Gokarneshwor Mahadev Temple

Renowned for Ritual Worship and Vows (Puja and Brata): The Gokarneshwar Temple is surrounded by a wealth of artistic heritage. Scattered throughout the area are artworks dating back to the Lichhavi, Malla, Rana, and Shah periods. Around 1912 B.S. (1855 A.D.), approximately 30–32 statues of various deities were installed in the Gokarneshwar area by Balbhadra Bhanjan Pande. Among them, the statues of Saraswati, Chandra (the Moon God), and Mahakal Bhairav are considered especially beautiful. Some of the sculptures in the area are believed to be over a thousand years old.

Within the temple complex, there are also valuable statues of Chaturmukhi Brahma (Four-faced Brahma) and Chitragupta, which are considered priceless artistic treasures. It is also mentioned that Balbhadra Bhanjan Pande commissioned the creation of various procession deities (Janati Devas) located around the temple courtyard.

Regarding the residence of Lord Mahadev, there are many references in ancient scriptures affirming the significance of this place. However, there is no concrete evidence explaining why this area is called "Gokarna."

A hermit known as ‘Ram Baba’, who has been meditating in the temple complex for the past three decades, shares a popular legend:

“When viewed from Shivapuri Hill, this place is said to resemble the ear of a cow, which is believed to be the origin of the name Gokarna (Go = cow, Karna = ear).”

Another legend says that Rishi Gokarna was believed to have been born here, and his original name was Dhundhukari. The story goes as follows:

A cow that had eaten a particular fruit gave birth to a child, whose ears resembled those of a cow, and thus he was named Gokarna. Gokarna became a great sage, while Dhundhukari turned out to be foolish and wicked. Dhundhukari committed many sins and was eventually killed by the courtesans he had brought home as his wives. They buried his body inside the house and fled.

Years later, after acquiring great knowledge, Gokarna returned home as a renowned sage, but found the house empty. That night, while sleeping in the abandoned house, Dhundhukari’s spirit cried out in distress, revealing how he had died and had been suffering as a restless ghost.

To help him, Gokarna learned from Lord Shiva—through the teachings of Sage Shukadeva—how to liberate tormented souls. Gokarna invited Shukadeva and conducted a seven-day spiritual discourse (Saptaha Gyan Mahayagya), through which Dhundhukari’s soul was liberated.

After that, Gokarna launched a campaign for the liberation of departed ancestors, residing at a place called Uttargaya—a sacred spot where the Bagmati River flows northward. Because Gokarna initiated ancestral rituals at this place, it eventually became known as Gokarna. Similarly, according to the Swayambhu Purana, the name Gokarneshwar originated from the story of the redemption of Prince Gokarna of the Panchal Kingdom.