Gokarneshwarnath Shiv Mandir/Gokarneshwar Mahadev Mathura

Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple is built on a mound in Mathura, which is called Gokarneshwar or Kailash Temple. This is a very ancient place of Mathura. Gokarneshwar Mahadev is considered to be the protector of the northern border. Mathura is a district of Uttar Pradesh state. Mathura is famous as a historical and religious tourist destination. There are four Shiva temples around Mathura – Bhuteshwar in the west, Melteshwar in the east, Rangeshwar Mahadev in the south and Gokarneshwar in the north. Due to its location in all four directions, Lord Shiva is called the Kotwal of Mathura. This temple is dedicated to Lord Gokarnath who is said to have taken birth from the ear of ‘Gokarna’ i.e. cow.

This temple is situated in Mathura city centre. It has an octagonal domed roof over the courtyard surrounded by rooms. There is also a Tulsi plant in this courtyard (in India this plant is called ‘Tulsi Maa’ and is worshipped). Lakhori brick and lime have been used in making it. Engraved grilles, mosaic on the main gate, lotus leaves made of stone and dedicated plaster on the dome are its main attractions.

In 1936, excavations were being conducted in Mathura by the British. During the excavation at Gokanreshwar mound, a two thousand year old stone slab from the Kushan period was found. In the middle of which Shivlinga and on the sides foreign Shaka has been shown. She has a flower in one hand and a garland in the other. In that he is worshiping Shivalinga. This proves that people of Shaka caste also worshiped Shiva. During the Kushan period, in the second century, even foreigners believed in Shiva worship.