Frequently Asked Questions
Gokarna is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage center which is a Siddhi Kshetra as well as Muktikshetra. Gokarna is a home to the many ancient Temples, which enshrines the Atmalinga of Lord Shiva. It is also a significant site for performing divine pujas and homas and ancestral pitru puja rituals like moksha narayana bali, tripindi shraddha, as it is believed that prayers and offerings made here yield immense spiritual benefits and help ancestors attain liberation (mukti).
All type of Divine Puja&Homas, Dosha Parihara Pujas, Sarpa Shanti, and Ancestral Pitru Pujas are performed in Gokarna. Some of the popular pujas include:
- Shraddha Karma and Pind Daan: To honor ancestors and provide peace to their souls.
- Moksha Narayan Bali Puja: To address unnatural death and unresolved issues of departed souls.
- Tripindi Shraddha: A ritual for ancestors who have not received regular tarpan (offerings).
- Rudrabhisheka: To seek blessings from Lord Shiva and remove negativity.
- Navagraha Shanti Puja: For planetary peace and prosperity.
- Sarpa Shanti: For Naga Dosha Parihara
- Kumbha/Kadali/Arka Vivaha: To overcome marriage problems.
- Mrutyunjaya Homa: It is performed to seek health, longevity, protection, and spiritual growth.
People often visit Gokarna for pujas when:
- They experience recurring obstacles or misfortunes due to ancestral curses (Pitru Dosha).
- They seek to fulfill last rites for departed family members.
- They want to perform dosha nivaran pujas, such as Kaal Sarp Dosha, Naga Dosha, or Pitru Dosha. Kadali Vivaha, Kumbha Vivaha etc.
- Those who wish to perform divine pujas and homas like Ganapathi related pujas like Ganahoma, Shiva-related worship like Rudrahoma, Devi Pujas like Chandi Parayana and Chandi Homa for spiritual upliftment.
The duration varies depending on the type of ritual:
- Moksha Narayana Bali Pitru Puja: Normally will be done in 1–2 days.
- Shraddha Karma: 1 day.
- Rudrabhisheka or Rudra Homa: 1 Day
- Navagraha Shanti Puja: 1 day.
- Sarpa Shati: 1 day.
- Kadali/Kumbh Vivaha: 1 day.
Yes, it is recommended to book in advance, as Gokarna attracts many tourists and pilgrims almost throughout the year.
Priests typically provide a list of items, which may include:
- New clothes or properly washed and dried for participants. White Dhoti-Angavastra for the Kartru of the ancestral Pitru Puja.
- Temple Darshanam will have dress code of dhoti for men and saree/chudidar for ladies.
- One unbroken coconut filled with water, with proper praying (if possible).
- Specific offerings like swayam pakam, danam, black sesame seeds, ghee, flowers, and fruits can be brought.
Yes, participants should:
- Maintain physical and mental purity.
- Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and other intoxicants during the puja and stay in Gokarna.
- Wear traditional attire (dhoti for men and saree or salwar for women).
- Women should avoid participation if menstruating.
- It is advisable to perform ancestral Pitru Pujas by the senior male member of the family or by the male person of the family who has lost his father.