Tucked away on a hillside, Shiva Cave is an ancient sacred site called "gogarbha" or "cow's womb" by the local people. Offering views of the surrounding area and the neighboring beach, the small cave remains a home to a population of small bats.
Shiva Cave is a fascinating place to visit on your visit to Gokarna that is not much popular among tourists yet. Consisting of a Shiva Lingam, Shiva Cave is an interesting place that people should visit.
With its dark interiors, tourists are advised to carry a torch inside when they are visiting here. It is also home to many bats and has an interesting legend associated with it.
With its beautiful surroundings, Shiva Cave is an amazing place to visit for everyone. There is a Shiva Temple where devotees come to seek fulfilment of their wishes.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SHIVA CAVE, GOKARNA
Location: Gokarna Kudle Road, Gokarna, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: November to February is the best time to visit Shiva Cave in Gokarna
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Bangla Gudda: It is approximately 5.5 kilometres away from the Gokarna Bus Stand.
This cave is located exactly opposite to Kudle Beach View Resort. This is known by local people and not by everyone. The cave has a shiva linga and was built in 195 BC. There is no light inside, so make sure to carry a torch and accompany a localite. You can see bats inside the cave and there is a hole on the roof for sunlight. The caves have two ways inside and it is called that one of the ways is connected to uttarkashi. One of the amazing places, not known to everyone. If you get an opportunity, make sure to visit.
HISTORY OF SHIVA CAVES, GOKARNA
Ravana, the demon-king of Lanka, received the atmalinga from Shiva after he had performed a penance at Mount Kailash reciting self-written Shiva-tandava-stotram. Shiva instructed Ravana that the sacred atmalinga should not be placed on the ground as it would establish itself wherever it is placed on earth.
On his way back, as Ravana approached Gokarna; Vishnu who had known well that Ravana was punctual in performing his periodical rites (Sandyavandhana), hid the sun with his Sudarshana Chakra (Wheel). Ravana stopped for his evening prayers at Gokarna. But he was not supposed to keep the atmalinga down, what shall I do? he wondered. He saw a Brahmin boy (Lord Ganesha in disguise) and asked him to hold the Atma linga in his hand till he came back after finishing the rites. Lord Ganesha agreed to hold the linga on one condition that he would do so till he would be able to bear the weight of linga and that thereafter he would call Ravana three times and if failed to come to him by then, he would place the linga on the earth.
Lord Ganesha hurriedly called Ravana three times when he was performing his rites and placed the linga on the earth and vanished. The Atma linga at once got firmly entrenched in the earth. Ravana realised that he had been tricked by the Gods.
Ravana tried to extricate it, resulting in throwing the coverings of the Linga to Surathkal, Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwar, Murudeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples. Lingam did not budge, it just got a little twisted to the shape of a cow’s ear, Go-karna. It stays there now and is worshipped.
ATTRACTIONS NEAR SHIVA CAVE, GOKARNA
OM BEACH- Om Beach of Gokarna carries a spiritual significance concerning its geographical appearance. The shape of this beach resembles the symbol ‘Om’ and hence, it is considered to be highly auspicious amongst the locals. You can witness the joining of two semi-crescent pieces of land here and this is why and how the beach derived its present identity.
KUDLE BEACH- Kudle Beach in Gokarna is renowned for its unmatched beauty and mesmerizing charm. Flanked by tall coconut trees, this piece of land resembles a perfect ‘C'.
MAHABALESHWARA TEMPLE- This major temple in Gokarna has a 1500-year-old deity that is carved in stone of Lord Shiva. If you’re seeking a spiritual retreat, Mahabaleshwara Temple in Gokarna will refresh your soul and offer a peaceful retreat with the Almighty.
MIRJAN FORT- Mirjan Fort is a trademark of cultural glory, and is situated on National Highway 66, about 11 kilometers from Gomarna. The 16th century architecture and cultural marvels of this place has made it a popular tourist attraction.
WHY SHOULD ONE VISIT SHIVA CAVES, GOKARNA?
If you are looking for adventurous places to visit in Gokarna, then you should add Shiva Cave to your itinerary for the trip. This beach is secluded from the throngs of crowds and offers recluse to those who wish to have some adventure time, and also enjoy the peace and quiet.
One of the gorgeous features of this place in Gokarna is the beautiful dark stretch that makes it an absolute thrill. It is quite isolated and one can look forward to having a great time with friends and family.
With beautiful surroundings and its tranquil setting, Shiva Caves is one of the most serene yet adventurous places you will see in Gokarna.
