Murudeshwar

History

Murudeshwara, a town situated in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Karnataka is a home to two of the most magnificent monuments to behold in Karnataka. It holds the world’s second tallest statue of Shiva and the tallest temple tower.

The name ‘Murudeshwara’ originates from the time of Ramayana.

Murudeshwara temple, dedicated to Shri Lokankara, is built on the Kanduka hill, surrounded by water on three sides.

A 20 storied Gopura is also constructed at the temple. You can take the lift which grants you a breath taking view of the 123 feet Lord Shiva’s idol from the top of the gopura.

There is also a Rameshwara linga at the bottom of the hill and a Shaneshwari temple is built beside the idol of Shri Akshayguna. Two life size giant elephants of concrete stand guarding beside the steps leading to it.

Statues of sun chariot, statues depicting Arjuna receiving Geetopadesham by lord Krishna, statues of Ravana being tricked by Shri Ganesha, descending Ganga, Shiva’s manifestation as Bhaghirnath are sculpted around the temple.

Most of the temple has been modernized with the exception of sanctum sanctorum which still retains its composure.

The entire place, including the temple, raja gopura was constructed to its present form by businessman and philanthropist R.N.Shetty.

Murudeshwara’s center of attraction is the Murudeshwara temple, and the Murudeshwara beach. There are activities such as Scuba diving, which is the most famous one. Murudeshwara is also famous for its world’s second tallest statue of Shiva 123 feet and the tallest temple tower 249 feet.

Surrounding places

You can also visit these temples near Murudeshwara:

• Sri Mahabaleshwar Temple
• Gokarna Idagunji Maha Ganapathi Temple
• Kollur Mookambika Temple

Extras Info

There is a Bookailasa Cave under the Lord Shiva Statue. Story is beautifully narrated about Lord Shiva, who had owned the Atma-linga, for which the infamous Ravana longed for. Hence, Ravana went into penance in devotion to Lord Shiva as he knew that Lord Shiva would grant it to him as a boon. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted him his wish on one condition, that he shouldn’t place it on the ground, or else it would become impossible to move it. Lord Vishnu realized that Ravana would cause havoc and become a huge threat if he gained immortality. So he blotted out the sun to make it look like dusk and sent Shri Ganesha to trick him into giving him the Atma-linga, which then he puts it on the ground while Ravana is performing his evening prayers. Angered by this, Ravana breaks it into many fragments, and scatters it everywhere. And as the legend goes by, it is said that one of the fragments, which is the cloth of Atma-linga, was thrown to a place called Mrideshwara, presently called Murudeshwara.