Sri Murudeshwar Temple, Karnataka

Address

Sri Murudeshwar Temple, Murdeshwar, Uttara Kannada Karnataka

Deity

Murudeshwar (Lord Shiva)

Introduction

• Location: Murdeshwar is situated in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, along the coast of the Arabian Sea. This town is notable for housing the second tallest Shiva statue in the world.
• Significance of Name: The town derives its name from Lord Shiva, who is referred to as Murdeshwar.
• Architecture: The temple is a splendid example of Vijayanagar architecture and attracts visitors from across the globe. It features a 20-storied gopura called the Raja Gopura, which provides panoramic views of the towering Shiva idol. A lift has been installed to facilitate easy access for pilgrims.

Puranic Significance

• Mythological Background: The legends associated with Murdeshwar are rooted in the epic Ramayana. Kaikesi, the mother of Ravana, was a devotee of Shiva. She would make Lingas from beach sand to worship daily, only for them to be washed away by the sea.
• Ravana’s Quest: Distressed by her plight, Ravana vowed to bring back the Atma Linga (the soul of Shiva) from Mount Kailash. After performing severe penance and offering one of his heads to Shiva, he received the Atma Linga with the condition that he must not place it down until he reached his destination.
• Divine Intervention: Fearing that Ravana would misuse the Atma Linga, Lord Ganesha, with the help of Lord Vishnu, devised a plan to trick Ravana during his evening bath. Disguised as a boy, Ganesha convinced Ravana to hand over the idol, which he then placed on the ground, causing it to become fixed there.
• Resulting Locations: The places where various parts of the Atma Linga fell, including Murdeshwar, are now known as the Pancha Kshetras. Worshiping at these sites is believed to absolve one of sins.

Special Features

• Statue and Temple: Murudeshwar Temple is recognized as one of the Mukti Sthala (places of liberation) and is famed for its towering Shiva statue, which is surrounded by the scenic blue waters of the Arabian Sea.
• Daily Sevas: Various rituals and poojas are conducted at the temple, including:
  • Rudrabhishekam: A fire ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, purifying the atmosphere and removing sins.
  • Panchamritha Abhishekam: Bathing the Linga with five nectars: Milk, Honey, Ghee, Sugar, and Curd.
  • Panchakajjaya: A traditional prasadam made from Green Gram, Coconut, Jaggery, Sesame, Cardamom, and Ghee, offered during prayers.
  • Bilvarchane: Offering Bilva leaves to the Linga.
  • Chandan Abhishekam: Applying sandalwood paste to the idol.
  • Navagraha Pooja: Worship of the nine planets for good fortune.
  • Ekadasa Rudra: Worshiping the eleven forms of Rudra, which are mentioned in the Puranas.
• Atma Linga: The temple houses the sacred cloth that covered the Atma Linga, believed to grant mortality and invincibility to the deities who worship it.
• Gopuram: The towering Gopuram at the temple entrance stands 237.5 feet tall, making it the second tallest in India, surpassed only by the one at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu.

Festivals

• Significant festivals celebrated at Murdeshwar include:
  • Shravan: A month dedicated to Lord Shiva, filled with rituals and offerings.
  • Mahashivratri: The grand festival honoring Lord Shiva, marked by fasting, prayers, and night vigils.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Murudeshwara

Nearest Railway Station

Murudeshwara station

Nearest Airport

Mangaluru.

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