Shree Kalbhairav Temple

According to Indian mythology, when Bhairav, in a fit of rage, cut down Lord Brahma’s head, he was engulfed with repentance. The separated head of Brahma known as Brahmakapala haunted him. Guilt overpowered Bhairav's existence and he grew restless. He is known to have come to Gokarna. His penance bore fruit as gradually Lord Shiva helped him get over the guilt. Realizing the powerful spiritual stature of Gokarna, he chose to settle here.
Kalbhairav temple, on the southern banks of Kotiteertha, marks this mythological anecdote. The temple is uniquely designed with staircases on the east and the west leading to a common entrance. The statue of Bhairav sits on an elevated granite platform with a statue of a snake and a pair of footprints underneath it. Just as other temples around Kotiteertha, this one too is usually not crowded and lends itself for a relatively easy darshanam.