Do you like history? Do you like reading stories from India’s greatest epics? If so then today I’m going to take you back in time by telling you the Religious Significance of Murudeshwar Temple.
The history of this temple is as old as the great epic of Ramayana.
It is always good to know the facts behind any ancient site before even you plan to give a visit. It changes the whole way you see the place. You would try to imagine the story that took place in history when you actually visit.
I’m sure there are many people out there who would first read and know the facts about a historical site and then plan for a visit. So, for this reason, I’m writing a detailed post about Murudeshwar Temple in Karnataka.
This would bring a lot of devotion to your mind and make your trip more pleasant and memorable. Please read further to know more about this sacred temple.
Unveiling the History of Murudeshwar Temple
According to the legends, one who acquires the Atma linga of Shiva (Soul linga), becomes immortal. Ravana, the demon King of Lanka was very determined to bring this Linga to his kingdom Lanka.
He was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. After severe penances, Lord Shiva was pleased to see King Ravana’s devotion. As a boon, Lord Shiva granted Ravana’s wish with one condition.
The condition was that Ravana was not allowed to place the Linga anywhere on the ground before he reached his kingdom. If he does so, then he will never be able to lift it again from the ground.
All the Gods and Goddesses were worried that if Ravana succeeds, he is going to gain immense power of immortality. So in order to stop that from happening, Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha came up with a plan.
Lord Ganesh knew that Ravana being a Brahmin would never skip any prayer rituals. When Ravana was around Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blocked the sunlight, so Ravana assumes this illusion to be the time of dusk.
He had to perform his evening rituals now but didn’t want to keep the Atma Linga on the ground. Ganesha disguised as a little Brahmin boy appeared in front of Ravana at the same time.
Ravana approached him and asked him to hold the Linga until he performs his pooja. He also told him not to place it on the ground.
Ganesha disguised as a boy agreed on one condition that he would call his name thrice. If Ravana doesn’t come back, he would place the Atma Linga on the ground.
Ravana on return found that the boy had already placed Atma Linga on the ground. Meantime Vishnu stopped blocking the sunlight. This made Ravana realize the Gods had tricked him. Ravana tried to uproot the linga with force and anger.
The Linga broke into pieces and scattered over many places. Those places are considered holy spots in India one among them is Murudeshwar located on Kanduka hill.
The angry demon king attacks Ganesha on his forehead. The depiction of Ganesha as a little boy can be seen in the Gokarna MahaGanpathi temple where the idol of Ganesha is in a standing position with a dent on his head.
A Tour of Murudeshwar Temple’s Architecture
The reason why I feel very proud seeing Shiva’s statue is that it is the 2nd largest Shiva statue in the world. The tallest Shiva statue is present in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.
Built over Kanduka hills, this 123 feet tall Shiva statue is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on 3 sides. Shiva Statue is built in a position where sunlight falls directly over the statue and it sparkles in the sunlight.
A tall Raja Gopura (tower) was built in 2008 and it is said to be 237 feet tall, considered the 2nd tallest Gopura in the world. What is more amazing is, that devotees can go inside the Gopura to the 18th floor using the lift. No other Gopura in India has this facility so far. The cost per head is Rs 10/- to go to the 18th floor.
In the olden days, Gopuras/Gopurams were built as they represent important landmarks, so people from far away can see and travel in the right direction. Also, they acted like watch towers when there was an attack from enemies.
From the 18th floor, through the windows, visitors can see the Shiva statue surrounded by the Arabian Sea on 3 sides. You can also view the coast of Murudeshwar beach, small boats sailing, and all the other statues built.
It is a blissful experience that you shouldn’t miss. Watching Mahadev sitting in a meditation state by the sea is truly divine!
There are many statues in the vicinity of the temple that depict different stories of Puranas such as
- Nandi (the bull) facing the temple
- Ravana lets Ganesha (disguised as a boy) hold Atma linga
- Ganga gets entangled in Shiva’s hair locks at the request of Bhagiratha.
- The scene of Geetopadesha where Krishna imparts the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
- The Sun God in his chariot with 7 horses
You can spend some time clicking amazing pictures around each of these statues from different angles.
There is a cave with sculptures that tell us different stories from Ramayana. The entry fee to this cave is Rs 10 per head. Stories inside the cave are narrated in English, Kannada, and Hindi.
Inside the Sanctum sanctorum or the Garbagriha, the architecture isn’t modernized. It is maintained as it was. Only lamps are used to brighten the interiors. The original piece of Atma linga is present 2 feet below the ground level inside the garbagriha.
People are not allowed to go inside but we can offer different poojas to the main deity by standing outside the threshold. There is a Shani temple dedicated to Lord Shani.
Accommodation near Murudeshwar Temple
The best accommodation available near the temple is RNS Residency which offers quite a comfortable stay. If possible try booking your room on the 6th floor on the sea-facing side. So that you wake up to watch an amazing view of the sea and Murudeshwar coast in the morning.
Hotels and Cafes near Murudeshwar Temple
There are 2 places within walking distance where you can stop for food and clean washrooms. One is RNS cafe and another is Naveen Beach Restaurant. People prefer Naveen Beach Restaurant during the day because this gives you a beautiful beach view while you have your food. The pillars of the hotel stand over the sea. RNS cafe on the other hand is less crowded with better washrooms.
Other activities in Murudeshwar
In the vicinity of the temple is the Murudeshwar beach which is clean and lively. The best part is there are a lot of water sports and activities like horse riding for you to try here. If you have come in groups, then you can even plan for scuba diving from Netrani Island here.
A scuba diving firm called Netrani adventures conducts scuba diving activities here. But they agree to take you only if there are a group of people ready for scuba diving.
How to reach Murudeshwar temple
Murudeshwar is easily accessible from NH66.
From Mangalore, Murudeshwar is around 156 km away.
From Goa, Murudeshwar is around 145 km away.
Bus facilities can be availed from redbus.in. Murudeshwar can be reached via train without any hassle.
The Best time to visit Murudeshwar
Murudeshwar Temple is open all around the year. But if you don’t like traveling during monsoons, you can plan to visit any time between September to March. It is cooler here during the months of November, December, and January compared to other months.
Try to visit the temple in the evening because the view of RajaGopura and Shiva Statue is so different during the day and night. After sunset, there will be a lot of lightings around the temple.
Click here to view a short video of my visit to Murudeshwar temple.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any dress code to visit Murudeshwar Temple?
Since it is a sacred place, it is better to dress modestly by wearing Indian ethnic clothes
What are the timings of the temple and RajaGopura?
Temple is open from 7 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm. Gopura timings are 6:30 am to 12 pm and later opens after 3 pm to 8 pm
Who built the Murudeshwar temple and the RajaGopura?
Dr. R.N. Shetty who was an Indian businessman and philanthropist had financed the construction of the statue and the Gopura. Many sculptors along with Shivamogga’s Kashinath are involved in the design and construction.
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