Mahashivratri 2024: 5 things to do in Gokarna, Karnataka

Mahashivratri 2024: The 4th century Mahabaleshwar Temple is one of the Panchalingams or five lingams of Lord Shiva. It houses an Atma Linga that is 6 feet tall. (Photo credit: Khursheed Dinshaw)

Mahashivratri is observed on the 14th day of Phalguna month in the Hindu calendar, to celebrate the wedding of Lord Shiva to Parvati. With Mahashivratri around the corner, here are 5 reasons to visit Gokarna in Karnataka:

1. Temples, including the 4th century Mahabaleshwar Temple

It is one of the Panchalingams or five lingams of Lord Shiva and houses the self-originated Maha Lingam or Atma Linga. Shiva is worshipped as Lord Mahabaleshwar in this 4th century temple.

The Atma Linga is 6 feet tall, and devotees can get darshan of its top. The ritual followed by devotees includes taking a dip in the water, paying their respect at the adjacent Maha Ganpati Temple and then entering the Mahabaleshwar Temple.

The other three temples near the Mahabaleshwar Temple are Tamra Gauri Temple of Goddess Parvati, the Bhadrakali Temple of Goddess Uma and the Venkataramana Temple of an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Gokarna Rath Yatra on Maha Shivaratri. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

2. Beaches, from Gokarna Beach to Kudle Beach

Choose from Gokarna Beach, Half Moon Beach, Om Beach or Kudle Beach. Gokarna Beach is conveniently located, within walking distance from the Mahabaleshwara Temple, and is a surfing beach.

Half Moon Beach is accessible only by boat or by trekking. Om Beach is naturally formed as the pious Om symbol from the Devanagari script. It has shacks serving meals and water sports like jet skiing and banana boat rides.

Kudle Beach is known for its fun vibe, and water sports include kayaking and surfing.

3. Gokarna Beach Trek

This trek goes through a forest, hillocks and the scenic beaches of Gokarna. The trek starts from the hilltop of Kudle and ends on Kudle Beach, covering Half Moon Beach and Om Beach.

Om beach in Gokarna, Karnataka. (Photo credit: Khursheed Dinshaw)

4. Shopping

The lanes near the temple are lined with shops selling religious items, clothes, souvenirs, aromatic spices, betel nuts and dry fruits, specially cashews.

Bonda with sambhar and chutney in Gokarna, Karnataka. (Photo credit: Khursheed Dinshaw)

5. Cuisine

Relish local dishes like deep-fried banana buns served with coconut chutney and sambar. There is also bonda, another deep-fried dish, made with potato stuffing. It is also served with coconut chutney and sambar.