Murudeshwar Temple: Home To World’s Second Tallest Shiva Statue

BY- JAYA CHOUDHARY

Murudeshwar is a small pilgrimage town on the Karnataka coast, about 160 kilometers south of Mangalore International Airport. It's after Lord Shiva's other name 'Murudeshwar'. On the Murudeshwar beach, there are two beautiful temples with magnificent sculptures. The world's second-highest monument of Lord Shiva and the Murudeshwar Temple, which has a 20-story raised Gopura guarded by two concrete elephants in the stairs going inside the temple, are both located in this little and picturesque town. Devotees will be able to enjoy stunning views of the beautiful monument thanks to the installation of an elevator. There is a Rameshwara linga at the bottom of the hill, but devotees are not permitted to enter the sanctuary where it is located.

The stunning view of the Lord Shiva statue, as well as the spectacular vista of the coastline, are the most fascinating aspects of the temple. A Shri Rameshwara temple may also be seen at the foot of the temple. A temple dedicated to Shaneeshwara is also located next to Lord Shiva's idol, while a tiny cave is located beneath Lord Shiva's statue.

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History of the temple

The temple's intriguing tale has been related to the Ramayana's ear. Lord Shiva granted Hindu Gods invincibility and immortality as a result of their penance committed to the Atma Linga. As a result, Ravana, King of Lanka, attempted to woo Lord Shiva by adoring him in order to achieve invincibility and immortality. When Lord Shiva comes in front of Ravana after seeing his devotion, he tells him to say anything he wishes. Ravana then requests Goddess Parvathi, which is granted to Ravana by the Lord.

Ravana's dedication and powerful prayers for years delighted Maheshwara, who was the guru of Vedas and Shastras. He came in front of Ravana and asked him what he desired. Ravana gently requested the Atma-Linga, which Lord Shiva graciously consented to grant him; however, he stated that he could carry it without laying it on the ground. It will become glued to the ground if he does it.

The importance of Shivaratri is that devotees spend the entire night in the temple singing devotional hymns.Wikimedia commons

This made Narada realize that if Ravana obtained immortality with the Atma Linga in his hands, he would cause devastation on the planet, so he sought aid from Lord Ganesha. While Ravana was on his journey to Lanka, Lord Vishnu devised a scheme to dim the sun's brightness so that it seemed to be dark, forcing Ravana to complete his evening rites and requiring him to place the Linga on the ground. While he was contemplating Atma Ling's curse, he was approached by a Brahmin child who turned out to be Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha had assumed the shape in order to place the Atma Linga on the ground during the evening ceremonies.

When Ravana returned, he discovered the Linga on the ground, thanks to Lord Ganesha's scheme. This enraged him, and he realized the plot, so he attempted to destroy the Lingam out of rage. During the procedure, he hurled the case containing the Lingam to Sajjeshwara, a distance of 23 miles, and the lid to Guneshwara and Dhareshwara, a distance of around 10-12 kilometers. He also tossed the piece of fabric that covered the Atma Lingam to Mrideshwara, who was thereafter called Murudeshwara. Saint Bhagirath, meantime, waits for Ganga to emerge from Lord Shiva's hair lock at Murudeshwara.

When Ravana returned, he discovered the Linga on the ground, thanks to Lord Ganesha's scheme. Wikimedia commons

Famous Festivals Celebrated the Temple

As a Lord Shiva temple, the temple observes Maha Shivaratri, which occurs in the month of February, or Phalgun. The importance of Shivaratri is that devotees spend the entire night in the temple singing devotional hymns.

Karthik Purnima, which is held in November or December, is another occasion observed here and is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm.

Temple Hours

Day Timing – Opens at 6 am and shuts at 8:30 pm.

Lunch Timing – 1 pm to 3 pm

Morning Puja – 6:30 am to 7:30 am

Afternoon Maha Puja – 12:15 PM to 1 PM

Nighttime Puja – 7:15 PM to 8:15 PM

What is the best time to visit the temple?

November to February is the best time to visit the holy shrine.

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What is the best way to get to the temple?

By road, it's 455 kilometers from Bangalore and 165 kilometers from Mangalore. Take the NH-206 from Bangalore to Honnavar, and then the NH-17 to Murudeshwara. Between the towns of Honnavar and Bhatkal, one must use the National Highway NH-17 from Mumbai or Mangalore.

By rail, the Konkan Railway stops at Murudeshwara station. Some Mumbai and Mangalore trains stop here. The best way to get to Bangalore is to take the train to Bhatkal station.

By air, Mangalore International Airport is 165 kilometers distant. Other options are the airports of Hubli and Panaji.