Gola Gokaran Nath Temple is located on the banks of the Sarayan River in the town of Gola Gokarannath, in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. People from near and far visit this sacred shrine to worship Lord Shiva, who is known here as Gola Gokaran Nath Mahadev and is believed to grant the wishes of his sincere devotees. It is also believed that Parvati, worshipped as Gauri, resides alongside him within the temple.
History of Gola Gokaran Nath Temple
According to local tradition, the origins of the Gola Gokaran Nath Temple go back to the Treta Yuga, when it is said that Lord Shiva himself established it. The Lakhimpur region, closely connected with ancient Hindu legends and the Ramayana, is regarded as a sacred place. One popular belief tells that Ravana, the king of Lanka, was carrying a shivling from the Himalayas, but when he set it down here, he was unable to lift it again. The mark left upon it is said to resemble the ear of a cow. Historical references describe it as one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, earning it the name “Chhoti Kashi.” In more recent times, a large statue of Shiva has been installed near the Teerth Sarovar pond.
The temple stands on level ground and is approached by climbing fifteen stone steps. British accounts from the 1800s mention the large gatherings of devotees that took place here. After India’s independence in 1947, the temple came under the care of a local trust. Restoration work in the 1990s preserved its traditional appearance. For generations, saints have praised the spiritual power of Lord Shiva at this place, giving it wide recognition. Even today, it continues to draw many pilgrims to this sacred site in Lakhimpur.
Legends of Gola Gokaran Nath Temple
Many legends and beliefs surround the Gola Gokaran Nath Temple. One of the most well-known stories traces back to the Treta Yuga, when Ravana, king of Lanka, performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva and was granted a shivling to take to his kingdom. Shiva warned him never to place it on the ground. As Ravana passed through Gola, he handed the shivling to a shepherd—who, according to the tale, was Lord Ganesh in disguise. The shivling was set down and became so heavy that it could not be lifted again. Ravana pressed his thumb into it, leaving a mark shaped like a cow’s ear, which gave the place its name, “Gokaran,” meaning cow’s ear. Devotees believe that prayers offered here with sincerity bring health, prosperity, and abundance.
Another tradition says that the shivling, buried nearly five feet underground, holds great spiritual power. Devotees also hold that pouring Ganga water over the shivling seven times can help fulfill sincere wishes.
Rituals and Festivals
During festivals, the Gola Gokaran Nath Temple becomes a place of constant activity and devotion. Maha Shivratri, held in February or March, is the most important celebration. Devotees sing bhajans through the night and pour Ganga water over the shivling in worship. In the month of Sawan, falling in July or August, daily lamp offerings are made to honor Lord Shiva. The name “Gola Gokaran Nath Mahadev” is tied to the belief that no true prayer is left unanswered. Many visitors say they feel a quiet peace the moment they step inside. People often seek blessings for marriage or children, and once their prayers are answered, they return with offerings such as bel leaves, Gangajal, milk, and bells. Even a plain earthen pot of water, given with devotion, is said to please Baba.
There is also a tradition of presenting silver items to the deity including bells, tridents, and snake figures are the most common. These offerings are believed to win Baba’s favor quickly, though the simplest gifts are valued just as much. In April, the Chaiti Mela fills the temple with flowers and festive crowds. Offerings of milk, bel leaves, coconuts, and silver bells are common during the festival season. Some devotees spend two hours chanting the Mahamrityunjay Mantra five times to seek special blessings. On major festival days, between five and fifteen thousand people are served free meals as part of the temple’s charitable tradition.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: The temple is open every day. In summer, it welcomes visitors from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while in winter the hours are 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. On Mondays, the temple remains open until 11:00 PM. Photography is not allowed inside the main hall. A unique feature of this temple is that even those who do not enter can still view the shivling from outside.
Best Time to Visit: The months from October to March offer pleasant weather, with temperatures between 15 and 25°C. Weekdays are quieter, while festivals such as Shivratri and Sawan draw large crowds, sometimes 10,000–30,000 visitors. It is advisable to arrive early during these occasions.
Nearby Attractions:
Frog Temple: 35 km off, an odd shrine in Oel Dhakwa.
Dudhwa National Park: 53 km off, a tiger reserve from 1977.
Hanumat Dham: 60 km off, a Hanuman temple with a 104-foot idol.
Teerth Sarovar: Right there is a bath spot for prayers.
Final Words
Gola Gokaran Nath Temple in Lakhimpur Kheri is a revered site drawing devotees from all over India, it continues to be a significant spiritual destination in Uttar Pradesh, offering a place of devotion, peace, and fulfillment of sincere wishes of devotees.
