Murudeshwar Temple, Murudeshwar, Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, India

Murudeshwar Temple, Murudeshwar, 

Taluka -  Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada, Karnatka, India

Location

Murudeshwara Temple is located in Murudeshwara town, taluka Bhatkal, district Uttara Kannada in Karnataka state of India. It is built on a small hill named Kanduka hill, which is surrounded by the Arabian sea, on three sides.

[123 ft tall Statue of Lord Shiva]

Murudeshwara is a railway station on Kokan railway,2 km away from the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Murudeshwara is his another name.

The Lingam installed inside the temple is called ATMA LINGAM, (Soul of Shiva). It is believed the Hindu Gods achieved immortality and power by worshiping the devine Atma – Lingam.

The temple is modern and equipped with lift and other facilities generally required by the visitors. The sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha) was kept undisturbed and is in its original form even today. That is why, the sanctum is still dark. 

The devotees performing special pujas like Rudrabhisheka, Abhisheka and Radhotsva etc can see the deity standing before the threshold of the sanctum and the Lingam is illuminated by the oil lamps held close by the Priest. The Lingam is a rough rock stone inside a hollowed spot in the ground

Statue of Lord Shiva

There is a large statue of Lord Shiva, 123 ft in height is constructed in the temple complex which is considered as the 2ND tallest statue in the world.

The statue is constructed in such a style that direct sunlight falls on it which made it visible from a long distance. Originally the statue had four arms and was painted in gold paint but one arm having a small drum (Damru) is terminated by the strong wind. The two life size elephant are the guard of the temple at the entrance.

Raja Gopura

A twenty storied and 249 ft high Gopura is constructed over the temple.. The present temple and Gopura as stands now is constructed by a famous businessman and philanthropist R N Shetty of Karnataka. 

At the entrance, two life sized concrete elephant stands as the guard for the temple and Gopura.

[ A 20 Storied GOPURA ]

Meaning of Gopura

Gopura is a large monumental,and pyramidal tower usually constructed over the entrance gate of the temple especially in southern India.

Legend

The legend is almost similar to Baba Baidyanath Lingam Deoghar (Bihar). Murudeshwar, the another name of Shiva.is associated to the period of Lord Rama annd Ravana.

Ravana, the Lanka king wanted to be immortal and powerful by the blessings of Lord Shiva by achieving the Atma - lingam to be installed it in Lanka.

He started deep meditation of Lord Shiva and succeeded to please Him. Lord Shiva is known as most generous Hindu God and is well known for his generosity.

Lord Shiva then appeared before him an asked what he want. Ravana then asked Lord Shiva that he want to establish Atma Lingam at Lanka. At this, Lord Shiva became agree and permitted him to carry with a condtion that it (Atma – Lingam) should not be placed over the ground during the course of his journey to Lanka. Ravana then became agree for it.

All Gods get worried by this happening. Lord Vishnu being the guardian of the universe thought athat if Ravana succeeded in his aim, he may obtain immortality and create havoc on the earth. He then directed Sage Narada to prevent Ravana from carrying Lingam to Lanka.

Lord Vishnu then blocked the Sun to make it appear as dusk. This was the time of doing his rituals for Lord Shiva. As planned by Sage Narada, Lord Ganesha appeared before him in guise of a Brahmin. Ravana then requested him to hold the Lingam till the time of his rituals..

Lord Ganesha warned him that he would call him thrice, if not appeared in time then he would place the Lingam on the earth. As predicted, Ravana could not return in time. Ganesha had already placed the Lingam on the ground. Lord Vishnu then removed the illusion and it was day light again. 

Knowing about the trick, Ravana became angry and tried to damage or uprooted the Lingam from the ground, but he could not Due to the force exerted by Ravana, some pieces scattered and fell down at Suratkal. resulting a temple at this place and named Sadashiva temple

Now Ravana started to damage the covering, lid and, case of Atma Lingam and threw them one by one. Sajjeshwar, Guneshwar, Dhareshwar are the temples constructed where these articles fell down.

Finally Ravana threw the cloth covering of the Lingam to a place which was known as Mrideshwara. Mrideshwara is now known as Murudeshwara.

.

Places to visit Nearby 

Murudeshwara temple is treated as a popular pilgrimage centre in south India. It is also a place of tourist interest due to its natural beauty and a picturesque site. The sea on three sides and a small hill having temple on it is a place to watch the sunset. Beautiful beach and Netrani island provides boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving opportunities.

[ Sea Beach]

The visitors become spellbound while watching the spectacular scenery of the Shiva statue and the surrounding exotic location.

Murudeshwara Fort, Sirsi, Karwar, Gokarna, Kollur, Udapi, Manglore, Dharmashthala and Subrmanya are the nearby attractions worth visiting.

.

How to Reach

By rail

Murudeshwar is a railway station on konkan railway and is only 2 km away from the temple. Some of the trains from Mumbai and Manglore stop here. But from Banglore one has to take train for Bhatkal.

By Road

From                    Distance

Banglore               455 km

Manglore              162 km

Shimoga               188 km

Hubli                    219 km

Panjim                  214 km

The distance above is by road. Roads are good and well connected from major cities of India

By air

Manglore International airport is 165 km away. Hubli and Panjim airport are the two alternatives.

Best time to Visit

Winter season is always supposed to be the best time to visit those area situated near sea. Hence November to February is the best time.