MAHABALESHWAR TEMPLE

This Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva is a high place of pilgrimage. Theathmalingam is a lingam venerated by a Hindu god, allowing him to obtain in return immortality and invincibility. Legend has it that Ravana went to Shiva's abode in Kailash to obtain his athmalingam. He observed a long penance and Shiva bestowed upon him the sacred lingam with the mission to take him home on foot, never putting it down, otherwise the lingam would be sealed in the ground forever. Maha Vishnu heard the news and joined forces with Ganesh to foil the plan. Ganesh transformed himself into a young Brahmin and went to Gokarna where he waited for Ravana. Ravana arrived and, at nightfall, had to perform his religious ritual. For this purpose, he entrusted theathmalingam to this young brahmana who was passing by. The young Brahmin agreed to carry it, but warned Ravana that if it became too heavy, he would call him three times and put the lingam on the ground if Ravana remained deaf to his calls. This happened. Theathmalingam rests in the center of the temple, inside an enclosed shrine. Its top can be seen through a hole in the ground. The shrine is opened once every 40 years for a pilgrimage, the Ashta Bandana Kumbhahishekam, which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees. The next one will take place in 2023.

This temple used to be accessible to tourists, but the bad behavior of some has condemned the entrance to foreign travelers. The comings and goings of the priests remains a spectacle in itself.