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Southeast of Kathmandu, bordered by the holy Bagmati River is the beautiful forest grove of Gokarna. It is said to be the place where Shiva himself once wandered, disguised as a beautiful golden deer under cover of the low forested hills. Local people built a fine shrine, the Gokarna Mahadev temple on the river bank opposite the forest. Visitors pay a fee to enter Gokarna which also contains a safari park and other facilities. Many species of deer roam here as well as pheasants and peacocks. Elephants and ponies are available for adventurous riders. Gokarna safari park 10 km east of Kathmandu provides elephant safari for viewing wild animals and birds such as spotted dear, peacock etc. It has a resort and a restaurant as well.

The ancient Newari village of Gokarna has the interesting Gokarna Mahadev Temple dedicated to Siva. It is one of the famous hindu pilgrimage sites. You get to Gokarna by taking the Sankhu road a short distance northeast of Bodhnath and taking the Sundarijal road. After a couple of kilometres you get to Gokarna. Mahadev means “Great God.” The pago da style temple is on the bank of the Bagmati River.

The triple-roofed Mahadev or Gokarneshwar (Lord of Gokarna) Temple contains an important Siva lingam and some interesting woodcarvings. Nandi’s, Siva bull, is next to the temple. The temple has an excellent collections of sculptures located all around the temple. Some of the sculpture are over 1000 years old. Many Hindu deities are represented including a bearded Brahma, Narasingha (half-man, half-lion incarnation of Vishnu), Surya (sun god), Ganesh, Kamadeva (god of love), Durga and Chandra (moon god). The 14th century temple has been recently restored.

Over the entrance of the temple is a golden torana with Siva and Parvati in the center in the Uma Maheshwar position (Parvati has her hand on Siva’s knee).

In a small temple in the compound is an 8th century statue of the goddess Parvati that is considered to be the best statue at Gokarna. It is in a small shrine in the northwest corner of the courtyard.

On the side of the Gokarna Temple is a single-storey Vishnu Paduka, which has Vishnu’s footprint on a metal plate. There is a figure of Siva lying on a bed of cobras embedded in the steps above the river,

Before you take picture you should ask the priests for permission.

There is a big festival here the Gokarna Aunsi (Nepali “Father’s Day”), in late August or early September.

From here you can walk up to the Pulahari Monastery, on the hill to the west, and from there you can walk west to Kopan or north to Nagi Gompa.


More about Gokarneswor Mahadev Tample by Bhisma Banskota and Pooja Pathak 

Renovated in 14th century A.D. by Jayasthiti Malla, the early Malla king, according to Archaeologist the temple is believed to have been established in early Lichchhavi period in 5th century AD by Mandev, the historical early Lichhavi King. The Pagoda triple-roofed Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple stands on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here, Hindus and Buddhists of all ethnic groups celebrate special festivals in honour of their deceased especially on Bhadra Krishna Aunshi (the dark moon day of August), the Father’s Day(in Aug/Sept). 

Gaya is considered the best place to perform the rituals for dead Souls, belongs to one of Seven Sacred Hindu center places of Pligrimage. Gokarneshwar site is Known as Uttargaya (North Gaya), (there are many shrines like Gaya including Nepal and India such as Baraha Chhetra of Sunsari, Kakbeni of Mustang, Devghat (in Chitwan, Nawalparasi & Tanahu), Betrawati(Nuwakot), Uttar Gaya(North Gaya) in Gokarna, Prayag, Kashi, Rameshwor, Harihara Kshetra, Bodh Gaya, South Gaya of Bihar etc.) is importance equal with visiting Ten time (others) Gaya, who visit to this Shrine(Uttar Gaya in Nepal) has mentioned in a religious book named Nepal Mahatmya (translated by Loknath Acharya in 1979 AD from Banaras Published by Trimurti Publication, pg. 10-11), and who offer Pinda here (in Vishnu Paduka Shrine) on Father’s Day (Aug/Sept) can rescued Hundred races on three side of relations: Father, Mother House in –law, and himself can lived in forefather’s place & in Vaikuntha too. It is the place where Lord Bramha worshipped Lord Shiva, so called Bramhashram. It is more celebrated as a Shrine of departed forefathers, centre of ancestor worship. It is believed that Ravan (the King of Lanka) had also worshipped to Lord Shiva at Gokarna. 

It is mentionable that there is another South Gaya in India,located in the central part of the state of Bihar in the north-eastern part of India, located to the West of the Falgu River. It is one of the important holy places of Hindus and thousands of devotees throng this small town every year for pilgrimage, It lies in South from Nepal and Nepal is located in North side from India, the Himalayan Kingdom, Arya Varta, Pashupati Chhetra, Uttar Gaya (in Gokarna) and the another main attraction of Gokarna is Gadadhar Narayan temple known as Vishnupad temple. Is believed by Hindus that if the final rites are performed in Gaya the departure Soul goes to heaven. Gaya is a religious center, is considered very sacred by the devotees. Also known as the head of Gaya, where Vishnu had killed named ‘Gayasur’, the evil to rescue the forefathers according to sayings.


How Reach Gokarna:

To get here you can walk, take a bike, a tempo, or a taxi. A taxi from Kathmandu should be easily accessible. You can get a tempo to here from Kantipath in Kathmandu or at Bodhnath. Taxi drivers often will not want to come here, but the road gets quite bad after leaving the main road.
There is a pleasant walk between Gokarna and Bodhnath, going via the Buddhist monastery in Kopan. In Gokarna the path begins just past the bridge, on the Kathmandu side of Gokarna. The path begins by going northwest up a steep path and then goes pass fields and bamboo groves until it reach Kopan. From Kopan it is an easy walk along the trail southwest to Bodhnath.


GOLF

Gokarna Forest Golf Resort. South Asia's finest, and one of the world's most spectacular Golf Resort Courses. Crafted by lead architect David Mclay Kidd, assisted by Director of Turf-grass Management, James Kidd, under the direction of Gleneagles Golf Developments.

Undulating Bent Grass Greens built to USGA specifications. Soft cushions of local Bermuda fairways. Lush unyielding forests-hundreds of years old.

Winding streams. Wandering hills and valleys opening to a holy river's plain. Cynical monkey's watching your progress. Shy spotted deer peering from the trees. The lofty Himalayas keeping score. Truly enchanting.



Shrines within Gokarna Forest


Bandevi Temple:

Located deep in the Forest between the 14th tee and the 6th green, this shrine dedicated to the goddess of the forests is considered the holiest within Gokarna Forest.

During the festivals of Chaitra Dasain in late March and the great harvest festival of Bijaya Dashami, throngs of devotees gather here to worship and offer sacrifice. The Palace of Raj Nikunj performs puja twice a year for which the Gokarna Forest Golf Resort offers assistance.


Dhungana's Kuldevta:

Located left of the 11th green in an area of Gokarna called Hattisar, the temple houses the clan deity of the Dhungana caste, and they perform an annual puja in mid-July.


Poudail Kuldevta:

Located above the 4th tee is a temple housing the clan deity of the Poudail caste. A yearly puja is held in mid-September.


Mahat Kuldevta:

This temple is situated between the 3rd and 4th tees. The Mahat caste gather here every May to worship their clan deity.


Naag Isthan:

Situated on the timber bridge between the car park and the practice range, an annual puja is performed in mid-August in this "abode of the naag" (snake).


Kanti Bhairab Temple:

Just outside the Northern part of Gokarna Forest, this temple near the 7th tee is also known as Uttar Gaya.

From a special petrograph of the temple area, it was found that this temple was established by King Rajendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on 14th Falgun 1846 Bikram Sambat (February, 1789 A.D.)

On the occasion of Mother's Day, local residents celebrate at this temple. Other main festivals celebrated here are Poush Gaya Aaunshi (in Dec/Jan), Kushe Aaunshi (in Aug/Sept) and Dashain (in Sept/Oct).

The Holy River Bagmati flows from North to South next to this temple. There is a legend that this river comes out from the mouth of a tiger known as Baagdwar and flows via Sundarijal to the temple's side.



Hotel Accomodation in Gokarna:

Hotel Le Meridien: Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa is located deep inside the serene temperate Gokarna Forest, traditionally the private Royal hunting grounds of the Kings of Nepal. Situated within the city limits of Kathmandu, capital of Royal Kingdom of Nepal, this luxury Hotel Resort, Spa, and 18 hole championship Golf Course is operated by Le Meridien, a leading global chain of luxury hotels and resorts.A winding, climbing road through the forest leads to the majestic Malla period architecture with the main hotel's favoured Deluxe rooms & suites. The perfect setting for an unforgettable experience.

Further into the forest set serenely besides century old trees and adjacent to the restored Hunter's Lodge, once used by Royal Shikaris (Hunters) are sixteen exotic Superior rooms.

Nearby Harmony Spa provides a variety of rejuvenating courses, massages, and beauty treatments. The Health club encompasses an indoor temperature controlled pool, and the changing rooms each have a Sauna, Steam room, and Jacuzzi. The large well equipped gym is one of the finest in the country. A quiet walk to the clubhouse brings you instant access and preferential tee times at South Asia's finest resort golf resort.