarna 581326, in Gokarna, Karnataka, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Mahabaleshwar Temple?
- The presiding deity at Mahabaleshwar Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.
What are the timings of Mahabaleshwar Temple?
- Mahabaleshwar Temple is generally open 06:00–12:30, 17:00–20:30. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Mahabaleshwar Temple built?
- Mahabaleshwar Temple was established 4th century CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Mahabaleshwar Temple?
- Mahabaleshwar Temple is built in the Dravidian style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Mahabaleshwar Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Mahabaleshwar Temple include Maha Shivaratri, Rathotsava. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Karnataka and beyond.
How can I reach Mahabaleshwar Temple?
- Gokarna is on the Konkan railway, 60 km south of Karwar.
Why is Mahabaleshwar Temple significant?
- Home to the Atmalinga, said to have been brought here by Ravana. Considered older than Rameshwaram and equally sacred.