Murudeshwara Temple Overview

Murudeshwara Temple, located on the western coast of Karnataka, is one of the most iconic temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its majestic 123-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, the second-tallest in the world. This temple, built on the Kanduka Hill, is surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea, offering scenic beauty alongside spiritual significance.

Murudeshwara Temple Timings

  • Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Darshan Timings: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Abhisheka (Ritual) Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Anna Prasada (Free Meals): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Note: Timings may vary during festivals and special occasions.

Murudeshwara Temple Entry Fee

  • Entry Fee: Free for all visitors.
  • Camera Fee: Photography using mobile phones is free, but there may be a fee for professional cameras.

Murudeshwara Temple History

The Murudeshwara Temple is steeped in mythological significance. According to legend, the temple is linked to the story of Ravana and the Atma Linga. Ravana, the King of Lanka, performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva and obtained the Atma Linga. However, due to divine intervention, the linga got installed at Gokarna, and a fragment of it is said to be placed in Murudeshwara. This is what gives the temple its spiritual importance.

The temple’s Raja Gopura stands at 249 feet, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The surrounding sea, hills, and architectural grandeur make it a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and tourists alike.

Murudeshwara Temple Images

Here are some images showcasing the grandeur of Murudeshwara Temple:
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  • Lord Shiva Statue: The towering Lord Shiva statue that overlooks the Arabian Sea.
  • Raja Gopura: The 249-foot-tall entrance tower that dominates the skyline.
  • Scenic Views: Breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea from the temple hill.

Poojas at Murudeshwara Temple

Various poojas and rituals are performed at the temple daily. Devotees can book these rituals either at the temple counter or online in advance:

  1. Rudrabhishekam: ₹500
  2. Panchamrutha Abhisheka: ₹1,000
  3. Mahapooja: ₹5,000
  4. Archana: ₹100
  5. Homam (Havan): Starts at ₹10,000

Location & Contact Details

  • Location: Bhatkal Taluk, Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka, 581350
  • Phone: +91-8385-260-121

Murudeshwara Temple Gokarna Darshan & Pooja Timings and Pricing

For visitors combining their trip with Gokarna (another sacred location), here’s a quick overview:

  • Gokarna Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Pooja Pricing at Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna:
    • Shashwat Abhishekam: ₹500
    • Rudrabhishekam: ₹3,000
    • Nitya Pooja (Daily): ₹1,000

These timings and prices may fluctuate during festivals and special events.

Types of Rituals Performed at Murudeshwara Temple

Murudeshwara Temple offers a wide array of rituals and poojas, making it a prime destination for devotees seeking spiritual fulfillment. The most common rituals include:

  • Rudrabhishekam: A powerful ritual for Lord Shiva, involving sacred water, milk, and flowers.
  • Panchamrutha Abhishekam: A unique form of Abhishekam using five sacred substances: milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee.
  • Homam (Havan): Fire offerings made to purify the surroundings and invoke divine blessings.
  • Archana: A quick ritual performed to seek the deity’s blessings.

Other Temples Near Murudeshwara Temple

Several temples surround Murudeshwara that can be visited during your trip:

  1. Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas in India.
  2. Idagunji Ganapathi Temple: Located about 50 km away from Murudeshwara, this temple is famous for its deity, Lord Ganesha.
  3. Sri Mookambika Temple: Located in Kollur, about 60 km from Murudeshwara, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
  4. Shivappa Nayaka Fort Temple: An ancient temple with historic importance located near Honnavar.

How to Reach Murudeshwara Temple

  • By Road: The temple is well connected to major cities in Karnataka. Buses are available from Bangalore, Mangalore, and Gokarna.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Murudeshwar Railway Station, located just 2 km away. Regular trains run from Bangalore, Mumbai, and Mangalore.
  • By Air: The closest airport is Mangalore International Airport, located 165 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Murudeshwara.

Murudeshwara Temple Accommodation

There are various accommodation options near Murudeshwara Temple to suit all budgets:

  1. RNS Residency: A hotel managed by the temple trust with rooms overlooking the Arabian Sea.
  2. Budget Hotels: Multiple budget hotels and guest houses available near the temple premises.
  3. Luxury Resorts: For those seeking a more comfortable stay, resorts offering premium facilities can be found nearby.

Murudeshwara Temple Food Timings

The temple offers free meals to all visitors at the Anna Prasada Hall:

  • Lunch: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  • Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

There are also several local eateries around the temple serving traditional South Indian vegetarian meals.

Final Thoughts

Murudeshwara Temple is a place where spirituality meets natural beauty. With its towering Lord Shiva statue, breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, and historical significance, it’s a destination that offers much more than just religious devotion. Whether you are seeking peace, cultural insight, or spiritual fulfillment, Murudeshwara is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Karnataka.