अत्र जप्तं हुतं तप्तं दत्तं चाक्षय मुच्यते ।। अस्मिन्नेव महास्थाने धनुष्कोटौ
Shree Mahabaleshwara reside in Gokarna from time immemorial and also Gokarna is one of the holiest places in India and is one of the few religious centers mentioned in the post Vedic literature in India. It is also known as the Seat of Sanskrit and Vaidika scholars for centuries. There are several stories and legends about Gokarna. Devotees from all over the world come here to worship and pay their obeisance to the Atmalinga. The Atmalinga houses the soul of Lord Shiva.
As per legend, Ravana was granted the Atmalinga by Lord Shiva and instructed that it would stay permanently where it is first placed on the land. Lord Ganesha came in the form of a boy and planted it in Gokarna while Ravana was performing rituals.
Gokarna is known as one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers as it is a SiddhiKshetra, Muktishetra and Prayashhitha. It is also known as Bhookailasha and Southern Varanasi. Maharishi Markandeya and Raja Bhagiratha have performed their penance in Gokarna. Gokarna was also the home for Adi Shankaracharya.