Murudeshwara Temple is a popular pilgrimage site in Karnataka, India, located in the town of Murudeshwar in the Uttara Kannada district. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered one of the most ancient in the region. Murdeshwar is famous for having the world’s second-tallest Shiva statue. This temple was built on Kanduka Hill, which is surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. A 20-story gopura is being built at the temple.

The temple complex is famous for its tall Shiva statue, which stands around 37 metres tall and is the tallest in India. The temple gopura, at 237 feet, is India’s second tallest. From across the beach, the mammoth statue sparkles against a blue sky. In addition, there is a massive statue of Gitopadesha with a chariot in the lush garden. It is also known as Kethappa Narayan, and anyone visiting Murudeshwara is strongly advised to pay a visit to the temple of Lord Shiva.

Legend/Story Related to Murudeshwara Temple

According to a popular legend surrounding these temples, when Ravana returned from Kailash with the Atma Linga, Lord Shiva gave him as a gift for his penance. The only thing to remember was that the Linga could only touch the ground once, and wherever it was placed once, it would be permanently placed there. All of the gods were concerned that Ravana would abuse the powers of Atma Linga. So they asked Lord Ganesha to intervene and prevent Ravana from taking the Linga back to his home in Lanka.

Lord Ganesha was aware of Ravana’s strict evening rituals. So all the gods came together and created the illusion of a sunset on Earth. Thus, Ravana was urged to finish his evening rituals as soon as possible. At the same time, Lord Ganesha appeared on Earth disguised as a young boy. Ravana saw him and asked the young boy to keep the Atma Linga until he finished his rituals, giving him strict instructions not to put it on the ground at any cost. The young boy informed Ravana that he lacked the strength to hold the Linga for an extended period and would call out to Ravana three times whenever his hands hurt.

After a while, Lord Ganesha summoned Ravana, and before he could approach the boy, he kept the Atma Linga on the ground. Ravana tried his hardest to remove the Linga but to no avail. He soon realised that it was a trap set by the gods to prevent him from taking Atma Linga. The site where Atma Linga was placed became the well-known Mahabaleshwara Temple. The Murudeshwara Temple houses the cloth that covered the Atma Linga.

History of Murudeshwara Temple

The temple that we see today was built in the 16th century by a local chieftain named Tuluva King. The temple was later renovated and expanded by various rulers, including the Vijayanagara Empire, the Keladi Nayakas, and the Wadiyar dynasty.

Today, the Murudeshwar Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Lord Shiva devotees who come to offer prayers and seek blessings. Remember that you must visit this temple while on your Karnataka tour. The temple complex also features a 20-story Gopura, the world’s second-tallest Gopura, and a 123-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, which is a popular attraction for visitors.

The Architecture of Murudeshwara Temple

Murudeshwara Temple is located on Kanduka Hill, which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Laccadive Sea. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and a 20-story Raja Gopura was built at the temple in 2008. The temple authorities have installed a lift to give visitors a view of the 123-foot Sri Shiva idol from the top of the Raja Gopura.

There is also a Rameshwara linga at the base of the hill, where devotees can perform seva. A Shaneswar temple has been built next to Sri Akshayaguna’s idol. Two life-size elephants in concrete guard the steps leading up to it. The entire temple and temple complex, including the 209-foot-tall Raja Gopura, is among the tallest.

There are statues of the Sun Chariot on the side of a park, a pool, statues depicting Arjuna receiving Geetopadesham from Lord Krishna, Ravana being deceived by Ganesha in disguise, Shiva’s manifestation as Bhagirath, and Ganga descending, all carved around the hill.

The temple has been completely modernised, except the sanctum sanctorum, which remains dark and calm. The main deity is Sri Mridesa Linga, also known as Murudeshwara. The linga is thought to be a piece of the original Atma Linga and is located about two feet below ground level.

The temple complex contains a massive, towering statue of Shiva that can be seen from a long distance. It is the third tallest Shiva statue in the world, after the Statue of Belief and the Kailashnath Mahadev Statue. The statue is 123 feet (37 metres) tall and took about two years to construct. The statue, built by Shivamogga’s Kashinath and other sculptors, was financed by businessman and philanthropist R. N. Shetty and cost approximately ₹50 million. The idol is designed to receive direct sunlight and thus appear sparkling.

Important Facts About Murudeshwara Temple

• The Murudeshwar Temple in the town of Murudeshwar, Bhatkal Taluk, North Karnataka, houses the world’s second-largest Shiva statue.
• The temple is located on Kanduka Hill and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides.
• The Murudeshwar, also known as Shiva, was built over two years and stands at 123 feet. The name “Murdeshwar” originated during the Ramayana.
• The Murdeshwar Temple, built on the Kanduka hill, is surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. The temple has a 20-story gopura known as the Raja Gopura.
• The authorities have installed a lift within the temple to make it easier for tourists and pilgrims to reach the Raja Gopura and enjoy an excellent view of the massive Shiva idol.
• Another popular tourist destination is the Someshwar temple, which was built in the tenth century by the Chola kings.
• Murdeshwar is well-known not only for its religious significance but also for its beaches.
• Bhatkal is one of the most beautiful beaches in this area, and it is surrounded by many temples of historical significance.
• There are statues of the Sun Chariot on the side of a park, a pool, statues depicting Arjuna receiving Geetopadesham from Lord Krishna, Ravana being deceived by Ganesha in disguise, Shiva’s manifestation as Bhaghirnath, and the Ganga descending, all carved around the hill.
• The temple has been completely modernised, except the sanctum sanctorum, which remains dark and calm.
• The main deity is Sri Mridesa Linga, also known as Murdeshwar. The linga is thought to be a piece of the original Atma Linga and is located about two feet below ground level.

Best Time to Visit Murudeshwara Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Murudeshwara Temple

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual in the last week of February – March Begining. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

How to Reach Murudeshwara Temple

Murudeshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is located in Gokarna, the Bhatkal Taluk of North Karnataka, a small town in Karnataka.

By Air: The nearest airport to the Murudeshwara Temple is Mangalore International Airport, which is 159 kilometres away.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Murudeshwara Railway station, approximately 3 kilometres away from the Murudeshwara Temple Gokarna.

By Road: Murudeshwara Temple is located 490 kilometres from Bangalore and 155 kilometres from Mangaluru. Regular bus services connect Murudeshwara to all major cities in Coastal Karnataka.

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