Tamra Gauri Temple, Karnataka
Tamra Gauri Temple is nestled inside the complex of Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna in the state of Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Gauri or Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. It lies on the rear side of the Mahabaleshwar Temple. The idol of the deity is in standing posture holding a flower in devotion on the eastern side behind the Atmalingam of Lord Shiva. The deity is also holding a balance weighing holiness and piousness of Gokarna and Kashi or Varanasi as per legend.
There are other legends surrounding the Tamra Gauri temple. According to Hindu mythology, Devi Parvati or Gauri came to Gokarna in search of her husband, Lord Shiva. Wandering upon the Tamra Parvat or the Copper Mountain gave her the name as ‘Tamra Gauri’.
There is a sacred pond opposite to the Tamra Gauri Temple, known as Tamra Kund. It is believed that if ashes or ‘aasthi’ of a dead man is poured in the water of this ‘kund’, he stays in Heaven till the ashes remain in the pond. Once the ‘aasthi’ moved out of the pond and meet the sea water, he takes rebirth as King. The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were poured in this pond. It is a must visit for the devotees who come to seek the blessing of the destroyer God Lord Shiva in the Mahabaleshwar Temple. Regular trains from all the major cities of Karnataka are available to reach Gokarna.
Timings
Tamra Gauri Temple open at 06:00 AM to 12:00 NOON and then from 05:00 PM to 08.30 PM