- Deity
- Shiva as Murudeshwara
- Where
- Murudeshwar, Bhatkal, Karnataka
- Time to keep
- Half a day
- Best season
- October to March
Why this temple matters
On a headland surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Murudeshwar has a giant seated Shiva statue and a very tall gopuram. It is linked to the Atmalinga story it shares with Gokarna.
The story
Ravana was carrying the Atmalinga from Kailash to Lanka, but Ganesha tricked him into setting it down at Gokarna. In anger Ravana tore at it and threw away the coverings. One piece landed here, at Kanduka hill, and became Murudeshwara.
What to look for
- The huge seated Shiva statue facing the sea
- The tall Rajagopuram, with a lift to the top for the view
- The beach and the sea on three sides
Festivals and when to go
- Maha Shivaratri
- Rathotsava
The practical truth
- Good to combine with Gokarna and Kollur on a coastal circuit.
- The sea here is rough in the monsoon.
Timings, rules and festival dates change. We confirm the current details for every yatra.
Questions about this temple? Ask us directly.
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