World’s tallest Shiva at Murudeshwara Temple, Karnataka, Bharat (India).

Murudeshwara Shiva Temple

~ by M. Nandakumar

Murudeshwara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, lies in the holy beach town in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. Situated between the Honnavar and Bhatkal town(about 12kms) The statue of Shiva here is the world’s tallest (as claimed) and it lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea.

The Statue of Shiva with Ravana handing Atma Linga to Bramhin boy(Lord Ganesha)

History

The name “Murudeshwara” means Shiva or Eeshwara. The significance of this holy town dates to the time of Ramayana. By penance dedicated to the AtmaLinga, the divine Lingam of Shiva procures invincibility and immortality to the Hindu Gods. Ravana, the Lanka King worshipped Shiva with devotion to attain immortality by obtaining the AtmaLinga. Lord Shiva appeared before Ravana and asked him what he wanted. By this time Lord Vishnu to change Ravana’s mind on behest of Narada. As a result of this plot, Ravana asks for Goddess Parvathi, and Lord Shiva offers him.

On his way back to Lanka Narada tricks Ravana that the real Parvathi was in Pathala. So Ravana lets off Parvathi and went to Pathala and marries a king’s daughter thinking that she was Parvathi. When he returns back to Lanka his mother then asks for linga. Ravana knowing that he was tricked is angry with Vishnu and meditates to please Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva appears and Ravana asks for His forgiveness. And this time, Ravana requests the AtmaLinga as his boon. Lord Shiva agreed to give him the boon with a condition that it should never be placed on the ground. It is believed that the AtmaLinga was ever placed on the ground, all the powers would return to Lord Shiva again. Having obtained his boon, Ravana started back on his journey to Lanka.

Sage Narada, realised that with the AtmaLinga, Ravana may obtain immortality and create havoc on earth, approached the Lord Ganesh to help him. As Ravana was nearing Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blocked the sun to make it appear as dusk. Ravana now had to perform his evening rituals but was worried because with the AtmaLinga in his hands, he would not be able to do his rituals. At this time, Lord Ganesh, disguised as a Brahmin boy came near him.

Ravana requested him to hold the AtmaLinga until he performed his puja, and told him not to place it on the ground. Ganesh struck a deal with him saying that he would call Ravana thrice, and if Ravana did not return within that time, he would place the AtmaLinga on the ground.As predicted, before Ravana could return after completing his rituals, Ganesh had already placed the AtmaLinga on the ground. Vishnu then removed his illusion and it was daylight again.

Ravana got really angry that he was tricked and tried to uproot the AtmaLinga and destroy it but could not. In a fit of rage he threw the case covering it to a place called Sajjeshwara, 23 miles away. Then he threw the lid of the case to a placed called Guneshwara (now Gunavanthe)and Dhareshwara, 10-12 miles away. Finally, he threw the cloth covering the AtmaLinga to a placed called Mrideshwara in Kanduka-Giri (Kanduka Hill). Mrideshwara has been renamed to Murudeshwara.

At Murudeshwar: Saint Bhagiratha awaits as Goddess Ganga lands on Lord Shiva’s Jata (locks of hair) from Heaven.

Murudeshwara Temple and Raja Gopura : This temple is built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea. It is a temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and a 20-storied Gopura is being constructed on the temple. Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple. The entire temple and temple complex, including the 249 feet tall Raja Gopura, which is considered the tallest gopura in the world, was constructed to its present form by businessman and philanthropist Mr R N Shetty.

Murudeshwara Fort : A fort present behind the temple is said to have been renovated by Tipu Sultan. including the 249 feet tall Raja Gopura, which is considered the tallest gopura in the world, was constructed to its present form by businessman and philanthropist Mr R N Shetty.

The Beach : One can relax on the pristine sands, swimming, water sportsand boating can be enjoyed. One can take a long walk or trek along beach line. Handicraft articles made of special type of grass is unique and worth shopping.

Best time to Visit: November to February.

How to reach: From Bangalore take the NH-206 to reach Honnavar and then take NH-17 to reach Murudeshwara. From Mumbai and Mangalore one has to take the National Highway NH-17 between the towns of Honnavar and Bhatkal

Nearest Road : From Bangalore 455 km, from Mangalore 165kms.

Nearest Railway Station : Murudeshwara station lies on the Konkan Railway. Some trains from Mumbai and Mangalore stop here. To reach from Bangalore on has to take train to Bhatkal station.

Nearest Airport : Mangalore International Airport, 165 km away. Hubli and Panaji airports are other alternatives.

World’s tallest Shiva at Murudeshwara as claimed. Come to Resurgent Hindu Bharat. See an unique Contemporary creation in an Old Hindu heritage Place upon an Islamic ruin with a tremendous zeal and great devotion. This is Murudeshwara Shiva Temple, Karnataka, Bharat (India). Everywhere Hindus should start renovation of old Hindu Heritage sites and start reformation of Hindu Samaj through temple centric daily Samuhik Sadhna (mass prayers, three times a day with a prayer call for 3 minutes with loud speaker), Seva (services) and Samgathana (organization). Hari Om ! Namah Shivay !! ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

12 comments on “World’s tallest Shiva at Murudeshwara Temple, Karnataka, Bharat (India).”

Rajinder Katoch
September 23, 2011

Hindus must join the names of two deity Vishnu and Mahesh. Lord Krishna & Rama automatically come under Lord Vishnu and so is Lord Hanumana who comes under Lord Mahesh. Again Lord Hunuman is Immortal in the imperishable divine name of Lord Rama. Bhagaban Mahesh is also always in deep mediation with Rama Nama.

What a celestial moderation in the Divinity of Hinduism.

It is the need of the hour and will firm footing of Hindu Dharma (the Sanatana way of life in Bharat Bhoomi) over Indian politics.

Jai Sri Ram! Jai Sri Krishna!! Har Har Mahadev !!!

Om Om !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rajinder Katoch.

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Jagannath poojary
September 23, 2011

I had visited Murudeshwar it is very very good and place of mental peace. I do not have any word to explain my joy whenever some one say some thing about Murudeshwar. My eyes become wet I can’t control my joy.

Regards to Hindu Existence to tell a Great Truth about Lord Murudeshwar Mahadeva.

Om Namah Shivay.

Jagannath Poojary.

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Gurpreet
February 23, 2012

I feel it as most holy place. Jai Shiv Bhole Ki.

Dina Gurpreet.

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sushil
May 15, 2012

jai shiva

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Lt Gen Dr Mohan Bhandari
December 17, 2013

Jai SHIVA,we are coming to your lotus feet.Bless us !
Jai Murudeshwar!!Jai MAHAKAAL!!!

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Prabin
July 18, 2016

Namaskaram. Myself Prabin. I am from Kerala, Cochin and we are planning a trip to Murudeshwar on next month. Please advice the best holy places/temples which we can cover during the trip. I can write about the place and details of the trip after the visit. Thank You.

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raja
September 16, 2016

Shiva built time I was visit to Murdeshwar, But today it was completed Photos seen, It is very wondarful, I will interest again once.

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SAI SADANANDA S
December 31, 2016

I SAI SADANANDA S visited Murudeshwara temple it’s beyond the limit
Everyone should visit the temple.

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P P Muthu
March 20, 2017

முதல் தமிழ் சங்க சித்தர் ஆலயம் நன்று

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v.saravanan lal sharma
July 5, 2017

Har Har Mahadev…. Om Namashivaaya……

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- Vishnu
  March 26, 2019
  
  Hi
  
  I am sharing the video of world tallest shiva linga.
  
  Please circulate it
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
Vishnu
March 26, 2019

Hi

I am sharing the video of world tallest shiva linga.

Please circulate it

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Reply