Murudeshwar, Famous for Murudeshwar Temple and World's Second Largest Statue of Lord Shiva, Murudeshwar, Karnataka, India

History, Best Places to Visit and Travel Guide of Murudeshwar, Pilgrimage Destination of Uttar Kannada District, Karnataka

Murudeshwar, the major pilgrimage site, located Bhatkal Taluka of Uttara Kannada district of state of Karnataka is home to world’s second largest statue of Lord Shiva. Murudeshwar is the other name of Lord Shiva thus city got this name which attracts devotee and tourist across the world around the year. Ancient Murudeshwar Temple located on hill Kanduka, built during the Vijayanagara Empire is architecture marvel and showcase the excellency of craftsmanship of India. Murudeshwar is situated on coast of Arabian Sea thus it becomes the favorite tourist destination in surrounded region.

Along with Murudeshwar Temple and Second largest statue of Lord Shiva other attraction is Netrani island located near Murudeshwar, the popular spot for tourists as it offers excellent water activities and scuba diving option. You can also plan to visit Apsarakonda water fall, Bhatkal, Murudeshwar Beach etc. November to March is the best time to visit here in Murudeshwar.

The history of Murudeshwar is found dated back to Ramayana time and very interesting stories are associated with the place. As per the one of the most popular legend, Demon King Ravana did rigors penance to get the Atma Linga of Lord Shiva. By his worship and devotion, Lord Shiva was pleased and gave him Atma Linga on one condition that Atma Linga should not be put down till he reaches to Lanka. If it is placed to ground then it will get fixed there and could not be pulled up or change place. Ravana accepted the Atma Linga with condition and started moving towards the Sri Lanka. Lord Vishnu and other Gods came to know about the situation and realize that if Ravana brings Atmalinga of Lord Shiva to Lanka then no one can beat him and he becomes the immortal.

To overcome this situation, Lord Ganesha was requested to help. Lord Vishnu knows that Ravana was particular in his Sandhya Puja, so Lord Vishnu marked out the sun to give the appearance of evening. Ravana was near Gokarna and he realize evening time thus he wanted to perform the evening rituals. At that time Lord Ganesh appeared in form of Brahman child, Ravana saw brahman boy and requested to hold Atma Linga till he completes the evening rituals. Also told not to put down on earth and went for rituals. While he did not came back after some time Lord Ganesha called him thrice but Ravana did not came thus Ganesh had put down the Atma Linga on earth. Then Lord Vishnu had removed his illusion and it was daylight again. While Ravana came back he realize the situation. Then he tried to lift the Atma Linga but was not able to pick thus he tried to destroy it. Ravana could not destroy Atma Linga but due to the heavy force applied by Ravana, some pieces were scattered. These pieces fallen in surrounding region and became the popular pilgrimage site of Lord Shiva. One such piece from the head of the linga is said to have fallen in present-day Surathkal. The very famous Sadashiva temple is said to be built around that piece of linga. Then Ravana decided to destroy the covering of the Atma-Linga, and threw the case covering Atma Linga which falls at place called Sajjeshwar. Then he threw the lid of the case to a place called Guneshwar and Dhareshwar. Finally, he threw the cloth covering the Atma-Linga to a place called Mrideshwar in Kanduka-Giri or Kanduka Hill.

How to Reach Murudeshwar, One of important pilgrimage destination, Karnataka, India

As Murudeshwar is one of the important pilgrimage destination near Bhatkal on Uttar Kannada district in state of Karnataka and home to Murudeshwar Temple and world’s second largest statue of Lord Shiva. Thus, it is easily accessible via road, rail and air network. Murudeshwar has major railway station from where you can get train to all major station of India. You can get government and private vehicle from nearby cities to reach here by road. You can reach here via air connectivity easily as Mangalore airport is at just 150 km from Murudeshwar. Murudeshwar is located at 15 km from Bhatkal, 78 km from Gokarna, 61 km from Kollur, 156 km from Mangalore, 104 km from Udupi, 255 km from Belur, and 491 km from Bangalore.

Taluka / Tehsil: Bhatkal, District: Uttara Kannada, State: karnataka, Country: india.

Religious Importance: Hindu

How to Reach Murudeshwar

Key Contact of Murudeshwar