Mahabaleswara Temple Tourism

Mahabaleshwara Temple is a well-known Shiva temple located in the holy town of Gokarna, Karnataka, India. This ancient temple pays homage to a 4th-century CE lingam called the Atmalinga. Renowned for its Dravidian architecture, the temple showcases classic features including a granite lingam and a small hole at its top through which devotees can view the top of the Atmalinga. As per legend, the demon king Ravana was tricked into leaving the Atmalinga here, giving the temple an aura of mythological significance. The temple is a site of religious pilgrimage, especially during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, celebrated with grandeur here. Being one of the seven sacred 'Muktisthala' pilgrimage sites in Karnataka, it is believed that visiting the temple liberates the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The temple's serene ambiance is complemented by the nearby Arabian Sea and the beautiful town, making it a spiritual and peaceful retreat.