Pilgrims' paradise

A pilgrims’ paradise and an architectural wonder, this place houses the Shiva Statue which is 123 feet tall and also the exotic Rajagopuram, a 249 feet tower with 22 floors from where a person can get the bird’s eye view of the scenic town. But what sanctifies this town is the legend that goes back to the Ramayana

Legend

Ravana approached Gokarna with the Atmalinga. Lord Vishnu blocked the sun with his Sudharshana Chakra.

Thinking that it was evening, Ravana gave the Atmalinga to a Brahmin boy who was actually Lord Ganesha in disguise and asked him to hold it till he finishes his prayers.
Ganesha struck a deal with him saying that he would call Ravana thrice and if Ravana did not return within that time, he would place the Atmalinga on the ground.

As predicted, before Ravana could return after completing his rituals, Ganesha had already placed the Atmalinga on the ground. Vishnu then removed his illusion and it was daylight again. Ravana, realising that he had been tricked, tried to uproot and destroy the Atmalinga. Due to the force exerted by Ravana, some pieces were scattered.
The place where Atmalinga was uprooted is Gokarna. The idol was in the shape of a Cow’s ear. Ravana was deeply upset.

In anger, he pulled and threw the case of linga, which fell 23 miles away at Sajjeshwar. He threw the lid to the south 27 miles away at Guneshwara in the form of “Vamdev Linga”.

He threw the cloth wrapped to the idol to south, 32 miles away at Kanduka hills on shore of sea. It took the form of “Aghora” at Murudeshwar.

The thread winding the idol was flung to south at Dhareshwara, came to known as “Tathpurusha Linga”.

 Shiva learnt all this from wind god Vayu. He came on earth along with Parvathi and Ganesha and visited all these five places and worshipped the linga. He declared that these would be his Panchakshetras and those who worshipped lingas at those places would be free from all sins and their wishes would be fulfilled and ultimately reach the abode of Shiva.

The temple

Murudeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity is Sri Mridesa Linga, also called Murudeshwara.

The linga is believed to be a piece of the original Atma Linga and is about two feet below ground level.

Though the temple is modernised the sanctum sanctorum still has the original composure. Entry to the sanctum sanctorum is banned. Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple.

Besides the temple, the pilgrim finds himself in the midst of numerous sculptures on the Kanduka hill. The Geetopadesha, Sun chariot, the sculpture of Lord Ganesha receiving the Atmalinga from Ravana in the form of a young boy, and others beautify the landscape of the hill. On the very top, is the famous Shiva statue. The statue is designed so that the sun light on hitting it renders it sparkling. The statue was constructed in a span of two years. Beneath the statue is a cavern with impressive life-size sculptures depicting the story of Murudeshwar narrated through a sound and light show. The entire temple and temple complex was constructed by businessman and philanthropist R N Shetty.

Vacationers’ paradise

This place is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway. The calm sea rejuvenates you completely. The restaurants, guest houses, gardens, water park, wavepool, sunset point and the scenic landscape makes this place a vacationers’ dream spot. On your visit, don’t forget to enjoy the South Indian delicacies in the seaside canteen that’s built on piers raised from the seabed.

How to reach?

Murudeshwar is located on the Arabian seafront in Uttar Kannada district in Karnataka. It is about 160 kms north of the port city of Mangalore.

The nearest airport is also at Mangalore. Murudeshwar is well connected by road and most buses plying between Mangalore and Goa/Mumbai stop at Murudeshwar. There are overnight buses also from Bangalore to Murudeshwar.

The most picturesque and memorable experience would be to reach Murudeshwar from Mangalore or Goa by Konkan Railway and alight at Murudeshwar railway station adjoining the National Highway. Many trains stop at this station.

Auto rickshaws can also be hired and the prices are negotiable. They are a quick and easy way of getting around the city, and there are no separate night fares. Taxis are available through the local hotels and they have to be booked in advance.