Complete Details of Gokarna

Gokarna

Complete Details

Small Story about Gokarna

Gokarna means ear of cow,A soul born in Hindu religion has to fulfill four goals (Chaturvidha Purushartha) and they are Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. There are three holy places which help to expedite fulfillment of Chaturvidha Purushartha, namely Pushkar, Gandaki and Gokarna and their supreme deities are Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Gokarna is – a Siddhi kshetra (a realm which offers Spiritual and Supernatural powers through penance) , a Mukti Kshetra (Death Liberation realm) and a Bhaskar Kshetra ( Sun realm).  Also known as Dakshina Kashi

References to Gokarna are found in epics such as Ramayan, Mahabharat, Gurucharitra. It was the radiant Sage (Rishi) Samvartakeshwar who wrote a detailed book on this ancient, holy and religious place called as Gokarna Purana. Let us first bow to Sage (Rishi) Samvartak, son of Agni.

Let us search chapter wise traces of mythological legends appearing in Gokarna Khanda through Shivalingas (Cylindrical Existence), Tirtha Kundas (Ponds), Hermitages (Ashram’s) and Temples etc. found in Gokarna realm.

 With the increasing population and diminishing faith in religion the Samvartakeshwar Linga is lying unnoticed in one corner of Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Rath Yatra Marg. It is this Samvartakeshwar Linga whose prayer can wash sins of seven births of the worshipper. This Shivlinga is situated opposite Markandeya Hermitage on rear portion of a house.

Aadi Gokarna

Let us first bow to Lord Narayan, the originator of cosmos. In Sanskrit Naar means water and Ayayan means abode, in other words, the one who abodes in water is called as “ Narayan”.

Slumber of Narayan, the originator breaks up by sudden consciousness and a lotus blossoms from his navel. Bramhadev emerges on this Lotus. So, he is called the creator. The Originator orders the Creator to build a Cosmos (Bramhand). To acquire powers to create a cosmos, Bramhadev engrosses himself in deep penance. Yuga’s passed and lapse of time made Bramhadev very angry. This anger gave birth to a child from his forehead. The newly born was crying. Bramhadev asked him in Sanskrit “Kim Ruda? “i.e Why are you crying ? He named the crying boy as Rudra.

Bramhadev asked Rudra to divide himself in ten forms. The eleventh form is known as Shankar. Bramhadev found Lord Shankar fit for the job of creating cosmos. He ordered him to do so. Shankar went deep down in the Patal and started his penance.

Around Three yuga’s passed and still meditation of Shankar continued. Bramhadev suddenly realised that Shankar’s cosmos shall be filled with only one quality. Bramhadev wanted three qualities, namely purity & goodness (Satvik), action and passion (Rajas), Ignorance and Inertia (Tamas). Thus he created a three dimensional (triguni) cosmos, containing all three qualities. To represent these three qualities, Bhramadev created Gods, Demons, Pitars (Dead Souls) and Human Beings. He also created Plants, Trees, Creepers, Flying Birds, Snakes, Animals etc.

This fact did not remain a secret for long. One day it reached the ears of Lord Shankar. Lord Shankar got very furious and with a lightning speed he started travelling upwards from Patal to Bramhaloka.

Bhoomi (Mother Earth) was terrified by the thundering noise and she started trembling with fear. Somehow she mustered courage and stood in the way of speeding Lord Shankar. She pleaded, “Oh my Lord, I am a woman and more so, a frightened one. I am at the risk of destruction and I will be shattered into pieces without any fault of mine. So please forgive me”.

Her fearful but innocent pleading moved Lord Shankar. He asked if she had any wishes. Bhoomi requested him to move out slowly from a tiny hole in her ear. She also requested him to take a tiny form (Angushta Matra). Lord Shankar conceded to her request and came out of Bhoomi’s ear.

After coming out, Lord Shankar showered blessings on Bhoomi. He said Bhoomi one of your names is “Go” and as I came out of your karna (ear), this place where I emerged shall be known, as Gokarna. He also said, I am as good as born here and hence this place shall also be known as “Rudra Yoni”

Sages (Rishis) consecrated a ShivaLinga at the point of emergence and It is this Shivlinga in Gokarna realm, known as “Aaadi Gokarna”

It is on the right side of Lord Mahabaleshwar temple. One has to climb down six steps to see it.

Durgadevi

Demon Mahishasur after a severe penance, received a boon from Lord Shiva by virtue of which no man, demon, god, plant and animal could kill him. Thus empowered by the boon, he captured both earth and Heaven. Terrified by his attack, Gods ran away from their celestial regions.

To defeat him Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesh created a personification of a Goddess combining their Energies. She was named as Durga.

Durga means the inaccessible, the invisible and the undefeatable. God’s were very pleased by her arrival and gifted her lot of weaponry. Shiva gave her the Trident (Trishul), Vishnu the Disc (Sudarshan Chakra). A conch (Shankar) & a noose was given by Varun, Thunderbolt by Indra, Spear by Agni, Arrows by Wind (Vayu), Axe and Armour by Vishwakarma, Sword & Shield by Yama, Lion by Himavat. Worshipped by all, Goddess Durga went to battle with Mahishasur. The war continued for nine days. Goddess Durga finished Mahishasur’s whole army. Mahishasur kept on changing forms and on the ninth day Goddess Durga pinned him down to the ground, impaled him with her Trident and beheaded him with her Sword.

After the killing of Mahishasur Goddess Durga came to Gokarna and performed a profound penance on Shatshrung Mountain. Shiv and Vishnu (Hari and Har) were pleased by her penance and offered her Vindhyachal Mountain as her permanent place of residence.

This is the place where Goddess Durga resides in Gokarna realm by one degree and protects her devotees from the evils of the world, simultaneously removing their miseries. This temple is on the way towards Unmajanni Tirtha.

Ram Tirtha Ram Mandir

Prabhu Ramchandra killed Ravana and returned to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile. On his return, he was crowned as a king of Ayodhya in a dazzling and spectacular coronation ceremony. Eventually he became emperor and ruled with happiness, prosperity, peace and justice.

One day Sage Vasishtha, Sage Agasthi and other Rushi-Munis’ came to visit Prabhu Ramchandra. All of them were curious to know how Ram slew Ravana, Kumbhakarna and other mighty demons. Prabhu Ram suddenly became very emotional while he was narrating the colossal, magical and destructive battle. He said “Ravana and other demons were Bhramin by caste and by virtue of their killings he had encountered a hideous sin known as “Bramha Hatya”. He asked the Sages to find out some way whereby he can redeem this hideous sin.

Great Sage Agasthi, assured him not to worry at all. He Said on South side of the banks of Arabian Sea there is a realm known as “ Gokarna “. Here in Gokarna, there is one place known as “Koti Tirtha”. A devotional deep in Koti Tirtha and worship of “Lord Mahabaleshwar” shall redeem the sin.

Accordingly, Prabhu Ramchandra came to Gokarna accompanied by Sita and brother Laxman. He constructed a hermitage on one of the splendorous peaks of Shatashrunga mountain facing sea. He developed a Tirtha Kunda and revered Lord Mahabaleshwar, till all his sins were washed off and then returned to Ayodhya.

This is the Ram Temple, deities and Ram Kunda at Gokarna realm. This is around one kilo meters away from Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Bhimkunda

In Krutayuga a celestial, divine and pious king was born in Viderbha. Inclined towards Vairagya (asceticism), he crowned his son as King and went to Gokarna realm along with his wife. Here as a standard practice, he constructed a hermitage, consecrated a Shiv Linga and developed a Tirtha Kunda.

He along with his wife performed severe penance by ceasing to eat and by reducing his breathing to bare minimum. His Tapasya continued for more than six hundred years. Pleased by his devotion Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him and his wife a permanent adobe in heaven. He also exalted “the Tirtha Kunda as Bhimkunda”. He gave a boon that, “one who takes a deep in this Tirthakunda and worships the Shivalinga hence forward to be known as Bhimeshwar Linga shall get absolved of all sins”. This is the current condition of Bhim Kunda and Bhimeshwar Temple.

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Mahabaleshwar Pratishthapana

Kaikasi, mother of Ravana was a staunch devotee of Shiva. One day God Indra out of jealousy stole the Shivlinga worshipped by her and drowned it beneath the sea. To ensure daily prayers, Kaikasee made a shivlinga of sand and continued her worship. Enraged by this scene, Ravana vowed to bring Shiva himself for his mother’s prayer. Ravana went to mount Kailash, abode of Shiva and performed sever penance. He danced, he sang in his melodious voice and he praised Shiva. Pleased by his worship Shiva promised to bestow boon wished by Ravana. Ravana said I want you to come with me to Lanka for my mother’s worship. Mahadeo asked “why me? I will give you Mrugashingalinga worshipped by me”. He also blessed him that “if you worship the Mrugashingalinga for continuous period of three years, you shall become Ishwar (i.e. God)”. Ravana happily agreed to this change in boon. Shiva removed the Mrugashingalinga. The Mrugashingalinga was shining like thousand Suns. Shiva prayed it, packed it properly and handed it over to Ravana. He cautioned Ravana , not to keep the Mrugashingalinga on earth before reaching Lanka. He warned him that once placed on earth, the Mrugashingalinga shall get eternally embedded.

Ravana took the Atmalinga and started walking down towards Lanka. He was very happy while havoc took place amongst Gods. God’s feared that, this will make Ravana immortal and to stop the menace to the world, Gods tried to follow him. Ravana roared loudly at them, teased them and ignored them and continued his walk.

Vishnu knew that Ravana would not attack his enemies in the evening. He also knew that being a Brahmin he will perform his evening rituals (Sandhya Vandana) and so Vishnu requested Ganapati to take a form of Brahmin Boy (Batu) and appear before Ravana. As Ganapati reached near Pitru Stahali, Vishnu played a trick; he covered Sun by his Sudershan Chakra. Ravana became prey to this trick.He saw a batu and requested him to hold the Mrugashingalinga till he returned after ablutions (i.e. evening rituals). Ganapati agreed to do so, on one condition and that in case if he cannot bear the weight of the Mrugashingalinga, he will call Ravana thrice. If Ravana does not return within three calls, he shall keep it down. Ravana was in haste to ensure that he does not miss his evening rituals and overlooked the warning.Gods kept weight of the universe on the Mrugashingalinga and Ganapati could not hold it. He called Ravana thrice. As Ravana did not return in three calls, he placed the Mrugashingalinga on earth. Immediately its roots went deep down in Sapta Patal and firmly entrenched on the earth. Mighty Ravana tried to lift it, but only succeeded in twisting it. This twisted Mrugashingalinga, took shape like an ear of a cow. In Sanskrit, “Go” also means cow and “Karna” means Ear, hence named as Gokarna. Mighty Ravana finally surrendered before the almighty Shankara and hence the Mrugashingalinga was named as Gokarna Mahabaleshwar.

This place is known as “BhuKailash” and Southern Varanasi. This is the most sacred, pious and holly ‘Mrugashingalinga’ prayed by Lord Shankar, consecrated by Ganapati in the presence of Lord Vishnu. The Mrugashingalinga is enshrined in a suave Shaligrama Pitha, having a small tip at its centre. Devotees can enter the sanctum sanctorum, can have sparsh-darshan (touch), can perform Abhishek with their own hands and pray. The story trails back to Vaivsvat Manvantara in Tretayuga.

Dwibhuja Ganesh. (Dwibhuja Ganapati)

Outrageous Ravana hit Ganesha with all his power and he was shocked to see that nothing happened to Batu except for a wound on his forehead. Ravana was very proud of his might and he could not believe a human boy sustaining his punch. Ganpati emerged in his original form.

Exactly forty steps behind the Mrugashingalinga, sages placed a two handed Ganesh statue to commemorate saving of Atmalinga by deceiving demon Ravana. The deity has a wound on it’s forehead. This is the only Ganpati with two hands. Dwi means two and bhuja means hands and that is why this Ganpati is named as Dwi Bhuja Ganesh.

Patta Vinayak.

The news that Vishnu redeemed the complex situation and Ganesha actively executed the same, reached mount Kailash through Wind God (Vayu Deva). Shiva , Parvati along with their Gana’s came to Gokarna. Here in Gokarna, Gods were celebrating their victory. Shankar was very pleased to know that his Mruga Shinga Linga had finally rested in Rudra Yoni and he worshipped the same.

A coronation (Pattabhishek) ceremony took place in Gokarna. Vinayak was offered a golden throne and a golden crown decorated with jewels. Gandharva’s sang in his honor, Apsara’s danced. Vishnu brought pious water from heaven for rituals, Parvati decorated her son with ornaments, Shankar offered him a ring and appointed him as protector of Gokarna realm. He blessed him by a name ‘Chintamani Vinayak’ i.e. the one who removes all worries and fulfills all wishes. It is said that to earn full points of Gokarana Tirtha Yatra, the devotee’s must first visit and pray ‘Chintamani Vinayak’ before worshipping Mahabaleshwar. Beacause of pattabhishek, this Ganapati is known as Patta Vinayak and is 52 steps away from Koti Tirtha in South- East direction.

Kalkalleshwar

Since the moment Shankar gave his Mrugashingalinga to Ravana, all Gods were under tremendous tension. Ravana was well aware of the fact that once the Mrugashingalinga is kept on earth, it cannot be removed. In spite of the word of caution, the depressed demon king Ravana tried hard to pull the Mrugashingalinga from earth. He failed miserably in this attempt, as Mrugashingalinga was firmly entrenched to earth. In fact Ravana fainted during the process. This scene made Gods laugh. Their laughter created a sound of Kal Kal and hence this Shivlinga is known as Kalkalleshwar.

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Kapil Tirtha

 During eclipse time everybody was running for dip in Arabian Sea and prayer (darshan) of Lord Mahabalaeshwar. Parvati got curious and asked Lord Shiva, why are these people flooding? Lord said, “For salvation and attaining Swarga”. Astonished Parvati asked “if everybody gets an entry in Swarga, will there be sufficient place left in heaven? Lord said, “Not all shall get an entry in Heaven and I will show you, how. He took a form of a bull and asked Parvati to take form of a cow. Both of them got entangled in a marshy land. They were lowing for help.

 Everybody was very busy to ensure that they do not miss the golden opportunity of praying Lord Mahabaleshwar during the eclipse time and nobody cared for the poor animals. Among the crowd was a man named Purukutsu, who jumped in the mud to save these poor animals. Looking at his futile lonely efforts, one more person named as Atreya joined him. Both of them tried very hard but still the task was tough for duo. Third man named Suho, joined them for help.

 The trio succeeded in saving the bull and the cow. They washed and cleaned them, they gave them food and water. By then the eclipse time had elapsed and this trio missed the opportunity to worship Lord Mahabaleshwar. Lord Shankar was very pleased with the Trio and along with Jagatmata Parvati appeared in celestial form. These were the only three who reached salvation. Sage built a pond on the place where Shiv and Partvati appeared in the form of bull and cow. The place was named as “ Kapil Tirtha”. This is the Kapil Tirtha of Gokarna, a live example of true bhakti. This place is around four kilo meters from Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Kameshwar Tirtha

Dakshayani was daughter of Daksha Prajapati and his wife Prasuti. Once Daksha arranged a grand Yagnya and invited all Gods except for Shiva and Dakshayani. Dakshayani thought it was an unintended omission and she thought she needed no invitation to visit her father’s house. Shiva tried to dissuade her but in vain. The determined Dakshayani went to attend the ceremony.

King Daksha loathed seeing her on this auspicious occasion. There was a long and heated argument. Daksha highlighted a big list of virtues lacked by Shankar. Dakshayani realised that all the abuse was impugned on Shankar because of their marriage. She thought that she was the cause of dishonor to her husband. Consumed by rage she immolated herself by invoking yogic fire. Since then, this act of loyalty and devotion towards her husband is referred to as Sati.

Shiva was grief stricken due to Death of Sati and he lost his interest in the earthly affairs. He went near to the footsteps of Himalayas and engaged himself in a deep penance.  

Sati was reborn to Himavat and his wife Mena. She was named as Parvati. When she attained womanhood Narad Muni went to Himavat and enlightened him of his daughter’s past birth. Jubilant Himavat went with his wife, son and daughter Parvati to the place where Shankar was meditating. He bowed to Shankar and said, ”Oh My lord! please forgive my late arrival. Due to old age I am encountering difficulties in walking. I am placing my daughter Parvati at your service.” Right from childhood, Parvati worshipped Shankar alone and she was very pleased to be at his service.

God of love (Kamdev-Madan) went to the place where Parvati was engrossed in the service of Lord Shiva. Madan waited and when he saw Shiva and Parvati together he threw an arrow decorated with five different fragrances of flowers. Shankar did not approve the intruder Kamdev, he opened his third eye and instantaneously incinerated Madan to ashes.

For salvation of his sins Madan came to earth thrice but Lord’s Army (Ganas) did not allow him to enter Gokarna realm. Ultimately Madan consecrated a Shivlinga on the outskirts of Gokarna realm and entered in to a deep penance. After thousands of years of meditation Lord Shiva was pleased with him. Shankar dug his trident in the earth and made river Ganga to appear for salvation of sins of Kamdev. This is the river which washed the sins of Kamdev and called as Adhanashini. Adha means sins and Nashini means destructor. The one who destroys sins is known an Adhanashini.

After the boon Shankar generously allowed Kamdev entry in Gokarna realm and gave him a form for prayer. Kamadev made his hermitage near Koti Tirtha, consecrated a Shivlinga, dug a Tirtha Kunda and stated his second inning of penance. Again after thousands of years of Tapascharya Lord Shankar appeared before him along with Parvati and blessed him that the Shivalinga worshipped by him shall always fulfill the desires of the devotees. This is the famous Kameshwar Linga of Gokarna. It is so sacred that till date palanquin of Lord Mahabaleshwar visits Kamdev temple once in a year. 

Ravaneshwar Kubereshwar

On South of Rudra Yoni, was one spiritual forest known as Shelshamatak. Bramhadev’s Manas Putra Pulastya had undertaken a deep penance in this forest. Pulastya had a son, whose name was Vishrawas and Vishrawas had a son named Vaishravan (i.e.Kuber). Kuber undertook a deep penance for pleasing Lord Bramhadev and in boon he received a Pushpak Viman, Lanka in the midst of Sea, Wealth and Immortality. He used to travel in the Pushpak Viman . Once upon a time Kuber had gone to visit his father in Gokarna in Shelshamatakvan. As usual he was flying in the Pushpak Viman.

A Demon named Sumali saw him. Sumali desired wealth of Kuber and he devised a plan with his beautiful daughter Kaikasi to seduce Rishi Vishrawas, Father of Kuber. Accordingly Kaikasi went to Vishrawas and desired progeny. Vishrawas tried to explain her that he was going through a bad phase of life and the new born were likely to turn out to be a fierce Demons (Bramha Rakshash). Kaikasi neglected his words. She insisted and the first son born to them was mighty Ravana with ten heads and ten hands. Second son was yet another monster Kumbhkarna, with largest appetite. Third born was a daughter named Shurpanakha, the one with sharp long nails.

By the time fourth son was born, good times had returned. He was named Bibhishan, i.e. one with pure mind and pure heart. He was very pious. All these brothers went to Gokarna realm for penance. Ravana performed intense penance to Bramhadev which lasted for several thousand years. During this penance, Ravana sacrificed his ten heads by slashing them off. Bramhadev was pleased by his austerity but refused to offer him celestial nectar of immortality; instead he offered him great strength, divine weapons, magical supernatural powers and absolute supremacy over Gods, Demons, Wild Beast and Serpents. Bramhadev also returned his all ten severed heads. It is this Shivlinga consecrated by Bibhishan, prayed by Kumbhakarna and praised by Ravana known as Ravaneshwar.

 After this boon Ravana bethroned Kubera and crowned himself as King of Lanka. Out thrown, disgusted Kubera went to meet his father at Gokarna who advised him that one should neither be friend nor foe of rogues and scalawags. He advised him to pray Lord Shiva in Gokarna. It is here in Gokarna, Kubera undertook severe penance of Lord Shankar and earned status of “Lord of Riches, Treasurer of Gods, King of glorious city called Alkapuri, King of Yakshas, Kinnaras and protector of World (Lok-pal)”. The one who wishes wealth should worship this Kubereshwar Linga.

Vinayakashram

After incinerating Kamdev, Lord Mahadev stopped his penance, asked Parvati to return to her father, Himavat and he himself went to Kailash Mountain. Due to impact of previous life, Young Parvati undertook deep austerity to please Lord Shiva and to fulfill her wish of reuniting with him. By undertaking severe mortifications, by fasting (Nirahar) she surpassed all other ascetics in austerity. Shiva tried to taste her devotion in disguise but unmoved, untouched and unturned Parvati compelled Shiva to marry her. After the marriage the couple went to mountain Kailash, adobe of Shiva.

Taking advantage of this marriage all gods approached Shankar and requested him to return Kamdev. They told Lord Shankar that since the death of Kamdev everybody in the universe had lost sex desire. Shankar said, I am sorry, due to his incineration, Kamdev cannot get his body back but he assured them that now onwards he shall remain in minds of everybody. (Chitta Janma).

The moment Lord completed his proclamation he was attacked by Kamdev and a majestic, noble boy with celestial radiance beauty was borne from the foreheads of Shankar. The boy was named as “Vinayak”. Time lapsed, Vinayak became young. One day Vinayak reached home late in the evening after his play. For a moment Parvati thought that Lord Shiva had returned but in next moment she realised that it was her son Vinayak. Enraged she cursed Vinayak to have dilapidated body (Vikrut Aang).

After some time Lord Shiva came home. He could not recognize the boy and asked Parvati who the boy was? Parvati replied that he was his own son Vinayak. Lord Shiva felt very sorry. He lifted Vinayak, made him sit on his lap, caressed his mouth. He advised Vinayak that it was in his interest not to be angry on his Mother. He said, “If you listen to me, He will offer him a solution. Vinayak agreed. Shankar asked Vinayak to go to Gokarna realm and to construct his own hermitage in Ketaki Ban on the South Side of Rudra Yoni and perform a penance.

This is the place where Vinayak performed penance and made his Parents appear before him. It is this place where he was freed from his Mother’s curse and got his original beautiful form by way of a boon. One can still see the Vikrut Aanga and beautiful Vinayak in this temple at Gokarna. It is at this place where Lord Shiva blessed him that he shall be the Lord and Ruler of troubles (Vighna) and his Army (Ganas). Shankar offered him his trident, Vishnu offered him his beautiful Disc, Kamdev offered him an Arrow, Keshav offered him a Mace, Parvati offered him a Blue Lotus (Nil Kamal), Surya offered him noose(Pash), Kuber offered him Urn full of Jewells, Himalaya offered him a mouse for mounting and he was married to Shakti, Daughter of Vishnu. It is this place in Gokarna where one can redeem curse/s of mother and accomplish all wishes.

Bramhashram

Once Brahma and Vishnu were embroiled in an argument as to who was greater than whom. Suddenly a visionary Shivlinga appeared along with Shankar. Shankar said the one who can see either the top or bottom of this Shivling is the greatest of two.

Bramha mounted on a Swan and started looking for the top while Vishnu mounted on Varaha (boar) and went in search of the bottom. During this flight, Bhramadev encountered a screw pine (Kevada or Ketaki, Schrub with fragrant flowers) which had fallen from the forehead of the visionary Linga. Bramhadev asked him, “Have you seen the top of the Linga?” Kevada replied, “I was there for quite some time but still I have not seen the uppermost part of the Shivling”. Bramhadev corrupted him and asked him to be a false witness. Kevada willingly accepted the offer. Rejoiced Bramhadev came down in front of Shiva. By this time Vishnu had also returned. Vishnu said honestly, that he had tried a lot but could not see the bottom. Now was Bramhadev’s turn. He lied and bragged that he had successfully seen the top. In support of his statement, he produced Kevada as his witness. Shankar realised the lie and cursed Bramhadev that he being a liar, he shall not be worshipped. Shankar banned Kevada from the list of items used for his prayer. This did not calm him down and he was scorching in anger. This anger gave birth to Kal Bhairav . Shankar ordered Kal Bhairav to cut the upper head of Bramhadev. Kal Bhairav executed the order.

Bramhadev regretted his greed for power. He went to one of the peaks of Shata Shrunga facing the sea, built his hermitage, consecrated a Shivlinga and dug a Tirtha Kunda and engaged himself in deep penance. After Tapasya of few Yuga’s Lord Shankar was pleased with his austerity and freed him from his sin. It is this Shivlinga where worshipers’ sins of deceptions are redeemed and infinite holy deeds are showered on the devotee.

Kal Bhairav and Pralhad Ashram

No doubt, Kal Bhairav executed the order of Shankar but got the hideous curse of Bramha Hatya (killing a Bramhin). To eradicate this dreadful sin Kal Bhairav visited all the sacred, holy and religious places on earth but the efforts were futile. Exhausted Kal Bhairav requested help from Shankar. Shankar said, “Do not worry, go to Gokarna realm, built your own hermitage on the south side of Koti Tirtha, on the east of Hanuman Temple and engage yourself in penance.

This is the place, where Kal Bhairava worshipped Shankar and succeeded in redeeming the sin of Bramha Hatya. This is the place where a devotee can redeem his sins of highest order. This is Kal Bhairav, protector good and terminator of evil.

On the East of this Kal Bhairav hermitage there is one more spectacular place known as Narsimha Temple. Diti had given birth to a mighty demon called as Hiranyakashyapu. By the boon of Bramhadev he could neither be killed by a Man nor an Animal, neither by God nor Demon, neither during day nor at night, neither inside nor outside. Due to this boon he defeated everyone including Gods and conquered Traiyaloka (Earth, Heaven and Patal). He was an evil King but he had a saintly son called Pralhad. Bhakta Pralhad was a great disciple of Lord Vishnu, with whom Hiranyakashyapu had hatred. The animosity was so intense that when Hiranyakashyapu realised that his son won’t stop chanting the name of Narayan (Another name for Lord Vishnu). Tired of his chanting, he made several attempts to kill his own son. Neither did Hiranyakashyapu succeed in killing his son nor did his son stop chanting the name of Narayan. One day disgusted Hiranyakashyapu challenged Pralhad to show his Narayan. On the request of Bhakta Pralhad, Narayan appeared from a pillar manifested as half man and half lion, Narsimha. He teared Hiranyakashyapu to shreds on the entrance of his home at Dusk and handed over the kingdom to Pralhad.

The entire demon race started telling Pralhad that he had developed a curse known as “Pitru hatya” by killing his own father. Perplexed Pralhad found a solution in the form of Narad Muni who had come to visit him once. Narad Muni said, “Do not worry, there is a place where sins of highest degree can be redeemed and the name of this place is Gokarna.” This is the place, where at the insistence of Narad Muni, Bhakta Pralhad built his hermitage, undertook sever penance, which forced Narsimha to appear once again before him and redeemed his sins.

Krishnashram

In ancient times, there was a mighty and fierce thousand arm demon named Banasur. Almost all kings and Gods had shuddered before Banasura. He had played Mrudunga during Tandav dance of Shankara and by a boon Shankara became his protector. His kingdom was called as Shonitapur. He had a beautiful daughter named Ushadevi. Once she saw a young man in dream and fell in love with him. She became crazy for him. She had a friend called as Chitralekha and she was a talented artist. Looking at painful condition of her friend, Chitralekha kept on drawing portraits of all well known Gods, Siddhas, Yaksha, Gandharvas. She continued with painting of Lord Shri Krishna, Bal Ram, Pradumna and Aniruddha. Ushadevi identified the man in her dream as Aniruddha. Chitralekha used her magical powers and abducted Aniruddha from Shri Krishna’s Palace. Ultimately, Ushadevi’s dream was fulfilled. Aniruddha and Ushadevi married secretly. After some time Banasur realised the treachery of his young daughter. He arrested Aniruddha and made him a prisoner.

Aniruddha’ absence from the palace did not remain a secret for long and everybody tried hard to find him. Their efforts were in vain. One day Narad Muni had come to meet Lord Krishna and he unfolded the secret of Aniruddha’s abduction and imprisonment.

Lord Krishna was well aware that Lord Shankar was the protector of Banasur and it was impossible to win Banasur in a straight war, so he asked Narad Muni a way out. Under the advice of Narad Muni Lord Krishna came to Gokarna. He formed his hermitage near Koti Tirtha, little west of Sage Agastyi’s hermitage and undertook deep penance. It is this place in Gokarna where Lord Krishana received a boon from Lord Shankar that he shall loose in the war with Banasur. It is at this place Lord Shankar warned Shri Krishna that killing Banasur to death was not possible. What was possible was to develop a fear of death in the minds of Banasur by severing his 998 hands in the war.

Lord Krishan followed his instructions. He succeeded in defeating Lord Shankar in war against Banasur. He also severed 998 hands of Banasur. Banasur realised that continuing war was not be in his interest and surrendered before Lord Krisha. He offered hand of his daughter Ushadevi to grandson of Lord Krishna.

The hermitage of Lord Shrikrishna known as Krishnashram in Gokarna realm gives super normal powers to the worshippers and devotees.

Manibhadra

Manibhadra and Bhootnath were one of the senior most Ganas of Lord Shankar. They heard so many legends of Gokarna realm that they became curious to see it with their own eyes. Both of them took permission of Lord Shankar and rushed to Gokarna. Manibhadra and Bhootnath were astonished to see countless Shivalingas. In fact Bhootnath did not dare to enter the Gokarna realm and hence he formed his hermitage on the outskirts of Gokarna realm. Manibhadra was curious but at the same time afraid that his feet might touch the auspicious Shivalinga. So he preferred to walk on his both hands. Walking on his both hands, he gave many pradakshinas (circumambulations) to Gokarna realm. Ultimately formed his own hermitage on one of the mountains of Shatashrunga and engrossed himself in sever penance standing on his two hands. Lord Shankar pleased by his meditation and worship of ages and ages allowed him to stay in Gokarna realm forever. This is the Manibhadra temple of Gokarna, around one kilo meter away from Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple towards the sea.

Indreshwar and Goutameshwar

Once Indra, King of Gods went in to the hermitage of great Sage Gautam. He was enchanted, enamored and infatuated by the beauty of Ahilya, Sage Gautam’s wife. He developed uncontrollable lascivious desire for Ahilya. The lust had taken total control of his mind and he waited for an opportunity. In the afternoon Sage Gautam went out of his hermitage to collect Yadnya Samugri. This was a chance for him. Indra masqueraded as Sage Gautam and acted as if he returned early. Ahilya was surprised by this sudden return. Unsuspecting Ahilya could not distinguish the imposter Indra and his devious disguise. Before she could ask her him anything, Indra in the disguise of Sage Gautam expressed immediate desire for sex.

Ahilya could not believe her ears. She sharply criticised the hideous and sinister act of having sex by a Sage during day time. She told her husband that all his Tapashcharya shall go futile and he will knock the doors of Narak Puri. Imposter Indra craving for sex did not listen to her and using husband’s supremacy seduced Ahilya and ran away after satiating his sexual desire. Ahilya was very sad and she was full of distress. After some time Sage Gautam returned and looking at his wife’s poignant face Sage Gautam realised Indra’s cheating by his supernormal powers. He became very angry and cursed his wife that she will transform in to entablature for her infidelity. He also cursed Indra. Due to his curse, thousand vulvas developed on the body of King of Gods Indra.

Ahilya pleaded her innocence and Sage Gautam reduced her curse to ten thousand years and assured her that she shall return to her original form when brushed by the lotus feet of Prabhu Ramchandra.

Prey of wrath of Sage Gauatm, Indra could not return to his kingdom. His wife Shachi urged Sage Gautam to redeem the curse of her Husband. Sage Guatm asked Shachi to send her husband to Gokarna realm and to engage in penance for redeeming his sins of adultery. Accordingly Indra came to south east of Rudra Yoni, consecrated a Shivalinga near Kubereshwar and engrossed himself in severe penance. It is here in Gokarna, that Indra did Tapascharya of ages and ultimately succeeded in redeeming sin of adultery by the boon of Lord Shankar. This Shivalinga is between Dwi Bhuja Ganesh and entrance of Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

 Due to these unforeseen circumstances Sage Gautam lost his interest in life and went for pilgrimage. He visited almost all the sacred places and ultimately reached Gokarna realm. He constructed his hermitage on the south of Rudra Yoni, consecrated a Shivlinga and did severe meditation, practicing austerities and ascetic penance. This is the Gautameshwar Linga of Gokarna realm, blessed by Lord Shankar. It is inside the compound wall of Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Kalihruda

In ancient times there was a kingdom known as Swayambhuva and two gallant demon warriors named Shumbha and Nishumbha were born here. These two brothers had pleased Lord Bramhadev by their severe penance of ten thousand years and received boon of their choice. They were accompanied by one more demon named “Raktabija”. They conquered all the three worlds (Trailokya i.e. Earth, Heaven and Patal). Shumbha became King of Gods. He even acquired Indrapada.

Once Narad Muni, visited Demon Shumbha. He said, oh, Lord of Lords, you have almost everything from Trailokya, except for woman jewel of Gods. Narad Muni described the extremely white skinned feminine beauty of Goddess Chandika. Overwhelmed by jealousy Shumbha sent his messenger to Goddess Chandika.

Goddess told the messenger that due to her childishness she had taken a vow that one who defeats her in a battle shall be her husband and now she can go back on her vow. The messenger tried to tell the Goddess valiant fighting powers of demon Shumbha, his boon and his enormous army. Goddess was firm on her statement and the messenger returned with empty hands.

Enraged Shumbha ordered Raktabija to take his army and to abduct Goddess Chandika as she was not coming willingly. Raktabija tried to abduct Goddess and she ferociously attacked Raktabija and his army. Raktabija was wounded and started bleeding profoundly. But because of his boon his blood kept on creating new demons just like him from his blood drops. Goddess was infuriated by this scene; she became very violent and impetuous.

She opened her fuming mouth and Kalika extensively huge and massive personification of a woman form having thousand hands, full of auspicious weapons and sharp teethes originated. Kalika slew Raktabija and his entire army by her weaponry. She opened her immensely large mouth and ate the dead bodies, blood, flesh and bones of demon Raktabija and his entire army. Happy Gods named this personification of a woman form as Mahakali.      

Enraged Shumbha and Nishumbha attacked the Goddess with their retinue. Mahakali once again slew their entire army. This encounter left no choice but to engross in a direct combat. Lord Bramhadev’s boon protected the demon brothers from men, demons and gods but not from Goddess.

Chandika pierced heart of Nishumba and decapitated him. Shumbha mad with rage fiercely attacked Goddess by continuously changing his forms and appearances. Chandika slew all his four horses, killed his charioteer and broke his bow. Shumbha managed to wound lion-steed of the Goddess and the Goddess lost all her patience, she removed the Sudarshan Chakra and decapitated Shumbha. Thus the Goddess got rid over evil and freed Trailokya.

After the death of Shumbha and Nishumbha, Goddess Kali came to Gokarna realm. Here she cleaned and washed her weaponry and that place is known as “Kalihruda” and engrossed her in deep penance. This is the deity of Mahakali facing South Direction and known as Bhadrakali. Bhadra means wishing good, kali means black. 

This temple is on the main entrance of Gokarna

Rudrapad

Mitrasaha was a king born in solar dynasty. One day he had gone for hunting and he saw a wild demon beast in the dense forest. He slewed the beast. The beast had one brother and enraged by the death he vowed to take revenge. He changed his form, from demon to a human and joined the retinue of Mitrasaha. In a very short span of time he earned total confidence of Mitrasaha.

Once Mitrasaha invited sage Vasishtha to perform obsequies of his dead ancestors. The demon brother got this opportunity, he was waiting for. By now he had become the head of kitchen grocery department. He mixed human flesh in the food. Sage Vasishtha identified the human meat in his food by his supernormal powers and cursed Mitrasaha to become cannibal (Bramha Rakshas). Mitrasaha could not digest the curse of Sage Vasishtha as he was totally ignorant and he was not at all at fault. Vasishtha had 101 sons and furious Mirasaha as cannibal devoured all of them. Because of their accidental death all 101 sons of Sage Vasishtha went to Narakalaya.

Sage Vasishtha desired Moksha (salvation) of his dead sons and so he ordered his disciple Sage Parashar to visit Gokarna realm and to perform penance. Accordingly, Sage Parashar came to Gokarna, constructed a hermitage, consecrated a Shivalinga, dug a Tirtha kunda, in Gokarna realm and engrossed in penance. After thousand’s years of Tapascharya Lord Shankar was pleased by his sincere worship and emerged before him To fulfill his wished left his miniature footprints, on which Parashar performed the death rituals of all 101 sons of Sage Vasishtha and ensured them Moksha. These are the footprints of Lord Shankar called as Rudra Pad. This is a place in Gokarna realm, where by performing obsequies, one can assure Moksha to his 101 generations of ancestors. The temple is on the North-West of Kali-Hruda around three kilo meters.

Shalmali

While Bhagirath was descending from mount Himalaya along with heavenly river Ganga, he encountered a place where one Sage named Janhu was performing his Yagnya. Everything got destroyed by the impact of strong flow of Ganga. Angered Sage Janhu made Ganga vanish. Poor Bhagirath could not believe his eyes when all of a sudden roaring Ganga disappeared. He realised that this was the act of Sage Janhu and once again prayed Sage Janhu for many years. Ultimately, Sage Janhu let river Ganga out and since then river Ganga is named as Janhavi. Bhagirath took permission of Sage Janhu and marched towards the hermitage of Sage Kapil.

After some time, one great Sage Satyatapa came to the hermitage of Sage Janhu. Janhu welcomed him, offered him water to wash his feet and offered him place to sit. Satyatapa said “I have come all the way to inform you that you have attracted a most hideous sin by your act of vanishing God River Ganga and this will hinder your process of Moksha. Your hatred for Bhagirath should not have taken this form.”

Janhus realised his misdeed and asked for a way to redeem his dreadful sin. Sage Satyatapa said you should go to Gokarna realm, on South of Rudrayoni there is one pious river named Shalukini. You should construct a hermitage around two and half kilo meters from this river but within Gokarna realm and prey God River Ganga in a deity form.

This is the hermitage of Sage Janhu where he did severe Tapasya and pleased God River Ganga who appeared before him as a personification of a woman and freed the sin of Sage Janhu. Since then the river Shalukini is named as Gangavali-Shalmali. On Deepawali evening palanquin of Lord Mahabaleshwar comes here for marriage of Lord Mahabaleshwar with God River Ganga. 

Uma-Mahesh

Once Jaganmata Parvati got curious to see Gokarna realm. To fulfill her wishes, Lord Shankar, Jaganmata Parvati and Ganas came to Gokarna. They saw Adi Gokarna, Lord Mahabaleshwar Linga, Koti Tirtha, Shatashrunga Mountain, Kameshwar Adhanashini, Ganagavali-Shalmali, Arabian Sea, Gokarna beach, Kudle beach, Om beach, Half moon beach, Paradise beach, hermitages of Sages, innumerable Shivlingas and Tirtha Kundas.

Jaganmata Parvati was not contended by this mere visit. She requested Lord Shankar that she wished to reside in the most revered place for some time. Lord said “whole of Gokarna realm is holy and pious” and he asked her to decide a place of her choice. Jaganmata Parvati preferred a dense forest which was latter on named as Umavana on South-west of Shatashrunga Mountain facing sea. This is the place where Uma and Mahesh resided on the peak, while their Ganas resided on the footsteps of the hill. This is the Tirtha Kunda consecrated by Lord Shankar for Jaganmata Parvati by bringing sanctified water of all the rivers in heaven and from earth. This is the Shivalinga whose half part symbolises Mahesh and other half symbolises Uma, hence named as Uma-Mahesh.

Sagareshwar

Sons of Diti were demons and snakes.

For whole day the demons use to reside in Sea. They used to come out in night and devour human beings and saints. This onslaught endangered entire human race. Helpless mankind went to Sages for help. Sage had no answer. So they went to Lord Bramhadev. Bramhadev said “it is only great ascetic Sage Agasthi who could help you”. So everybody went to Sage Agasthi. They requested him to protect their lives. The great Sage marched towards sea. He drank it and made it waterless. This exposed Demons. It was day time and demons were weak while Gods were powerful. God’s used this opportunity and killed around 80,000 Demons. The remaining Demons ran in Patal (deep down the earth) with their wives and families.

Everybody was happy as they got rid of the demons. Sages and mankind worshipped and prayed Sage Agasthi. They requested him to fill the Sea water. Sage Agasthi laughed loudly. He said that he had not only swallowed but had also digested the sea water and was unable to return it.

Waterless Sea was worried. He approached Bramhadev, who said his salvation was in Gokarna realm. Bramhadev said “only the Lord Shankar can restore your water”. Accordingly Sea went to Gokarna. He built his hermitage. He consecrated a Shivlinga. He created a Tirtha Kunda. He engrossed himself in deep penance for thousands of years by fasting and controlling his organs. Ultimately, Lord Shankar pleased by his penance, asked him his wish. Sea requested Lord to return his original form full of water.

Lord said, “You will have to wait for some time. A King named Sagar shall be born. He will perform Ashwamedh Yagnya. As a part of ritual he will set free a Stallion to roam around. He will depute his sixty thousand son’s for protection of the Stallion. Jealous Indra (King of Gods) shall steal the Stallion during night time and hide it.

Sixty thousand Sons of King Sagar shall hunt the Stallion on Earth and in Heaven. Unsuccessful, they will start digging the Earth till they reach Patal. Here they will find the Stallion in a spiritual Hermitage of Sage Kapil. These evil sons shall challenge Sage Kapil for a war and one angry glance of Sage Kapil shall quash them off in a moment.

Grandson of King Sagar named as Bhagirath shall grieve the accidental death of his ancestors without Mukti and Moksha. For their salvation, he will bring down pious River Ganga from Heaven to Earth for performing obsequies on ashes of his dead ancestors. When Ganga reaches this point, your original form shall return.

It is this place where Sea undertook penance and since then benediction of the Shiva Linga is done as Sagareshwar and the pond created by Sea as Sagar Tirtha. This is situated exactly opposite to Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple, towards Sea. In fact the Tirthakunda is adjoined to the boundary wall of Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Reincarnation of Gokarna (Parshuram):

Mad for Stallion, the sixty thousand Sons of King Sagar haphazardly dug the Earth. The tumultuous waves and tempests of Sea drowned the holy and pious Gokarna realm. Few peaks of Shatshrung Mountain Range were just visible.

This forced, Saints and Sages to approach Lord Bramhadev for solace. Bramhadev said,“ retreating Sea is not a job of a common man. Only Parshuram, son of Renuka and Jamadagni the sixth avatar of Vishnu can do it. He will not look at you, till he completes a Yagnya called Vishwajeet. Sage Kashyap shall be the head priest of this Yagnya. After completion of this Yagnya, Parshuram shall bequeath the entire earth to Kashyap. You should take the help of Sage Kashyap and convinence Parshuram to resolve your distress.”

Assured of a solution, the Saints and Sages waited patiently for completion of Vishwajeet Yagnya. After which they approached Parshuram. Warrior Sage Parshuram conceded to their request and went near the Sea. He fought back the advancing waters demanding Varuna to release Sahayadri Khanda. Varuna Dev surrendered before Parshuram and agreed to return as much land as wished by Parshuram. Parshuram took out his axe by which he had annihilated the Kshatriya clan, 21 times.   He threw it in the Sea and marked the area of land stretching from Gokarna to southernmost tip of India. Sea Water retreated beyond the marking line drawn by the axe. Land rose again.

Curious Parshuram visited Gokarna realm. He was enchanted by it’s celestial splendor, purification powers. He consecrated a ShivLinga in the name of his Father Jamadagni. Pleased Lord Shankar by performing deep penance. This is the well known Jamadagneshwar temple at Gokarna. It is around one and half kilo meter from Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Markandeshwar Ashram

By the boon of Lord Shankar Sage Mrikandu and his wife Mrudumati gave birth to a celestial child. He was named Markandeya who was destined to die at the age of sixteen. The destiny was known to his parents. At the age of four Markandeya went to Gurukul. He returned to his parents, almost after eight years, after acquiring complete training of Vedas. Looking at the young Markandeya, his Mother started weeping. Mother’s sorrow, instead of happiness, unfolded destiny in front of Markandeya. He promised his mother that he will find a way out and he went to his Grandfather’s hermitage i.e. of Sage Bhrugu. Sage Bhrugu told him to pray Lord Shankar. In this hermitage, Markandeya performed penance for three years. At the start of sixteen, he went to Varanasi for further penance.

The messengers of Yama (the God of Death) could not take him away as long as he was praying near Shivalinga. So they waited and took an opportunity, while he was bathing. Furious Lord Shankar suddenly emerged from nowhere. He attacked God Yama’s messenger and saved life of Markandeya.

Since then Markandeya’s belief on Lord Shankar increased multifold. Lord Shankar realised that this was wrong. So one day he took a form of an old Bramhin. This old man was throwing handful of sand in river Ganga. Getting curious, young Markandeya asked the Bramhin the purpose. Old man replied, by throwing the sand in river Ganga, he is building a bridge. Markandeya laughed at him and said that his efforts were futile.

“So are yours “ said the old Bramhin and the old Bramhin started pleasing Lord Vishnu over Lord Shankar. Outraged Markandeya could not tolerate insult of Lord Shankar. He said I am excusing you for your old age and he started explaining him the greatness of Lord Shankar over Lord Vishnu. Pleased by the self praise, Lord Shankar emerged in his celestial form in front of Markandeya.

Lord Shankar explained Markandeya, that if he really wants a permanent solution, he must worship Lord Vishnu. He said “If I am the body, Lord Vishnu is the strength. He further explained that if, “Lord Vishnu is a seed then myself and Lord Bramhadev are roots of the seed. Lord Shankar said the trio is inseparable. Each soul contains three qualities namely Satvik, Rajas and Tamas. Predominance of one quality does not mean non existence of other two qualities. He convinced Markandeya that prayer of one and neglect of other two converts the whole penance futile. One, who discriminates the trio, knocks the doors of Narak Puri “. He advised Markandeya to go to Gokarna immediately from Varanasi. He directed him “ to go to a place near to the hermitage of Lord Yama ( God of Death). This is the Dharmeshwar Shivlinga of Gokarna realm.

Accordingly, Markandeya reached Gokarna, built his Hermitage comprising of Shree Ganesh, Goddess Maheshwari. He consecrated a Shivlinga, created a Tirtha Kunda and started worshiping Lord Vishnu for ages. At the penultimate culmination of multi-thousand years sincere penance, Lord Vishnu appeared before him along with Shankar and Bramhadev . The trio bestowed immortality upon him and benediction of the ShivaLinga worshipped was made as Markandeshwar and the pond as Markandeshwar Tirtha.

Skandeshwar Subrahmanya

Skand, the elder son of Lord Shankar, went to meet his father, who was on Kailash mountain along with wife Parvati. Lord Shankar asked his son to hurry and reach Gokarna, as within three days the whole universe was to fall in the jaws of a catastrophe (Pralaya). He further told him that during this time of cataclysm, it is only Gokarna realm which shall be imperishable. Skand was very curious to know, why of all the places, Lord Shankar directed him to go only to Gokarna. Lord’s reply is nothing but what Gokarna Purana is about.

 As per his father’s commands Skand came to Gokarna, built a hermitage, a Tirtha Kunda and consecrated a Shivlinga in Rudra Yoni. He engrossed himself in a deep penance for ages together. Pleased by his obeisance Lord Shankar emerged before him and bestowed on him power to kill Tarakasur. This is the hermitage where Skand practiced the asceticism in Gokarna realm. This is near Rudra Bhumi

Tamra Gouri

While Lord Bramhadev was in deep penance, a woman appeared in two forms namely a river and personification of a Goddess. Bramhadev told her that she be wife of Lord Shankar. In search of her husband she came to Gokarna. She descended upon Tamra Parvat (Copper Mountain). Her name was Gauri and as she was wandering over the Tamra Parvat, she was known as “Tamra Gauri “. This is the standing deity Tamra Gauri in Gokarna realm. She is holding a balance in her hands. As per mythology she is weighing piousness and holiness of Gokarna vis-à-vis Varanasi. And the balance reflects, that every time she finds power of Gokarna a little bit supreme over that of Varanasi . This temple is on the rear side of Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

 Opposite to Tamra Gouri temple there is a pond closed by door. This is known as Tamra Kunda and if a Aasthi bones of dead are immersed in this pond, the dead remains in Heaven till the Aasthis remain in pond and the dead gets a rebirth as a King when the Aasthis move out of this pond and meet sea water. Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in Tamra Kunda.

Vidhut Papstahali

While Bramhadev was deep in penance , Surabhi, the first cow was born. She created ocean of milk (Kshir Sagar). Gods and Demons churned this Ocean. They used Serpent King Vasuki as a cord and Mount Mandar as a churner. Amrut (Nectar) kept by Indra King of Gods, a divine Shivlinga kept by Mahavishnu, Black Poison (Kal Kuta) drank by Maheshwar, Uchhaisharva horse taken by God Indra etc. released from the churning.

Surabhi asked Bramhadev for a permanent place of her residence. Bramhadev asked her to visit Lord Shankar. Shankar was engrossed deep in penance in Patal. Surabhi went to Patal and urged him. Lord Shankar asked her to perform penance at Gokarna realm. Accordingly she came to Gokarna. She took a form of a woman and found a place which had a shape of a plate i.e. Sthali. During this penance she succeeded in reclaiming divine Shivlinga emerged during churning from Mahavishnu. She continued with her ascetic life. After ages and ages of meditation, Lord Shankar and Lord Vishnu were pleased and blessed her that the Shivlinga shall be known as Surbheshwar Linga. They also bestowed her that now on Cow milk shall be used for performing Puja of Gods and havya of dead Ancestors.

After this Surabhi vanished in the adjoining Sea. As per mythology, she visits this Surbheshwar Linga on mid afternoon of Gods day and midnight of Gods night. One who performs obsequies (death rites) for his ancestors and donates in their name, succeeds in expatiation of sins of his ancestors.

Vidhyut means washing, Pap means Sins and hence the name of the place is Vidhyut Papsthali, the one who washes and cleans sins. This is the Vidhut Pap sthali of Gokarna realm. This is on the way to sea from Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Amruteshwar, Saraswati Tirtha and Savitri Tirtha

Lord Bramhadev developed saliva during penance. He could neither swallow it nor throw it out and from this juice Saraswati was born. She is Goddess of knowledge, music, art and science. Bramhadev asked her to divide herself in to two forms namely a river and personification of a Goddess. In the form of Goddess, Saraswati served Bramhadev. After some time the Goddess Saraswati left Lord Bramhadev.

She was reborn as child of Daksha. She came to Gokarna realm along with Savitri. She consecrated a Shivalinga, created a Tirtha Kunda and started penance. Lord Bramhadev was very much pleased by her deep and long penance. He bestowed her that she will remain forever on the tongue of every soul in the cosmos. On Dusshera day if one takes bath in the Saraswati pond and worships her Shivlinga he attains intellect and oratory.

This is the Saraswatishwar Linga and Saraswati Tirtha and it is near to Lord Mahabaleshwar and Dwi Bhuja Ganapati temple.

During the continuous penance of Lord Bramhadev Vedas were born. Rugved was born from his mouth facing east, Samved from his south face, Yajurved from his west face and Atharva Ved from his north face. All the four Vedas tried to come together and from their union, Savitri, support of Bramhadev and Mother of Brahmins appeared. She was engrossed in singing. Lord Bramhadev said “ Oh! Goddess Savitri you shall be known as Gayatri, as well as you are singing “. He addressed her to go to Gokarna realm to undertake penance. This is the place where Savitri performed penance and is known as Savitri Tirtha. Shivlinga consecrated by her is yet to be traced, so are the Shivlinga’s of four Vedas.

Naga Tirtha

Sage Kashyap married to thirteen daughters of Daksha Prajapati. Kadru and Vinata were prominent among them. Kadru wished many off springs, while Vinata desired few but powerful. Kadru led thousand eggs which hatched in to Snakes such as Shesha, Anant, Vasuki, Takshak etc. Vinata laid two eggs which hatched in to Aruna the Charitor of Surya (Sun God) and Garuda the King of Eagles and mounting of Lord Vishnu.

As a normal tendency, Jealousy erupted between Kadru and Vinata. One day both these sisters saw Uchchaihshravas (Seven Headed Flying White Horse). Kadru said that it was a beautiful horse with black tail. Vinata said no, the tail is totally white. They had a bet. Stakes were the loser to be enslaved to the winner. Eager to win Kadru, ordered ten of her prominent snakes to hide in the tail of the horse so that the tail should appear black. The prominent ten snakes balked her order.

Furious Kadru cursed them fiery death during Snake’s Sacrifice of King Janmejaya. Janmejaya was the son of Parikshit, Grandson of Abhimanyu and great grandson of Arjuna. All these ten prominent snakes came to Gokarna for salvation. Here they built their own hermitage, a Tirtha Kunda and consecrated a Shivlinga. This is the place where the ten prominent snakes mediated and worshipped Lord Shiva, for age’s together and absolved themselves from the curse of their mother, due to boon from Lord Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesh.

This temple is on the rear way from Dwi Bhuja Ganapati to Kotitirtha.

Shatashrunga Parvat

Three mountains earned fame due to adobe of supreme power. Mountain Shata-shrunga, due to residence of Lord Bramha. Mountain Indranil, due to residence of Lord Vishnu. Mountain Kailas, due to residence of Lord Mahesh. One day Garuda, King of Eagles and cousin of Snakes, hunted two powerful Snakes whose names were Sumukha and Durmukha. He was looking for a quite place to feast. He reached top of one mountain peak.

Suddenly he saw down and was astonished to see the beauty of the Mountain. The mountain was full of lust green trees, loaded with different flowers and fruits, variety of creepers, beautiful pounds and valleys. This distraction of a flash of a second resulted in loss of Snake Durmukh. Durmukha fell from his jaws.

Garuda jumped after him. Durmukh vanished in the deep forest. Garuda searched for him but in vain. Enraged Garuda flew a little bit and in one jerk, he lifted the whole Shata-shrunga Mountain on his wings. This act of Garuda disturbed the penance of Lord Bramhadev. Bramhadev got angry and he kept weight of whole universe on the wings of Garuda. Powerful and the mightiest the Garuda was, he still could not carry the weight. He started falling from the Sky to Sea. He realised that this was his end and he was going to get drowned. Fear stricken he looked around.

All of a sudden he saw Hermitage of Sage Agasthi. He requested him to save his Life. Sage Agasthi realised the God’s wish and moved the Shata-shrunga mountain from the wings of Garuda and made it land safely on the south side of Rudra Yoni. This is the Hermitage of Sage Agasthi, Amruteshwar Linga consecrated by him and the Tirtha.

Shata means a hundred and Shrunga means horns, the mountain with hundred peaks like Shrunga is called as Shata-shrunga. During the episode two peaks fell in Arabian Sea, while balance fell on the south side of Gokarna realm.

The Shata-shrunga Mountain had two Hundred Lacs pious and auspicious pilgrimage Tirtha Kundas of Gods (ponds). One Hundred Lacs fell in Sea while the balance unified and formed in to a Lake. This is that Lake known as Koti Tirtha. As per mythology one prayer multiplies itself in to one crore, so does one donation. In the centre of this Koti Tirtha there is a Shivlinga known as Koteshwar.

Kamandalu Tirtha

Reborn by the grace of sage Agasti, Garuda realised his childishness. He sincerely regretted his childishness before Lord Bramha. Even Bramhadev realised that he himself had blessed Garuda and offered him as mounting of Lord Vishnu. He forgave his foolishness and showered few more blessings on Garuda. Bramhadev left shatshrunga mountain and went to Satyaloka. Lord Bramhadev had kept his Kamandalu (oblong) on one peak of Shata Shrunga mountain. He lifted the Kamandalu but the shape of Kamandalu remained on the peak. This place is known as Kamandalu Tirtha. Spectacle of this Tirtha is that one always finds water on this barren mountain peak all round the year. It is around two kilo meters from Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Go Garbha

The story goes behind to Treta Yuga. Most of the earth was ruled by immeasurably powerful cruel kshatirya (warrior clan) King Kartikeya. He was a human incarnation of Lord Vishnu’s celestial weapon, Sudershan Chakra. This mighty King killed Jamadagni, Father of Parshuram. Infuriated by his death Parshuram killed the Kshatriya clan 21 times. After this he undertook a Vishwajeet Yagnya and handed over the Earth to Sage Kashyap.

In the absence of proper Ruler the Earth was in complete disorder. There was loss of religious beliefs. Sins increased, immorality increased, cruelty increased, purity vanished. Her resources were plundered. To find salvation Mother Earth came to Gokarna. She performed penance in a Cave whose shape was like a womb of a cow. Go means Cow and Garbha means womb and that is why the name Gogarbha. It is near to Kamandalu Tirtha. This is the place where Mother Earth was bestowed by Lord Shankar. After the boon, proper law and order situation restored. The one who visits here once is never reborn. The one who worships here gets to possess Land. 

Vishwamitra Ashram

One of the Manas Putra (Mind–Born-Son) of Bramha was Kusha. His son was Kushanabha and his grandson was Gadhi. Gadhi’s daughter’s name was Satyavati. Satyavati was married to sage Ruchika from the race of Bhrugu.

Sage Ruchika wanted a Brahmin son, so he gave his wife Satyavati a Charu (sacrificial offering). Satyavati’s mother wanted a Kshatriya son, so he gave another Charu for his mother in law. In haste Satyavati interchanged Charus. Satyavati’s mother gave birth to Vishwamitra Son of Kshatriya with the qualities of a Brahmin, while Satyavati gave birth to Jamdagni a Bramhin with the qualities of Kshatriya.

Vishvamitra was a valiant warrior and in a very short time he became a Samrat, King of Kings. Once he went for hunting. He was feeling thirsty. He noticed a hermitage. It was of Sage Vasishtha. Being noon time, Sage Vasishatha offered Vishvamitra lunch. Vishwamitra said, “Thank you very much for your hospitality but I am not alone, I have my entire army consisting of elephants and horses. Vasishtha was firm on his invitation and ultimately Samrat Vishvmitra accepted the invitation.

Vasishtha went to Kamdhenu and requested her to provide food for everybody. In a moment she created a Majestic Palace. She built separate dining rooms for the King, for his knights, for his army, for his horses and elephants. She decorated the whole place. She made plates and bowls. She cooked sumptuous food for everyone. Everyone was well fed and taken care of. Samrat Vishwamitra was surprised. He asked the secret of this miracle. Vasishtha said it is was no miracle or magic, it was the Kamdhenu. Vishwamitra longed for Kamdhenu. He offered his untold wealth in exchange of Kamdhenu.

Vasishtha was steadfast and very politely declined his offer, by saying “You are a Samrat, you are a giver, you cannot take from Bramhins. Proud, Vishwamitra, said,” Oh! Yes, if I am a king, then I can forcibly snatch her away from you”. He ordered his army to run off with Kamdhenu. Kamdhenu allowed the kings troops to pull her for some time. Once her patience was over, she finished Samrat Vishvamitra’s entire army, even before the mighty Samrat Vishvamitra could bat his eyelid.

Vishwamitra realised that Bramhins have great mystic and spiritual powers than Kshatriya’s. He left his kingdom to do Tapasya. It is here in Gokarna the enraged Samrat Vishwamitra undertook deep penance for several ages to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva bestowed on him the knowledge of celestial weaponry to destroy Vashishtha and his hermitage. Vishwamitra only succeeded in destroying the hermitage and not Sage Vasishtha. He realised that power obtained by penance was far greater than the physical power. This is the hermitage and Shivalinga of Vishvamitra, where even today, sinister are afraid to go inside the temple.

Sumitreshwar

In the clan of Pulatsya a celestial son was born. He glittered like a Sun due to his radiance knowledge (Vidya). In order to obtain Siddhi, Soumitra came to Gokarna. He engrossed himself in a deep penance on one of the peaks of Shata Shrunga Mountain in Gokarna realm. After ages and ages of penance, Lord Shankar was pleased and promised him that he will reside in the Shivalinga worshipped by him along with Parvati and his aides (Ganas). After this boon, Sage Soumitra continued to live in Gokarna realm.

Those days great sages like Vasishtha, Kashyap, Agasthi, Brugu etc. were worshipping Lord Shiva in Gokarna realm. They wished to bathe in the heavenly river Ganga and wanted to drink water as Tirtha. Celestine as they were, they still lacked the spiritual power to bring river Ganga on earth to fulfill their wishes. After deliberations they realised that it was only the Sage Soumitra who could fulfill their wish.

 Accordingly all of them requested Soumitra Rishi. As desired by them Sage Soumitra called upon Lord Shankar. Instantaneously Lord Shankar emerged before him and asked him his wish. Soumitra explained the wish of Sages. Lord Shankar called upon Ganga. She appeared from a place near the Lord’s feet, fulfilled wishes of all the great sages and once again vanished. It is this pious Soumitreshwar Linga of Gokarna, where till date Palanquin of Lord Mahabaleshwar of Gokarna visits once in a year. This is around three and half kilo meters away from Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Unmajanni Tirtha, Hariharpur, Vaitarni

As one visits Kotitirtha, he encounters one more temple known as “Shankar- Narayan or Hariharpur.

The legend trails back to Tretayuga. In the clan of demon Hiranyakashyap, a mighty demon was born by the name of Khar. One day he saw Jagatmata Parvati wandering in orchard. He was spellbound by her beauty and developed a desire for her. He started a penance by lifting his both hands in air and by standing on tip of a leg thumb. He worshipped and did severe penances of lord Shiva for number of years. Finally the lord was pleased and asked him his wish.

Khar said, “Oh my Lord, grant me a boon such that whomsoever I touch on the head should be instantly reduced to ashes”. Lord Shiva said “Tathastu”. After this boon, Khar became to be known as Bhasmasur. He immediately ran towards Lord Shiva to try the power of the boon. Lord Shiva realized his intentions and started running to the abode of Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva reached Vaikuntha and by the time he could narrate the incident, Khar followed him at Lord Vishnus’ abode. At the sight of Khar, both of them rushed for their life. To mitigate the unforeseen turn of events, Lord Vishnu created an enchanting women called Mohini by using Maya (illusion). She was an essence of female beauty and allurement. When Khar saw Mohini, charmed by her beauty he forgot everything and asked her to marry him. Mohini replied “ why she should marry you? Khar boasted that he was almighty and she could have witnessed his strength and power. Fear stricken Lord Shankar and Lord Vishnu were running away from him to save their life. Mohini asked him how that was possible. Khar replied that he has a very special boon. Mohini said that if he really intends to marry her, he should pass on the boon to her. By the time Bhasmasur had turned in to a Kamasur and without thinking he handed over the boon to Mohini. Mohini eluded him in a dance and converted Khar into ashes by touching him on his head.

During this episode, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu had sought asylum in Patal. In Purana, nothing happens without a purpose. During this regime River Vaitaranee full of blood marks on her body was performing penance for her salvation in Patal.

Who is this Vaitarnee River? Why did her body became, full of blood? Vaitarnee is the daughter of Dharmaraj (i.e. Yama, The God of death) and as a river she is a boundary between Karma Lok and Yama Lok (i.e. earth and infernal Narak-Hell, the realm of Yama). She is believed to have highest powers to purify one’s sins. All rivers are wives of Varun and all of them have to meet their husband at a designated time and at a designated place. Once, Vaitarnee engrossed in play, forgot to meet her husband Varun at her designated time. Furious by her failure, he cursed Vaitarnee that her whole body shall become blood red. She pleaded to be forgiven. Varuna said, purity shall return to you, only when you see Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu together. Thanks to Khara, Vaitarnee saw both these Lords together in Patal.

Happiness spread on the death of Khara and the news reached in Patal. Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Vaitaranee came out together form Patal. It is this place from where the trio came up, known as Unmajanni Tirth. River Vaitarnee flows from here, meets Tamragauri and eventually merges in to sea.

  Shiva was curious to know the episode of death of Khara and when heard of Mohini, he wanted to see her with his own eyes. On his request Lord Vishnu once again took the form of gorgeous Mohini. Overcome by lust, Shiva and Mohini, merged in to one body.

This is the place, where Shiva and Mohini merged and became one composite deity, widely known as Ardha Nari Nateshwar (Half woman and half man). Right side of the body is male Shiva and left side of the body being female Mohini.

The prayers and donations at this place multiply many folds. This is around three and half kilo meters away from Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Rudra Bhumi

Temporary pacification by Bhoomi had not calmed Lord Shankar. He was boiling with fury. He wished to take vengeance on Bramhadev and he created millions and millions of destructive and deadly warriors called as ‘Gana’s’. He ordered these “Ganas” to destroy the cosmos created by Bramhadev.

Lord Narayana intervened at this stage. He convinced him not to do so instantaneously. He assured him of his right to use the destructive power at the time of deluge (Pralaya). Since then, benediction of the place where Lord Shankar stood to destroy the cosmos, is made as “Rudra Bhumi” .

This is the place where sins of the dead get cremated along with his body. This is after Pitrusthali, between Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple and Sea. This is five minutes’ walk from Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple on the right turn towards sea.

Note: When you visit Gokarna you will find all the Statues or Temple which we are explained above.

Our Special Thanks to www.gokarnamahabaleshwar.com