GOKARNAM - GOKARNESWAR DEVALAYA

The origin of this great Saiva kshetra dates back to Treta yuga, when Ravana tried his best to get Atmalinga of Lord Siva to Lanka for the private worship of his Mother Kaikasi, and to making Lanka invulnerable. Though he obtained it by his unsurpassable devotion, he could not bring it home as wished; for, he placed it here disobeying the direction given by Lord Siva and due to manoeuvres of gods. In his trials to pull it out, it assumed the shape of the ear of cow. So the linga was called Gokarna. The archamurthi is popularly called Mahabalanathar and Mother Parvathi, Gokarna Nayaki.

This holy place is associated with Sri Rama and great personages, and they are many thirthas too. It is fairly a big Devalaya w1th three prakaras and imposing towers. There are many adorable gods in the inner prakara, installed in beautiful niches and grand mandapas. Among the minishrines that attract the visitors, the sannidhi of Mother Tamaragouri deserves first mention. The image besides being a marvelous piece of sculpture, is declaring the glory of the kshetra in an odd way. She is holding in her hand a balance with one pan touching the pedestal and the other up dangling in the air, representing thereby that Gokarna being greater and holier than Kasi is seen lower, and so Kasi, the seat of Lord Siva is up dangling. As the truth comes from Mother Gowri herself, we feel elevated and pay homage's for enlightenment. The display of impartiality is worthy of veneration and emulation. As we move further we see many Sivalingas, like Saksheeswara linga, old Baleswara linga, along with beautiful granite statures of Vinayaka, Kumaraswamy etc. The spacious courtyards and mandaps with their architectural beauty fill the eyes and lift the minds. There are many temples in the vicinity dedicated to Bhadrakah, Balaji, Vithal, Vinayaka etc. Though predominantly a Saivakshetra, it has many shrines installed with Vaishnavate icons and are adored with great favour.

It lies near Kumta and accessible by train, the rail head being Hubli from where journey is to be made by bus or taxis

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]