Mahabaleshwar Temple Gokarna is one of South India’s most sacred and ancient Shiva temples, nestled in Gokarna, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. This revered shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as the Atma Linga or Pranalinga, believed to have been self-manifested.
Built during the Kadamba dynasty (4th century CE) and later expanded by the Vijayanagara rulers, the temple stands as a significant spiritual destination for Shaivites. It is one of the seven Muktikshetras (places of salvation) in Karnataka and holds a place among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, revered in Tamil Shaivite hymns (Tevaram).
Mahabaleshwar Temple Gokarna Darshan Timings
| Darshan Type | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 06:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Temple Break | 12:30 PM – 05:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM |
| Temple Closing | 08:00 PM |
⛅ Time required for darshan: Approx. 3–4 hours during peak days
Pooja & Aarti Schedule
| Pooja Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti & Sparsha Darshan Start | 06:00 AM |
| Morning Sparsha Darshan End | 12:30 PM |
| Maha Naivedyam, Mahapuja, Bali | 12:30 PM – 02:00 PM |
| Evening Sparsha Darshan | 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM |
| Nityotsava & Bali | 08:30 PM |
🔔 The highlight of the temple’s spiritual activity is the Shivaratri Ratha Yatra, drawing massive crowds each year.
Pooja & Seva Charges
| Seva / Pooja | Rate (INR) |
|---|---|
| Sankalpa Pooja with Mangalaarathi | ₹25 |
| Bilvarchana Pooja | ₹51 |
| Ashtottara Bilvarchana | ₹101 |
| Kumbhabhishek & Kshirabhishek | ₹151 |
| Panchamrutabhishek Pooja | ₹251 |
| Maha Panchamrutabhisheka (includes Rudrabhishek) | ₹351 |
| Navadhanya Abhisheka | ₹501 |
| Silver Nagabharana Special Pooja | ₹1101 |
| Gold Nagabharana Special Pooja | ₹1501 |
📝 Pooja charges include all necessary Samagri and Dakshina for the priests. Booking is to be done offline at the temple premises or through reliable third-party portals.
Mahabaleshwar Temple Booking Process 2025
📌 Darshan:
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Free General Darshan (Dharma Darshan) is available to all without prior booking.
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No VIP or special darshan queues exist.
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Join the queue during darshan hours as per the temple schedule.
📌 Pooja & Sevas:
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Visit the temple counter directly to book your desired pooja.
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Choose from the seva list based on your spiritual goals.
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Payment is made in person at the temple only.
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A receipt will be provided for transparency.
⚠️ There is no official website or online ticketing system run by the temple. Beware of unauthorized platforms offering fake bookings.
Key Highlights of the Mahabaleshwar Temple
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Atma Linga / Pranalinga) |
| Founded | 4th Century CE by Kadamba King Mayurasharma |
| Architecture | Classic Dravidian Style |
| Religious Text Mention | Paadal Petra Sthalams, Tevaram, Sangam-era literature |
| Festival Highlight | Maha Shivaratri, Ratha Yatra |
| Darshan Mode | Free General Darshan (Offline) |
| Time Required for Visit | 3–4 Hours |
| Location | Gokarna, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka |
Contact Information
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Temple Address: Mahabaleshwar Temple, Koti Tirtha Road, Gokarna, Karnataka – 581326
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Phone Numbers:
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08386-257956
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09482-331354
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Official Website: Not Available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the opening hours of the Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna?
The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM, with a break from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Q: Is there a ticket system for darshan?
No. Darshan is completely free and follows a first-come, first-served system.
Q: Can I book a pooja online for Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?
There is no official online booking system. Poojas must be booked at the temple premises.
Q: What is the cost of special Poojas like Rudrabhishek or Panchamrutabhishek?
Panchamrutabhishek costs ₹251, and Maha Panchamrutabhishek, including Rudrabhishek, is ₹351.
Q: Which is the biggest festival at the Mahabaleshwar Temple?
Shivaratri Ratha Yatra is the most celebrated festival at the temple.
Q: Can I perform death rites or ancestor rituals here?
Yes, Gokarna is considered a Muktikshetra, and obsequies (Pind Daan) are commonly performed here.