Murudeshwar, named after an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is located in Bhatkut taluk of Uttar Kannada district, 165 km from Mangalore.
The prime attraction of this beach town is its Shiva temple. A famous landmark here is the world’s second tallest Shiva statue. The statue, standing at a height of 123 feet, took almost 20 years for Shivamogg’s Kashinath and several other sculptors to build.
Murudeshwar is a picturesque place that can be visited during anytime of the year. It is bound by the Arabian Sea and the rolling hills of the Western Ghats. The Shiva temple is surrounded by sea on three sides and presents a beautiful picture at sunrise and sunset. Two life-sized elephants made of concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple.
Beautiful carvings and statues adorn the temple complex. A mighty 20-storied Raja Gopura is also present in the complex. The entire temple, with the exception of the sanctum sanctorum, wears a modern look. The lingam is a roughly sculpted rock inside a hollowed spot in the ground. Entry into the sanctum is restricted for all devotees.
It is believed that Lord Shiva had declared that Murudeshwar, along with Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Shejjeshwar and Gokarna, will serve as the Pancha Kshetras of Shiva.
On a small hill nearby, inside the complex, is a huge statue of Lord Shiva in meditation. The statue is 123 feet (37 m) in height and took about two years to build. It was financed by businessman and philanthropist R.N. Shetty, at a cost of approximately Rs 50 million. There are other statues depicting incidents from mythological tales as well.
The huge fort located near the temple is believed to have been renovated by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. A major attraction here is the cave that depicts the story behind Gokarna and Murudeshwar. There are around 16 tableaus housed inside the cave and a narration clearly explains each tableau.
The Murudeshwar Temple is at a distance of 78 kms from the Gokarna Temple.
Since, Murudeshwar is a pilgrimage place, you will be able to find local transport easily.
Some Tips:
Since it's a holy place, it's respectful to cover your knees and your shoulders. You should not wear sleeveless or too short cloth. As long as you are not too revealing it's ok. There are many area inside the temple which are no photography zone please follow it.
For public timing is from 3:00AM to 8:00PM
The ride to the top in the elevator costs INR 10.00 per person. The views from the top are not to be missed. The huge shiva statue is visible from the highway when you are driving from Manki to Murudeshwar.
Just below the Shiva statue inside Bhukailasa Cave in the temple complex, the Hindu mythologies are depicted in beautiful and colorful sculptures. Entry fees is INR 10.00 per person.
Do It My Way
Leave from Mumbai on Saturday by 12619 - Matsyagandha Express from LTT (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) leaving at 3:00PM to reaches Murudeshwar by 04:00AM
For pocket friendly stay look for Shree Vinayaka Residency (INR 1000 per room/night for double occupancy) a clean nice place with all the facilities. You must have breakfast at Hotel Rajadhani not the part of the stay package. For booking please drop a mail at contact@zefcoauxiliaryservices.com.
Take rest for a while and post breakfast. Head to Murudeshwar Temple to seek blessing. Spend sometime at divine atmosphere.
Post lunch leave from resort to your way back to Mumbai by 12620 - Matsyagandha Express from LTT leaving at 05:39PM. It will take around 10 minutes to reach Murudeshwar Station from Hotel. You will be reaching Mumbai - LTT (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) early in the morning around 06:30 PM
Please book your train ticket well in advance.
Near By Attraction
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