In Hindu pilgrimage tradition, Ganesha — the remover of obstacles — is always propitiated before the main deity of any sacred site. At Gokarna, the Maha Ganapati Temple near the Kotiteertha tank is the first stop on a pilgrim's itinerary before visiting the Mahabaleshwara Temple. The temple houses a large stone Ganesha image and sees a constant stream of devotees throughout the day.
The temple is modest in scale but the Ganesha image is striking, often garlanded with marigolds and smeared with sindoor (vermilion). Prasad — blessed food — is distributed to devotees after puja. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming even to non-Hindu visitors who observe respectfully.
The combination of the three main temples — Maha Ganapati, Kotiteertha, and Mahabaleshwara — along with the bathing tank forms the core of Gokarna's pilgrimage circuit. Completing all three in one morning, followed by a walk to one of the beaches, makes for an excellent day in Gokarna.