Murudeshwar Temple 2025: Shiva Statue, History & Things to Do
Welcome to Talesofbackpacker’s guide to Murudeshwar Temple 2025! Located in the coastal town of Murudeshwar in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, the Murudeshwar Temple is a place that cannot be missed when one is a spiritual seeker or a traveler exploring Karnataka tourism. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple possesses the world’s second-tallest Shiva statue (125 feet) along with a tall Raja Gopuram (249 feet), making it one of the best temples in Karnataka. Whether you are planning a pilgrimage or seeking coastal Karnataka attractions, this Murudeshwar travel guide covers history, attractions, and tips for an unforgettable Karnataka adventure.
History of Murudeshwar Temple
The Murudeshwar Temple 2025 traces its roots to Hindu mythology. Legend has it that Ravana, the demon king from the Ramayana, performed serious penance to look for endowments from Lord Shiva, the preeminent divinity of devastation and recovery. Awed by Ravana’s commitment, Lord Shiva showed up and blessed him by giving the Atma Lingam to Ravana, a divine lingam, with a condition that it ought to never be set on the ground.
However, the other gods were concerned about the monstrous control Ravana might use with the Atma Linga. They made a plan to stop Ravana from obtaining such control over the world. When the gods prayed to Lord Vishnu, the Lord in the form of a brahmin, drew Ravana’s attention and locked him in discussion.
Amid their talk, Vishnu cleverly decided to trap Ravana into giving up the lingam, so while Ravana is supposed to perform a ritual by the dusk and lord Vishnu offers to hold the lingam. After Ravana performed his rituals, Lord Vishnu intentionally deferred returning the lingam, causing Ravana to end up on edge. Lord Vishnu, has then set the lingam on the ground.
Enraged by this double dealing, Ravana has destroyed the lingam by breaking it into several pieces and it is believed that one such part of the Atma lingam is said to have fallen in present-day Murudeshwar, where the sanctuary stands today. The temple’s name, derived from “Muru” (shank) and “Eshwara” (Shiva), reflects this sacred history, making it a key stop on India pilgrimage tours.
Significance of Murudeshwar Temple
The main sanctum sanctorum, where the lingam is housed, is adorned with elaborate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from the Hindu mythology. Surrounding the main temple are smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, adding to the spiritual ambience of the place. Apart from its religious significance, Murudeshwar Temple also holds cultural and historical importance.
The temple has been a center of pilgrimage for devout Hindus for centuries, and it continues to attract thousands of devotees every year who come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The Maha Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm, is a major event at the temple, drawing devotees from all over the country. The temple’s cultural and historical role makes it a cornerstone of temple tours in India 2025.
Architectural Highlights of Murudeshwar Temple
Murudeshwara Temple RajaGopuram:
The Murudeshwar Temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. Its Raja Gopuram, is one of India’s tallest temple gateways, which provides a view of Murudeshwar town and the Arabian sea. The gopuram is accessible for tourists via a lift.
Murudeshwar Gopuram Lift Timings: Lift timings are from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a break between 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The entry fee for the lift is between Rs.10 to Rs.30 per person.
Murudeshwar Temple Lord Shiva Statue:
Another highlight of the temple complex is the massive statue of Lord Shiva, which is visible from miles around. The statue, which was unveiled in 2006, stands on a platform surrounded by a water body, giving it the appearance of standing amidst the sea. It is intricately sculpted and adorned with intricate details, making it a sight to behold for devotees and tourists alike.
It is known as the world’s second biggest statue of lord shiva after the statue in Nepal which is also a major tourist attraction. The Shiva statue was built by Mr R.N Shetty at a cost of around 500 million. The statue is made with a lot of detailing and there are many other statues of different gods and demons and around the shiva statue which took nearly 2 years for the construction.
Different deities like Lord Ganesha receiving Atma linga , sun chariot, hitopadesha etc can be seen at this statue. The statue is designed in a way that it gets the sunlight and appears sparkling. This iconic landmark makes it a highlight of Murudeshwar tourism 2025.
Suggested Read: Check out Honnavar Travel Guide
How to Reach Murudeshwar Temple
Murudeshwar is well-connected, making it accessible for travelers on temple tours in India:
By Air:
Mangalore airport is the nearest airport to Murudeshwar. As mangalore is an international airport it is connected to major cities across the world. From the airport you can choose the airport taxi or rental cars that will be available in plenty, to reach Murudeshwar which is located 153 km away from the Mangalore airport.
By Rail:
Murudeshwar city has a railway station which is well connected to Mumbai, Mangalore and other major cities. Reaching Mangalore is very easy as it is well connected to all the major city stations. You can either directly book to Murudeshwar railway station which is located 2 km away from Murudeshwar temple, or if not you can either travel to Mangalore station and from there you can reach Murudeshwar.
By Road:
As Murudeshwar is located on the NH17, you can find many buses that connect the city to Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi and other major cities. You can reach there via buses or you can even travel by cab or car based on the location you are planning to travel from to Murudeshwar. Book a Karnataka travel package via MakeMyTrip.
By Sea:
As a coastal town, Murudeshwar can be reached via ports, offering a scenic sea journey for adventurous travelers.
Tip: Combine with Gokarna for a spiritual coastal tour. Explore our Gokarna travel guide.
Murudeshwar Temple Timings and Dress Code
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, with morning darshan (6:00 AM–1:00 PM) and evening darshan (3:00 PM–8:30 PM). Key pujas include:
- Morning Puja: 6:30 AM
- Maha Puja: 12:15 PM
- Night Puja: 7:15 PM
Devotees can visit the Murudeshwar Temple during these hours to seek the blessings of Lord Murudeshwar.
Dress Code:
- Men: Men are expected to wear traditional attire, such as dhotis or mundus. It’s common to drape a shawl or Angavastram around the upper body.
- Women: Women should opt for sarees, salwar kameez, or traditional outfits that cover their shoulders and legs. Avoid outfits that are too revealing.
Murudeshwar 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
Top Things to Do in Murudeshwar 2025
Enhance your Murudeshwar tourism experience with these nearby attractions:
- Murudeshwar Beach: Perfect for swimming and beachcombing with stunning sea views.
- Kethapayya Narayan Temple: A serene shrine for Lord Vishnu.
- Shiva Statue Park: Features sculptures narrating mythological stories.
- Netrani Island: Snorkel or dive (~₹2,000/person), a 1-hour boat ride. Book via Tripadvisor.
- Raja Gopuram Viewpoint: Ride the lift for panoramic views.
Best Time to Visit Murudeshwar
- October to February is the best time to visit Murudeshwar when the weather is pleasant, great for visiting temples and beach activities.
- Avoid the monsoon season (June–September) due to heavy rainfall.
- Maha Shivaratri (February/March) is a vibrant time to experience the temple’s festivities.
Accommodation in Murudeshwar
For a comfortable budget travel to Murudeshwar, choose from hotels, homestays, or resorts near the temple. Popular options include RNS Residency and Naveen Beach Resort. Book through platforms like Booking.com or Agoda for deals.
Travel Tips for Murudeshwar Temple
- Book in Advance: Secure train or flight tickets early, especially during festival seasons.
- Local Cuisine: Try coastal Karnataka dishes like fish curry and neer dosa at nearby eateries.
- Respect Customs: Follow the dress code and temple etiquette for a hassle-free visit.
- Explore Packages: Look for Murudeshwar tourism packages combining the temple with Gokarna or Udupi for a complete Karnataka experience.
Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors
Murudeshwar welcomes global travelers:
- Visa: Get an India e-Visa (30 days, ~$25) at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
- Currency: Indian Rupees (INR); ATMs available in Murudeshwar.
- Language: English is common in tourism areas; guides (~₹1,000/day) at hotels.
- Culture: Remove shoes in temple; non-Hindus can join courtyard rituals. Maha Shivaratri is safe with police.
- Transport: Auto-rickshaws (~₹50) or taxis (~₹500/day).
Pro Tip: Book a Karnataka travel package via MakeMyTrip for temple and beach tours.
Suggested Read: Check out Gokarna Beach Trek Guide
FAQs About Murudeshwar Temple 2025
- Can foreigners visit Murudeshwar Temple? Yes, all are welcome; non-Hindus join courtyard rituals.
- What’s the dress code? Men: dhoti, women: saree, rent locally (~₹100).
- When is Maha Shivaratri 2025 in Murudeshwar? March 8-9, vibrant festivities.
- What are the top things to do in Murudeshwar 2025? Visit Shiva statue, Murudeshwar Beach, Netrani Island.
- Budget tips? Buses (~₹100), stalls (~₹50), book via Booking.com.
Conclusion
The Murudeshwar Temple 2025 is a unique place that is more than a place of worship. With its awe-inspiring architecture, spiritual ambiance, and amazing natural beauty, it continues to captivate the hearts and minds of all who visit, leaving a lasting impression that transcends boundaries of faith and belief. Whether you’re drawn to the great Shiva statue, the calming Arabian Sea or the colorful scene of Karnataka tourism, Murudeshwar promises an unforgettable experience. Book your Karnataka travel package, pack your camera, and dive into Murudeshwar tourism 2025! Got plans? Plan your visit today or share your plans in the comments below!
