Panchalingams

The five-beach trek is a must-do when in Gokarna. It takes you through five beaches (Gokarna Beach, Paradise Beach, Half Moon Beach, Om Beach and Kudle Beach). The trek starts from Kudle beach and ends at Gokarna town.You can set up your tent at the beach and indulge in activities like fishing, bonfires and walking around exploring the beach. There is also option for treehouse resorts. For beach/nature lovers. 

There are five shiva temples, all connected to the same story of Gokarna. 

The story of Gokarna mentions the Mahabaleshwara Lingam as the one brought from Kailas by Ravana, and kept at this place on the ground by Ganesha. He was told not to keep it down, untill he reaches his final destination which was Sri Lanka. 

However, the story does not end here. It is believed that, in his anger, Ravana flung aside the materials which covered the lingam- the casket, its lid, the string around the lingam, and the cloth covering it. All these items became lingams as soon as they touched the ground. These four lingams, along with the main Mahabaleshwara lingam are collectively called the ‘Panchalingams’. These are:

Mahabaleshwara – the main lingam

Sajjeshwar – the casket carrying the lingam. This temple is about 35 Kms from Karwar, and is a 2 hour drive from Gokarna.

Dhareshwar – the string covering the lingam. This temple is on NH17, about 45 Kms south of Gokarna.

Gunavanteshwar – the lid of the casket carrying the lingam. This temple is also on NH17, about 60 Kms south of Gokarna.

Murudeshwar – the cloth covering the lingam. This temple is also on NH17, about 70 Kms south of Gokarna.

Sajjeshwar: The route is a scenic one along the sea, passing through Karwar. The Sajjeshwar temple is a small one, not much visited, and, as a result, calm and quiet.

The 3 other temples are all along the same route towards Udupi. First is the Dhareshwar temple, about an hour’s drive from Gokarna. This temple is open from 6AM to 10 AM and again from 4 to 9 PM. This is also a small temple, not very well maintained, but serene and calm. The temple precincts are huge, but need a lot more work to draw crowds.

From Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwar is another hour away. This temple is open from 6 AM to 1 PM and from 3 to 8:15PM. This is another huge temple, but better maintained. Both these temples have a huge pond nearby.

Murudeshwar - Murdeshwar Temple was built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Laccadive Sea. It is dedicated to lord shiva, there is also a Rameshwara linga at the bottom of the hill, where devotees can do seva themselves. A Shaneswar temple has been built next to the idol of Sri Akshayaguna.