MURUDESHWAR

Murudeshwar is a holy & pictureseque place in the Uttara Kannada District, located 16 kms from Bhatkar on NH 17.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Mangalore – 150 kms
Bangalore – 500kms ------------

The Mahatobar Murudeshwar Temple is located on a hillock by the Arabian Sea, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over the country. Legend has it that the “Murudeshwar Linga” is believed to have emerged when Ravana threw the cloth covering the “Atmalinga” at Gokarna while trying to lift it. This cloth is said to have fallen on this hillock called “Kanduka Parvata” also called “Mrideshwara”.






The ancient Temple which was in a dilapidated state, was renovated by the R.N.Shetty Trust from around 1977, and has been built in the Dravidian style, by the same architect who designed the Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari. There are shrines of Ganapati, Dattatreya, Parvati, Subramanya and Anjaneya in the precincts of the Temple in addition to the main Linga.
A recent addition is the LORD SHIVA idol erected just behind the temple, facing the enchanting Arabian Sea. At a height of 123 feet(36.94mts), it is also the tallest Shiva idol in the World. The seated Shiva seems to be serenly overseeing the world while towering over the scenic surroundings.





This place also has a beautiful beach, highly popular among the tourists.
The western tip of the Murudeshwar island (sunset Point) is a very enchanting place and provides a breath taking view of the sunset.
A little distance away is Netrani Island, a fav spot for scuba-diving.
Also nearby is Idaganji, a Ganapati Temple believed to installed by Sage Narada. The idol of Ganesha is very cute.