Gokarna, Karnataka · 14.5433°, 74.3164°
The 'Kashi of the South' on the Konkan coast, guarding the Atmalinga — held to be Shiva's own soul-linga. A major site for last rites and shraddha; the town's name ('cow's ear') marks where the earth-goddess is said to have birthed it.
Ravana won the Atmalinga from Shiva but could never set it down till Lanka. Ganesha, disguised as a boy, agreed to hold it while Ravana bathed — then called him thrice and set it down. Enraged, Ravana could not budge it; the 'immovable strength' (Mahabala) linga bears his grip-marks still.
coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-26 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Kadamba