Information of Gola Gokaran Nath Temple, Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh

Gola Gokaran Nath Temple is a popular Hindu temple situated in Gola Gokarannath in Lakhimpur Kheri region of Uttar Pradesh. It has beautiful design and is regarded as a symbol of ancient art. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiv. Gola Gokaran Nath Temple is also known as Choti Kashi and is one of the key attractions in that region.

Gola Gokaran Nath Temple Religious Significance

Gola Gokaran Nath Temple organises various religious festivals and one of the most popular among them is Saavan Fair. It occurs during the month of July - August, which is also termed as Shravan in Hindu calendar. In this festival, thousands of devotees gather in the sacred temple in order to worship lord Shiv. People usually take a dip in the pond of the temple in order to purify themselves. Afterward purification, they enter in the temple compound. According to legend, the churning of oceans in which lord Shiv drank the poison, occurred in the Bengali month of Shravan. Since then, Saavan Fair occur in this particular month. The pilgrimage sustains during the entire month each year adding more to the importance of the temple from both cultural and religious point of view.

Apart from Saavan Fair, in the month of April, another great fair is organised by Gola Gokaran Nath Temple named Chaiti Fair. The other festivals which is organised by Gola Gokaran Nath Temple are Bhoot Nath Fair and Maha Shiv Ratri. In Shiv Ratri also, considerable number of devotees visit the temple and give tribute to lord Shiv.

Gola Gokaran Nath Temple Mythology & History

There is a great story behind the creation of Gola Gokaran Nath Temple. It is believed that lord Shiv was contented with the reparation of the emperor of Lanka named Ravan and granted a blessing. Ravan wished lord Shiv to leave mountain Himalaya persistently and go to Lanka. Lord Shiv agreed to go with Ravan, but he put a condition on him. He stated that while travelling to Lanka, lord Shiv should not be placed anywhere in the course. If he were positioned anywhere in the course, he would settle in that particular place. Agreed on this condition, lord Shiv gave Ravan one of the twelve Jyotrlingams. Ravan begun his trip to Lanka with lord Shiv on his head. Nevertheless, when Ravan reached Gola Gokaran Nath, he felt the requirement to urinate. Thus, Ravan provided some gold coins to a shepherd who was none other than lord Ganesh, sent by gods in order to position lord Shiv on his head until Ravan return from the call of nature. Thus, lord Ganesh in the form of shepherd positioned lord Shiv in the land, i.e. in the present position of Gola Gokaran Nath Temple. Soon Ravan realised that he was unsuccessful to lift lord Shiv irrespective of his extreme effort. Enraged with anger, Ravan pushed his thumb in the head of Shiv Linga. The imprint of the thumb of Ravan can be observed in the Shiv Linga of Gola Gokaran Nath Temple. Due to this reason, the Shiv Linga in the temple looks like Cow's ear. It is attached within 5 feet below of ground level.

Gola Gokaran Nath Temple Architectural Significance

Gola Gokaran Nath Temple is based on North Indian architectural style. It has wonderful design with white coloured structure. Gola Gokaran Nath Temple houses a tomb along with a prayer base which best define the Hindu concept for demonstrating its architectural worth. The primary building and other buildings of the temple is constructed under specific themes which can captivate devotees by long lasting impression.