Gokarna, Karnataka
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote". Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use Indian English Script error: No such module "Settlement short description".Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".Expression error: Unexpected < operator. Gokarna is a small temple town located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in southern India,[1] It has a population of around 20,000. The Mahabaleshwara Temple is dedicated to Shiva.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Gokarna is one of seven important centres of pilgrimage in Hinduism[2].Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Gokarna is one of the most popular beach destinations for tourists in India.[3][4] It is popular with beach trekkers.[5] Yana Caves hosts the second cleanest village in India.[6]
Etymology
According to legend Brahma, feeling proud because he could create the universe, decided to meditate to apologize for his arrogance. He wanted to lift a curse given by Shiva. During his meditation, Shiva appeared unexpectedly, emerging from the ears of a cow. So the place came to be known as Gokarna or ear of the cow. The Puranas state that when Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu created Kerala, it was from Gokarna to Kanyakumari.[7]
According to legend, Ravana was given Atmalinga by Shiva and instructed that it would stay permanently where it is first placed on the land. Ganesha came in the form of a boy and planted it in Gokarna while Ravana was performing rituals. Once placed Ravana could not remove it from the ground; heScript error: No such module "Unsubst". removed some pieces of the lingam and threw them in different directions.[8][9]
Geography
Legend
The earliest legend of the city is set in the age of the Treta Yuga, in which Ravana (the rakshasa king of Lanka) reached Kailasha and performed rigorous penance to obtain the atmalinga from Shiva, as Ravana's mother expressed a keen desire to worship the atmalinga of Shiva.[10][11]
Gokarna was part of the Sodhe and Vijayanagara kingdoms.
Location
Gokarna is about 238 km north of Mangalore, 483 km from Bengaluru and about 59 km from Karwar. It is between the Gangavali and Aghanashini rivers along the Karwar coast by the Arabian Sea. It is 200 km north from the college towns of Suratkal and Manipal.
Gokarna can be reached by buses and maxicabs from Kumta (30 km), Ankola (26 km), Karwar (59 km) and Bhatkal (88 km) on National Highway 66 (NH-66). Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs long-journey buses from cities like Panaji, Bengaluru and Mangalore. Private buses (Vijayanand Roadlines - VRL, Sugama, Sea Bird, etc.) operate night journeys from the capital city of Bengaluru to Gokarna daily.
It can be reached by Konkan Railway on the Mumbai to Mangalore route or Goa to Mangalore route. The railway station (called Gokarna Road) is 10 km from the town. The station has a retiring room at a nominal price. Many important trains like Matsyagandha Express, KSR Bengaluru Karwar Express, Poorna Express, Marusagar Express and Mangalore Local and DEMU local are the Daily Local Trains halt here.[12]
The nearest airports are Hubli Airport, Karnataka which has domestic flights only, Goa International Airport at Goa and Mangalore International Airport at Bajpe, Karnataka are the nearest airports to reach at Gokarna.
Neighbouring villages are Bankikodla-Hanehalli, Sanikatta, Tadadi, Torke, Madangere, Maskeri, Adigone, Nelaguni and Bijjur.
Climate
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Beaches
The Gokarna main beach is in town and Kudle beach faces west. Om beach, Half moon Beach, Paradise Beach (also known as Full moon) and Belekan beach are south facing.[13]
The Gokarna beach forms the coast of the town and is followed by Main beach in northern direction while the other four beaches lie to the south. Gokarna Main Beach is mainly used by Indian pilgrims. Main Beach is a long open beach, known for surfing. Kudle and Om are around 6 km from Gokarna town along a muddy hill; they are accessible by rickshaw or foot. Half moon and Paradise are beyond Om beach and are accessible only by trekking or boat. Om beach is named because it is shaped like the auspicious ॐ Om symbol.[14]
Beach Trekking and Camping
A five-beach trek includes Paradise Beach, Half Moon Beach, Om Beach, Kudle Beach and Gokarna Beach.[5]
Education
Bhadrakali High School in Melinkeli was founded in 1946.[15] A notable alumnus of the school is cancer research scientist, Narayan Sadashiv Hosmane.[16]
See also
References
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- ↑ "Karnataka State Gazetteer", Karnataka (India), 1990.
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- Source: Karnataka State Gazetteer 1983
External links
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- Gokarn Math
- Official Website of Gokarna TempleTemplate:Category handler[<span title="Script error: No such module "string".">usurped]Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:In lang
- tour guide Gokarna Temple