The charming town of Murudeshwar is a well-known pilgrimage site and beach destination in Karnataka. Originally called ‘Mrideshwara’, this coastal town was later renamed Murudeshwar after the construction of a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which has become a renowned pilgrimage center in South India. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides, Murudeshwar is a popular tourist places in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Mangalore. Murudeshwar Temple is home to the world’s second tallest Shiva statue (123 ft.) and the tallest temple tower (249 ft). Tourists flock to this destination throughout the year to witness these architectural marvels. Additionally, the nearby Netrani Island is a must-visit spot for tourists seeking boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving experiences. If you have explored Murudeshwar, have you delved into its historical and architectural significance as part of Karnataka tour packages? Trawell.in has compiled a list of fascinating facts and insights about Murudeshwar for your knowledge.
The Gigantic Shiva Statue
Standing tall at a height of 123 feet on the Kanduka Hill, the statue of Lord Shiva is the second biggest statue in the world after Kailashnath Mahadev Statue in Nepal. Situated beside Shiva temple complex, it is one of the must-include places in Murudeshwar tour packages. Built by Shivamogga’s Kashinath and several other sculptors, it was financed by businessman Mr. R.N. Shetty, at a cost of approximately 50 million rupees that took 2 years to complete. The idol is to face the sun, so that the first rays of the morning light up his face. Also, there are various life-size statues of Gods and Demons around the Shiva statue. Besides, the Geetopadesha, Sun chariot, the sculpture of Lord Ganesh receiving the Atma Linga from Ravana are some of the other statues located on the Kanduka hill.
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Atma-Linga in Murudeshwar Temple
Situated atop Kanduka Hill, the Murudeshwar Temple holds great historical significance and is widely regarded as a prominent places of pilgrimage in Karnataka. According to legend, the Linga housed within the temple is believed to be a fragment of the original Atma Linga, which rests approximately two feet beneath the ground. Dating back to the era of the Ramayana, the tale narrates how Ravana embarked on a journey to Mount Kailash in order to procure the Atma Lingam for his mother. Through his penance, Ravana managed to obtain the Atma Linga from Lord Shiva, with the condition that it should not touch the ground until he reached Lanka. However, Lord Ganesha cleverly deceived Ravana along the way, causing him to inadvertently place the Linga on the ground at Gokarna. This act enraged Ravana, who subsequently attempted to uproot and destroy the Linga, resulting in its fragments being scattered. One such fragment, believed to be from the head of the Linga, is said to have fallen on Kanduka Giri, where the magnificent Murudeshwar temple was constructed in Murudeshwar, among the most visited tourist places near Bangalore. The Linga itself is a rough rock nestled within a hollowed space in the ground, allowing devotees to partake in special rituals such as Abhisheka, Rudrabhisheka, and Rathotsava.
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Alluring 20-storey Raja Gopura
The temple tower of Murudeshwar Temple, known as the Raja Gopuram, is regarded as one of the tallest gopurams in Karnataka. Standing at 237.5 feet (72.4 m) with 20 floors, this iconic attraction is a must-visit in Murudeshwar packages from Mysore. Completed in 2008, the tower features a lift that transports visitors to the top floor, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Shiva statue, the sea, and the picturesque surroundings. Adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, the tower showcases scenes from Hindu mythology, including the churning of the ocean, the epic battle between Rama and Ravana, and the tale of Ganesha and the Atma-Linga.
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Emerging Scuba Destination
Netrani Island, also known as ‘Pigeon Island’, is a captivating heart-shaped island situated off the coast of Murudeshwar. It is one of the prominent places to visit in Murudeshwar. The island is renowned for its exceptional diving and snorkeling experiences, allowing visitors to witness a diverse range of marine life including coral, butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, eels, and shrimps. Additionally, Whale Sharks can be spotted around the island. The crystal-clear waters of Netrani Island offer excellent visibility of up to 25-30 meters, providing an incredible scuba diving adventure to explore the underwater world. Many people travel from distant places specifically for scuba diving, making it one of the top tourist places near Mangalore. Moreover, the island features a ruined temple, a Roman Catholic Church, and a mosque.
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Home to Most Underrated Beaches in Karnataka
Besides as a prominent pilgrimage site near Mangalore, Murudeshwar is renowned for its beaches. Murudeshwar Beach is a great place for a picnic and gives visitors a variety of thrilling water activities, making it a relaxing vacation. This beach has everything right from bird watching to boating activities, and water sports like parasailing, speed boating, and snorkeling. The sunset view is something that one must not miss while at the beach as part of Murudeshwar Pilgrimage tour packages because at this time the sun exhibits stunning colour and contrasts with sparkling water, which will simply melt your heart. This vast beach which overlooks the Lord Shiva statue is ideal for family outings. There are many eateries and little shops near the shore. h is a spectacular sight.
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