About Murudeshwar
Home to the world’s second-tallest Shiva statue, set against the Arabian Sea.
Murudeshwar is a town in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district. It is famous for the world's second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva, which sits majestically on a small hill called Kanduka Giri, surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. The layout offers breathtaking views of the blue ocean contrasting with the golden statue.
History & Significance
The significance of Murudeshwar dates back to the Ramayana era. Ravana, the demon king creating Lanka, performed penance to please Lord Shiva and obtained the Atma-Linga, which granted immortality. Shiva gave it to him on the condition that it should effectively never be placed on the ground until he reached Lanka.
Lord Vishnu and Ganesha tricked Ravana into placing the Linga on the ground at Gokarna. In anger, Ravana tried to uproot it, breaking it into pieces. One of the pieces of the pivotal cloth covering the Linga fell at Kanduka Giri (Murudeshwar).
The modern temple complex was renovated by businessman R.N. Shetty. The 123-feet Shiva statue and the 20-storied Raja Gopura are architectural marvels of the modern era, built to honor this ancient legend while providing a world-class pilgrimage experience.
