Introduction

Gokarneshwar, also spelled Gokarneshwor, is a municipality in northeastern Kathmandu District, in Bagmati Province, Nepal. Named after the ancient and revered Gokarna Mahadev Temple, the area is both a spiritual pilgrimage site and a green retreat within reach of Kathmandu city. Known for its Shiva temples, cultural heritage, and lush forested landscape, Gokarneshwar offers a blend of religious, historical, and ecological significance.

Location and Geography

• Province: Bagmati

• District: Kathmandu

• Coordinates: Approximately 10 km northeast of Kathmandu city center

• Formed: In 2014 by merging multiple Village Development Committees (VDCs), including:

  • Gokarna

  • Jorpati

  • Sundarijal

  • Nayapati

  • Baluwa

Geographic Features

• Bordered by Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

• Crisscrossed by Bagmati River tributaries

• Elevation ranges from 1,300 to 2,700 meters

• Dense forests, hills, and agricultural land dominate the terrain

Religious Significance

 Gokarna Mahadev Temple

At the heart of the municipality lies the Gokarna Mahadev Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of Mahadev (the Great God).

Key Features:

• Believed to date back to the Lichhavi period (approx. 5th–8th century AD)

• Houses a massive Shiva Linga carved from stone

• Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, in a serene forested setting

Unique Religious Tradition:

• On Gokarna Aunsi (Father’s Day in Nepal), thousands gather here to perform Shraddha and Tarpan (rituals for deceased fathers), believing it grants peace to the souls of ancestors.

• Sometimes called the “Pashupatinath of the East” due to its spiritual gravity

Other Religious Sites:

• Sundarijal Water Temple – associated with Hindu and Buddhist traditions

• Bhairav Temples and small shrines dot the area, contributing to its sacred geography

• Boudhanath Stupa is nearby, showing the interweaving of Hindu and Buddhist cultures

Natural Attractions

Gokarna Forest

• Once a royal hunting reserve, now a protected area with ancient trees and wildlife

• Home to the Gokarna Forest Resort, a luxury eco-tourism and wellness retreat

• Frequented by deer, monkeys, birds, and nature enthusiasts

Shivapuri Hiking Trails

• Gokarneshwar connects to trails leading to Shivapuri Peak and Sundarijal

• A haven for hikers, photographers, and spiritual walkers

Sundarijal

• A picturesque location known for:

  • Waterfalls

  • Hiking and cycling

  • Gateway to Langtang National Park

  • Small hydropower plant and aqueducts used for Kathmandu’s water supply

Culture and Community

Ethnic Groups

• Newar

• Tamang

• Brahmin

• Chhetri

• Magar, Rai, and others

Languages Spoken

• Nepali

• Newari

• Tamang

Major Festivals

• Shivaratri

• Gokarna Aunsi (Father’s Day)

• Dashain and Tihar

• Buddha Jayanti

Gokarneshwar reflects the cultural and spiritual diversity of the Kathmandu Valley, where Hindu and Buddhist beliefs coexist peacefully.

Urbanization and Development

Since becoming a municipality in 2014, Gokarneshwar has experienced rapid development in:

• Education: Schools and colleges, including health sciences institutions

• Infrastructure: Road upgrades, sanitation, public transportation

• Healthcare: Clinics, local hospitals, and community health posts

• Tourism Services: Hotels, resorts, hiking guides, cultural centers

However, urbanization challenges such as pollution, deforestation, and real estate pressure continue to grow.

Visiting Tips

Trivia and Lesser-Known Facts

• The name “Gokarna” means “cow’s ear” in Sanskrit — tied to a legend where Shiva took the form of a cow to listen to devotees in the area.

• The Bagmati River, which flows near the temple, is considered sacred in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

• Gokarneshwar’s lush forest has inspired poets, yogis, and royal retreats since medieval times.

• The area has a strong conservation movement, especially around Sundarijal and Gokarna forest zones.

Summary

Final Thoughts

Gokarneshwar is more than just a suburb of Kathmandu — it is a living blend of ancient Shiva worship, pristine forests, spiritual rituals, and local Himalayan culture. Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking spiritual renewal, a hiker exploring Nepal’s green edges, or a tourist looking to escape the city into sacred calm, Gokarneshwar offers a rare harmony of nature, culture, and devotion.