Why is Gokarna called Gokarna?

Gokarna means “cow’s ear” in Sanskrit. Legend has it that when the 10-headed Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, tried to pull the Atmaling gifted to him by Lord Shiva, it came out of the ground in the form of a cow’s ear, hence giving the place its name.

Where did Ravana left shivling?

Then Lord Shiva asked him to carry the Shivling and warned him that he should not place the Shivling down on the ground on his way as Shiva said wherever you will keep me, in this Linga form, I will rest there only, the Linga will be stay there only. Ravana started moving south towards Lanka and reached Baijnath.

What is the story behind Gokarna?

So the place came to be known as Gokarna or ear of the cow. Hindu Puranas says that when Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu created Kerala, it was from Gokarna to Kanyakumari. As per legend, Ravana was given Atmalinga by Shiva and instructed that it would stay permanently where it is first placed on the land.

Is alcohol banned in Gokarna?

Alcohol is officially banned due to the town’s religious significance but you won’t have a problem getting a cold beer on the beach. There are two more smaller beaches — Half Moon and Paradise — further south of Om beach. Om beach has water sports. You can also go surfing and take lessons at Gokarna’s main beach.

When can we see Atma Linga in Gokarna?

The devotees can only get a glimpse of the top of the linga until the day of Ashta Bandana Kumbhahishekam in every 40 years when it’s seen in its entirety. The main deity at temple is an antique stone sculpture of Lord Shiva, as old as to trace back 1500 years in time.

What is the special in Gokarna?

Water Sports in Gokarna Known for its idyllic beaches and pristine waters, Gokarna is a favorite among travelers who seek a peaceful vacation. It is the more laid-back and less commercialized version of Goa. Other than the famous Om beach, it has Kudle beach and the more secluded Half Moon and Paradise beach.

What is the story behind the shri shiva lingam in Gokarna?

Shiva Cave is a very fascinating place in Gokarna, Karnataka. Not known to many, the cave is located opposite to Kudle Beach View Resort and Spa. The cave consists of a Shiva Lingam (representation of the Hindu deity – Lord Shiva). The legend associated with the cave is quite interesting which makes the place even more captivating.

What is the best place to visit in Gokarna?

Shiva Cave is a very fascinating place in Gokarna, Karnataka. Not known to many, the cave is located opposite to Kudle Beach View Resort and Spa. The cave consists of a Shiva Lingam (representation of the Hindu deity – Lord Shiva).

How did Ravana get the Atmalinga from Shiva?

Ravana, the demon-king of Lanka, received the atmalinga from Shiva after he had performed a penance at Mount Kailash reciting self-written Shivatandavastotram. Shiva instructed Ravana that the sacred atmalinga should not be placed on the ground as it would establish itself where placed on earth.

What is the significance of the Shiva lingam in Kuruksetra?

The cave consists of a Shiva Lingam (representation of the Hindu deity – Lord Shiva). The legend associated with the cave is quite interesting which makes the place even more captivating. There are two entrances to the cave.