Murudeshwara Temple in Karnataka- Timings, How to reach and More

I recently visited Uttara Kannada where I especially tour the Murudeshwar temple that is the best destination for shiv bhakt and In this blog I discuss on this temple, its story and tour experience. Lets start

Murudeshwara Temple Overview

Murudeshwar shiva temple is situated in Small coastal town Murdeshwar, Karnataka state near Arabian sea and this place is also known as Murdeshwar temple.Murdeshwar shiva temple area actually located on Kanduka Hill it is the peninsula means its surrounded by three side sea, offering breathtaking ocean views from every angle.

But the major attraction is Murdeshwar shiva statue and its height is 123 feet, and known as the world's third tallest shiva statue and three direction sea view creating a divine and picturesque view that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year. 

Here another attraction is Raja Gopura, it is 20 stories high and features an elevator that takes you to the top where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline.The Gopura is the traditional entrance tower of temples in South Indian architecture, commonly found across the southern regions of India. This Raja Gopura built in year  2008 

Murudeshwara Temple History

The Murudeshwara Temple carries deep roots in Indian mythology and is closely associated with the Ravana king of Lanka and the Atma Linga. As the story goes, Ravana, prayed with great devotion to please Lord Shiva and was blessed with the Atma Linga, a sacred form believed to contain Lord Shiva’s immense divine power. Before giving it to him, Lord Shiva warned Ravana that the Linga should never be placed on the ground until he reached his kingdom, or it would become permanently rooted at that spot.

During his journey back, the gods grew concerned that Ravana might misuse this divine power. To prevent this, Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha worked together. When Ravana stopped near Gokarna to perform his daily prayers, he handed the Linga to a young boy nearby, unaware that it was Lord Ganesha in disguise. Seizing the opportunity, Ganesha placed the Linga on the ground, and it immediately became fixed. When Ravana realized this, he tried to remove it in anger, but the Linga remained unmoved. In frustration, he attempted to break it, causing pieces of the sacred object to scatter across the coastal region.

One of these fragments is believed to have fallen at Murudeshwara, making this site a highly revered place of worship. The temple was later built in honor of Lord Shiva and the power of the divine fragment believed to rest here.

This is the story behind this temple and I recommend visiting this temple to get more information on Lord Shiva’s Atma Linga. 

My best tour experience at Murdeshwar Shiva temple

 I am a big devotee of lord Shiva and I decided to visit at least one destination which is related to lord shiva like previously I visited Somnath temple and this time visited Murudeshwar temple Karnataka.  

Before visiting this temple I just found out about this temple from youtube and Instagram , and this is impressive for me. I researched it then fully planned to visit this place. This temple is closed to Arabian sea  and the statue of shiva is one of the main attractions. It has become a picturesque place for me. 

Then I visited inside temple take the worship of Sri Mridesa Linga and one of the good thing is no one panic and every people standing on queue, and then I brought the 30 rupee bundi ladoo which is prasad of this temple. First evening I just take visit of main temple then next day morning I visited Gopura 17th & 18th floor to enjoying amazing view lord shiva 123 feet statue from the top this is make my tour successful and surrounding sea view is breathtaking for me. I captured the lots of images and reels which I shared in this blog. For the Gopura top section visit you need to pay a 20 rupees ticket cost. 

After 1 hour spent on top of Gopura then I visited near lord shiva statue where you can also see Ravaan & lord Ganesha form of boy statues also. Then I visited a cave which is made under the statue of lord shiva and inside this cave you can hear the whole story behind this temple and see the statues that describe the story. Need to pay 20 rupee cost for cave visit its completely unique experience so must visit. 

Then I visited Murdeshwar beach and spent 10- 20 min and completed my tour here. So friends , this is my first time visit at Karnataka and Murdeshwar. It's impressive for me because people are good & supportive , and another things such as a zero pollution or pollution atmosphere make my mind fresh.

This is my experience I shared which is I got after I personally visit the Murdeshwar shiva temple. 

Food Experience at near to Murdeshwar temple

In the murdeshwar temple you can eat free food that is known as anna prasada which is served two time in day 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. But outside the temple you can good quality karnataka food in low cost and I recommend Ayodiya veg. Restaurant.

Where to stay?

Hotels are a little bit costly but service is good so I recommend Hotel Kamath's Holiday's Inn thats is near to temple and reasonable room cost.

Murudeshwara Temple Timings

Murudeshwara Temple welcomes devotees throughout the day for darshan and rituals. The temple follows a well-organized schedule to ensure that visitors can participate in prayers and enjoy the divine atmosphere peacefully.

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

Visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning for peaceful darshan and to witness the sacred Abhisheka ceremony. The temple serves free meals during noon and evening hours, offering devotees a chance to experience the tradition of Anna Prasada in a serene coastal setting.

Types of Rituals Performed at Murudeshwara Temple

Murudeshwara Temple is known for its sacred rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering devotees moments of deep faith and peace. Each ceremony is performed with devotion and reflects the temple’s strong spiritual heritage.

 

• Rudrabhishekam - This is one of the most powerful rituals for Lord Shiva, where priests pour holy water, milk, and flowers over the Shiva Linga while chanting sacred mantras. It is believed to bring protection, harmony, and prosperity to devotees.

• Panchamrutha Abhishekam- In this special ritual, the Shiva Linga is bathed with five holy substances including milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee. Each element represents purity and devotion, making it a heartfelt offering to Lord Shiva.

• Homam-  The Homam is a fire ritual performed to cleanse the surroundings and invite positive energy. Offerings are made into the sacred fire as priests recite ancient hymns seeking divine blessings.

• Archana - Archana is a simple and meaningful prayer where the priest chants the devotee’s name along with mantras to seek Lord Shiva’s grace for good health, happiness, and peace.

How to Reach Murudeshwara Temple?

Murudeshwara Shiva temple has good connectivity with all major cities of India through the Railways and roads.

• Murudeshwar Railway Station has good connections with cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. I reached Murudeshwar station through the Purana Express which operates from Pune station on Saturday at 11.45 pm and this train reached Murudeshwar station at 4.20 pm.  But best way to reached from Mumbai LTT railway station , and from here you can take Matasayaganda express, which is the best train to reach Murudeshwar Railway Station.
• Murudeshwara Temple is easily accessible from major cities in Karnataka, with regular buses available from Bangalore, Mangalore, and Gokarna.
• The nearest airport to Murudeshwara Temple is Mangalore International Airport, situated about 165 kilometers away. Visitors can easily hire a taxi or board a bus from the airport to reach the temple.