- Entry fee
- Free (lift charged separately)
- Timings
- 3 am–1 pm, 3 pm–8 pm
- Best time
- October to May
- Nearest airport
- Mangaluru (about 165 km)
- Nearest railway station
- Murudeshwar
- Gopuram height
- 249 feet
The legend
Ravana won the Atma Linga from Shiva by his devotion, on the condition that it must not be set down before he reached Lanka. To stop him, Vishnu dimmed the sun so that it seemed like dusk, and Ganesha, disguised as a young boy, offered to hold the linga while Ravana performed his evening prayers. Ganesha placed it on the ground at Gokarna, where it stuck fast. In anger Ravana tore away its covering and flung the pieces; the cloth that fell on Kanduka Hill is said to be the origin of Murudeshwar.
What to see
The modern temple and gopuram were funded by the businessman R N Shetty. The gopuram has a lift that takes visitors to a viewing level with a wide outlook over the sea and the statue. The seated Shiva, painted silver and gold, rises behind the temple and is flanked by life-size elephant figures at the entrance. Below the hill are remains of an old fort associated with the Vijayanagara period and later repaired under Tipu Sultan.
- Raja Gopura with lift
- Seated Shiva statue
- Kanduka Hill and fort remains
- Murudeshwar beach
- Netrani Island for snorkelling and diving
Timings and entry
Entry to the temple is free, though a small fee is charged for the gopuram lift. Dress modestly; shorts and sleeveless tops are not suitable inside.
- Temple open: 3 am–1 pm, 3 pm–8 pm
- Morning puja: 6.30–7.30 am
- Maha puja: 12.15–1 pm
- Night puja: 7.15–8.15 pm
Best time to visit
October to May is the comfortable season. Maha Shivaratri, usually in February, brings the biggest crowds, and Karthika Purnima in November–December is also celebrated. Divers heading to Netrani Island usually find the clearest water between November and January. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and rough seas.
How to reach
Murudeshwar railway station lies on the Konkan Railway line between Mangaluru and Goa. Mangaluru International Airport is about 165 km south. Buses and taxis connect the town with Bhatkal, Honnavar, Udupi and Mangaluru. Nearby temples include Idagunji Maha Ganapathi (about 20 km), Gokarna Mahabaleshwar (about 54 km) and Kollur Mookambika (about 60 km).
Also nearby
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