The main temple and deity are Shiva, which is also known as Mahabaleshwara. This temple houses what is believed to be the original image of Shiva's linga (Atmalinga).
The Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna is a 4th-century CE Hindu temple located in Gokarna, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka state, India which is built in the classical Dravidian architectural style. It is a site of religious pilgrimage.
Gokarna is also known as the southern Kashi of India and has been popular for Shraddha Pujas such as Narayana Bali Puja, Tripindi Shraddha, Thila Homa, Navagraha-purak-aghorastra-puja, Narayan bali, Mrityunjaya Homam, Pind daan, Varshik Shraddh and many more Pujas performed by local priest families since times.