Maha Ganapati Temple is located only a couple of metres far from the east side of the Mahabaleshwar Temple at Gokarna. This sanctuary was implicit honour of Lord Ganesha, who succeeded in taking the Atmalinga far from Ravana. According to legend, voyagers need to first visit this sanctuary before heading towards Mahabaleshwar Temple. Pilgrims first offer prayers at the Maha Ganesha Temple because it is said that Lord Shiva blessed him with the honour of first worship. Consistent with the students of history and Hindu religious researchers, Gokarna Ganapati sanctuary was established by the early Kadambas in 5-sixth century, a forceful regal family who then governed solidly over the part of Goa and Maharashtra and major part of Karnataka.
The murti is something like 5 feet tall. The Idol of Shree Ganesh, here is in the appearance of a junior Brahmin with two hands, recovered Lord Shankara’s Lingam from the hands of evil spirit Ravana who had hit Ganesha; the imprint is still put forth on the murti.
It is a standout amongst the most celebrated internationally and exceptionally antiquated two-gave Ganapati in Karnataka (the other being Idgunji). It is quite important to run offer him reverence before undertaking to visit Gokarna Mahabaleshwara. It is additionally called as a “siddha” Ganapati. This sanctuary, but spotted in the same premises as Gokarna Mahabaleshwar, has its own particular identity.