South India · Karnataka
Murudeshwar, Karnataka
Sources: wikimedia
Before you go
A seaside Shiva temple with one of the world's tallest Shiva statues, between Gokarna and Udupi.
About Murudeshwar
- Coastal
Where it is
Murudeshwar is a coastal temple town in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, where its temple stands on Kanduka hill, a headland washed by the Arabian Sea on three sides.
History
Legend links the shrine with the Atmalinga of Shiva, which Ravana was carrying from Kailasa when Ganesha tricked him into setting it down at Gokarna; in his anger Ravana scattered its coverings, and the cloth landed here. The old temple was rebuilt in modern times, with a 20-storey gateway tower completed in 2008 and a giant statue of Shiva.
People
Murudeshwar's people speak Kannada and Konkani, and the coast around Bhatkal is also home to the Nawayath community with its own language. Fishing and the pilgrim and holiday trade support the town.
Known for
- The Murudeshwar Temple and its Raja Gopura
- The giant Shiva statue on Kanduka hill
- Murudeshwar beach
- Diving and snorkelling at Netrani Island
Did you know?
The Shiva statue at Murudeshwar, about 37 m tall, is one of the tallest statues of Shiva in the world.
Shrines and sites
- Murudeshwar Temple and its 20-storey Raja Gopura
- The 123 ft Shiva statue
- Netrani Island
Traditions
- Hindu
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.