Gokarna, India 1 Gokarna, India
Gokarna, India 1 Gokarna, India For other uses, see Gokarna, Nepal. Gokarna ಗೋಕರ್ಣ village Mahabaleshwara Temple Location in Karnataka, India [1] [1] Coordinates: 14.55°N 74.31667°E Coordinates: 14.55°N 74.31667°E Country India State Karnataka District Uttara Kannada Area • Total 10.9 km2 (4.2 sq mi) Elevation 586 m (1,923 ft) Population (2001) • Total 25,851 • Density 2,400/km2 (6,100/sq mi) Languages • Official Kannada Time zone IST (UTC+5:30) Vehicle registration KA-47 Gokarna (Kannada: ಗೋಕರ್ಣ) is a small temple town located on the western coast of India in the Uttara Kannada district of the Indian state of Karnataka. Tain temple and deity is Lord Shiva, who is also known as Gokarna, India 2 Mahabhaleshwara. This temple houses what is believed to be original image of Lord Shiva's lingam. There are many other temples all over this small town. Ankola and Kumta on Highway 17 are the main towns near Gokarna. Gokarna is historically known as one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers and is located on what was once unspoiled beach near the estuary of river Aghanashini with its palm trees, other colorful tropical fruit and flower trees. Of late due to the numbers of tourists the character of this town has changed. This town is no longer just a center of pilgrimage though massive numbers of devotees still visit the town for the purposes of offering prayers and worship to Lord Shiva. Due to its laid back unspoiled and rustic nature, many younger western tourists started visiting Gokarna about a decade ago.
[Show full text]