Tuluva Naadu - Karnataka (1 Temple)
1. Gokarna (Gokarnam)
Location: Gokarnam near Kollur(Tulu Desam-Tuluva Naadu)Shiva: Mahabaleswarar
Ambal: Gokarnanayaki
Theertham: Koti Theertham
Patikam : Sambandar, Appar
Travel Base: Mangalore Gokarna is near Kollur on the westcoast of Karnataka, enshrining the Aatma Lingam Mahabaleshwar. It is regarded as one of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka. The other Muktisthalas are Udupi, Kollur, Subramanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana. All these shrines are also known as Parasurama Kshetras created on the land reclaimed from the sea by Parasurama.The presiding deity is Mahabaleswarar and the Ambal Gokarna nayaki The Theertham is Koti Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Vinayaka is said to have tricked the demon king Ravana (Maha Bala) into leaving behind a Sivalingam at this shetram. In spite of the might exerted by Ravana, the Sivalingam stayed fixed, hence the name Mahabaleshwar. The pull exerted by Ravana, is said to have caused the Sivalingam to resemble the shape of a cow's ear and hence the name Gokarnam. The six foot tall Sivalingam of Mahabaleswar is enclosed inside a square Saligrama Peetham. A golden rekha on the peetham, and a small hole in its middle permits devotees to have a glimpse of the top of the Aatma Lingam. The full form of the Siva lingam can be seen only once in 40 years, when the Ashta bandana Kumbhahishekam is performed. The image of Vinayaka at this shrine bears a dent, said to have been caused when Ravana, enraged at the loss of the Atma Lingam hit him.It is customary here to have a dip in the sea and then worship a Sivalingam made out of sand, before worshipping at the temple. Maha Sivaratri is of great significance in this shrine.
