Murudeshwar temple is a famous pilgrimage and beach destination located in Bhatkal Taluk, Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This temple has the second highest statue of Lord Shiva in the world, and its awesomeness will make you feel alive.
Murudeshwar Temple is best known for the large statue of Shiva it houses. This huge building is recognized as the second name of Lord Shiva, the second tallest Ananta Drishti statue in Sri Lanka, which can be seen from a distance. It is 123 feet tall and was built in more than two years.
The town of Murudeshwar was formerly known as “Mrideshwara”. After the temple was built, it was later renamed Murudeshwar. Murudeshwar is a famous residence of Lord Shiva and a famous pilgrimage center in southern India.
What is the History of Murudeshwar Temple?
Legend has it that the soul of Atma Linga or Shiva is the key to invincibility and eternal life.
The demon king Ravana decided to buy it, for which he prayed to Lord Shiva. Shiva was pleased with his dedication, Shiva granted him Atma Linga (Onma Linga), on condition that he was not allowed to be placed on the ground until he reached Lanka.
However, Lord Ganesh and Lord Vishnu deceived him by placing Linga on the ground and fixing it on a pillar so that it could not be moved.
Ravana was consciously trying to destroy Linga, but his offensive force could only spread Linga to different places around Gokarna.
The main temples of Atma-Linga are Mahabaleshwara Temple (Gokarna), Sajjeshwar, Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwar, while the cloth covering Atma-Linga falls in Murudeshwar.
Architecture of Murudeshwar Temple
This temple has the second highest statue of Lord Shiva in the world, and its awesomeness will make you feel awesome. This temple was built on Kanduka Mountain, which is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all three sides.
The entrance to the main temple, also called “Gopura”, is located at 123 feet, and you can see the magnificent view of the Shiva statue from the top of Gopura.
The entire surface of this temple is covered with the most complicated and detailed carving you have ever seen.
In addition to retaining the original form of the Holy Spirit, the temple building has been modernized. The main deity of the temple is Sri Mridesa Linga, believed to be part of the original Atma Linga.
The statue of Shiva here is impressive and will give you a sense of tranquility. This magnificent statue is a perfect tribute to God, who is widely respected all over the world.
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What are some Interesting Facts about the Murudeshwar Temple?
- The amazing statue of Lord Shiva in Murudeshwar is very popular. It is said that this figure is the second tallest Shiva statue in the world after the Kailashnath Mahadev statue in Nepal.
- Raja Gopura means “king of the tower”, and this temple tower in Murudeshwar has lived until its name. Raja Gopura has 20 floors, and people can also take the elevator to the top of the tower.
- Murudeshwar Temple is located on Kanduka hill, surrounded by three sides by the Arabian Sea. Therefore, a distant view of the sea is provided.
- The Statue of Lord Shiva took two years to build. It is constructed in such a way that the sun shines directly on it and keeps it shiny at all times.
- Nethrani Island is also known as Pigeon Island near Murudeshwar and is famous for diving. It is said to be one of the best diving spots in India.
How to Reach Murudeshwar Temple?
| By Air | Mangalore International Airport is the closest to the south, 153 kilometers away. It connects to all major cities in the country, with few foreign destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi to Murudeshwar. |
| By Train | Murudeshwar Railway Station connects to Mangalore and Mumbai. Mangalore is the main railway hub and it is connected to all major cities in India. Murudeshwar Railway Station is located 2 kilometers east of the town and can be reached by bus and rickshaw. |
| By Road | The nearest Bus Station is Murudeshwar Bus Station. Private buses and state buses connect Murudeshwar to Mumbai, Kochi, and Bangalore. Regular buses are located on NH17 connecting Mumbai and Kochi, and regularly shuttle between the two cities and pass Mangalore. Bangalore is connected to many other important cities in the area. |
Distances to Murudeshwar Temple from different places
| Place | Distance |
| Mangalore | 162 Km |
| Shimoga | 188 Km |
| Karwar | 113 Km |
| Gokarna | 76 Km |
| Hubli | 219 Km |
| Panjim | 214 Km |
| Bangalore | 497 Km |
Temple Timings
| Days | Morning Time | Evening Time |
| Monday to Sunday | 03:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
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Conclusion
Murudeshwar Temple is famous for the world’s second-tallest Shiva statue. This temple is built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea. The temple is entirely modernized with exception of the gopura which is still dark and retains its composure.
Interesting, isn’t it? Murudeshwar Temple is an ideal place to meet individual tourists and Hindus. The huge statue, surrounding scenery and sacred atmosphere will always accompany you forever.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Who built the Murudeshwar temple?
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and like all other major South Indian temples, a 20-storied Gopura is being constructed on the temple. It is 249 feet tall is considered the tallest Gopura in the world. It was constructed in its present form by the businessman and philanthropist R.N. Shetty.
How old is Murudeshwar temple?
What the Murudeshwar temple is most famous for is the massive Shiva statue it houses. Known to be the second-highest statue of Sri Anantadrishti, another name for Lord Shiva, the huge structure can be seen from afar. It is 123 feet tall and was built in over two years.
What is the best time to visit Murudeshwar?
October to May is the best time to visit Murudeshwar. MahaShivaratri is an important festival here and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It typically occurs in February or March.
How far is Murudeshwar from Gokarna?
The driving distance between Gokarna and Murudeshwara is 76 km, while the aerial distance from Gokarna to Murudeshwara is 54 km. By Train, it is 83 Km. There is/are 3 direct train(s) from Gokarna to Murudeshwara. These train(s) is/are Matsyagandha Exp (12619), Bangalore Exp (16524), etc.
How far is Murudeshwar temple from Bangalore?
The distance by road taken between Bangalore and Murudeshwar is 464 km, while from air distance from Bangalore to Murudeshwar is 357 km. By Train, it is 678 Km. There is one direct train(s) from Bangalore to Murudeshwar by the name of Karwar Exp.