Coastal line of Karnataka presents you with a number of interesting getaways for a weekend, that can be both spiritual and pleasure. Gokarna-Murudeshwara is the SpiRitual Journey with the combination of spirituality, seaside and fresh water interface you could be yearning to take up.

Sri Kshetra Gokarna is in Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Considered to be one of the holiest places in India, Gokarna has emerged a very popular pilgrimage centre due to the presence of Sri Mahabaleshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Gokarna has been considered to be one of the Tristhalas, Rudrapaad and one among the ten Bhaskar kshetras.

Demon king Ravan’s plans of carrying Lord Shiva’s Atmalinga to Swarnalanka was thwarted by gods. In anger, when Ravan tried to pull out the grounded Atmalinga, it broke off into five parts. Ravan threw them around. Major portion fell in a place called Kandukagiri and Shivalinga here is known as Mrideshwara or Murudeshwara. The portion that remained in the ground was twisted and looked like the ear of a cow. Hence this Shivalinga came to be called Gokarna. As Ravavn failed to pull out the Atmalingam, Shiva came to be called Mahabaleshwara. This holy place is also called as Bhookailasa and Dakshina Kashi, as mentioned in Skandha Purana and Guru Charitre. There are many sacred ponds here namely Kamandalu teertha, Surya teertha, Gayatri teertha, Savitri teertha, Saraswati teertha and so on.

Sri Mahabaleshwara beach, Om beach, Kudle beach and Crescent beach are some of the prominent beaches here.

Idugunji is a small place in Honnavara of Uttar Kannada district which has the famous Vinayaka temple. Ganapati temple at Idugunji dates to 4-5th century CE. Image of Ganesha is in the classic ‘Dvibhuja’ (two armed) style. Idugunji Kshetra is about 65 Km from the Mahabaleshwara temple in Gokarna. ‘Ida’ means elephant and ‘Kunja’ means forest. The name is believed to have been derived from this phrase.

Murudeshwar is a small beach town near Bhatkal with Mrideshwara temple. This region shot into fame during the reign of Kadambas. It is believed that King Mayuravarma invited a few families of priests from Ujjain for performing religious activities as he learnt of their spiritual knowledge. These families settled down in Kadamba kingdom and spread the Vedic knowledge.

In the modern times the region of Murudeshwara has continued its tradition and many Puja-Homa-Parihara are performed here in this Murudeshwara Sri Kshetra.

Apsarakonda falls near Honnavara is a bonus place in the package. Serene water falls with close proximity to sea-shore and in lush greens with fresh water is just the break you were looking for the weekend getaway.

Best time for Gokarna-Murudeshwara Temple Yatra

One can take up Gokarna-Murudeshwara Temple Yatra throughout the year. However, the weather is said to be pleasant during the months of November to March.

Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple – Gokarna

Sri Kshetra Gokarna is in Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Atmalinga of Shiva is present here. Gokarna is also one of the holiest places in India. Gokarna is considered one of the Tristhalas, Rudrapaad and one among the ten Bhaskar kshetras.

Sri Ganapati Temple – Idugunji

Sri Idugunji is a small place in Honnavara of Uttar Kannada district which has the famous Vinayaka temple. Ganapati temple at Idugunji dates to 4-5th century CE. Image of Ganesha is in the classic ‘Dvibhuja’ (two armed) style.