Gokarna, Karnataka
Tourist destination in Karnataka / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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. Shiva is the most worshipped deity in the town. Gokarna's main temple, Mahabaleshwara, is dedicated to Shiva. The temple houses what is believed by some to be the earliest Shiva lingam (Atmalinga).
Gokarna | |
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town | |
Coordinates: 14.55°N 74.31667°E / 14.55; 74.31667 | |
Country | India |
State | Karnataka |
Region | Karavali |
District | Uttara Kannada |
Tehsil | Kumta |
Area | |
• Total | 10.9 km2 (4.2 sq mi) |
Elevation | 22 m (72 ft) |
Population (2001) | |
• Total | 25,851 |
• Density | 2,400/km2 (6,100/sq mi) |
Languages | |
• Official | Kannada |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Vehicle registration | KA-47 |
Website | uttarakannada |
Gokarna is known as one of seven important centers of pilgrimage in Hinduism.[citation needed] It lies on what was once an unspoiled coastline at the estuary of the River Aghanashini. Due to an increase in tourism, the character of the town has changed, and is no longer just a center of pilgrimage, though large numbers of Shiva devotees continue to visit for prayer and worship.
Gokarna is the one of the best beach destinations for tourists in the whole of India.[2][3] It is very popular for beach trekkers.[4]