MURUDESHWAR TEMPLE – Alivekodi

Here’s a comprehensive guide to Murudeshwar Temple, one of Karnataka’s most dramatic and spiritual destinations:

The temple is dedicated to Sri Mridesa Linga, also known as Murudeshwara—believed to be a fragment of the Atma Linga granted to Ravana by Lord Shiva. Ravana was instructed not to place it on the ground; however Lord Ganesha tricked him into doing so at this site. The linga is now partially buried, and devotees view it from the threshold as entry into the sanctum is restricted.

Built on Kanduka Hill, the temple is surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea.
The 123 ft tall Shiva statue is the second‑tallest in the world. Created by sculptor Kashinath of Shivamogga and team, funded by philanthropist R. N. Shetty (~₹50 million), the idol sparkles under sunlight .
Adjacent to the statue is the Raja Gopura, a 20‑storey gopura (249 ft high) with elevator access offering panoramic views of the statue and sea .
Kanduka Hill also features sculptures like the Sun Chariot, Geetopadesha, and Ravana–Ganesha legend—all set within a temple compound that blends Dravidian, Chalukya, and Kadamba granite architecture.

Darshan: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM daily. Closed between 1:00–3:00 PM.
Rudrabhishekam: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM; Morning Pooja at 6:30–7:30 AM; Evening Pooja at 7:15–8:15 PM.
Entry Fee: Free for all. Special darshan is available at a nominal fee (₹100–200).

Traditional attire is advised: Dhotis or mundus for men, saree or salwar-kameez for women. Jeans, shorts, and T-shirts are discouraged; modest dressing is expected. Shoes must be left outside the temple premises.

Maha Shivaratri (February/March) and Kartika Pournami (Nov/Dec) are celebrated with g.
The temple is one among Karnataka’s Pancha Kshetras of Lord Shiva (others include Nanjanagud, Dharmasthala, Dhareshwara, Gokarna).

The lift-equipped Gopura provides sweeping views of the 123‑ft Shiva statue and surrounding Arabian Sea—ideal for photography and serenity.
Nearby attractions include:
- Murudeshwar Beach
- Murudeshwar Fort
- Netrani Island (scuba diving)
- Idagunji Ganapathi Temple (~20 km)
- Kollur Mookambika Temple (~60 km).

Nearest Airport:
- Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) – ~150 km
- Taxi or bus services are available from the airport to Murudeshwar.
Other Airports:
- Goa (Dabolim) Airport – ~210 km
- Hubballi Airport – ~230 km

Murudeshwar Railway Station (MRDW)
- Just 2 km from the temple.
- Lies on the Konkan Railway line – well connected to Mangaluru, Goa, Mumbai, and Kerala.
- Auto rickshaws or local taxis are easily available from the station to the temple.

Well connected by NH-66 (Mumbai–Mangaluru–Kochi coastal highway).
- Regular KSRTC and private buses from:
  - Mangaluru (150 km)
  - Karwar (110 km)
  - Kundapura (55 km)
  - Udupi (100 km)
  - Gokarna (78 km)
  - Bhatkal (15 km)
Self-drive or cab hires are popular options via scenic coastal routes.

Feature	Details
Deity	Sri Mrīdesa Linga (Atma Linga fragment)
Statue	123 ft Shiva idol (2nd tallest globally)
Architecture	Raja Gopura (249 ft), granite Dravidian style
Timings	6 AM–1 PM, 3–8 PM; rituals throughout
Entry Fee	Free (special darshan charges extra)
Dress Code	Traditional Indian attire required
Festivals	Maha Shivaratri, Kartika Pournami
Nearby Attractions	Beach, fort, scuba diving, Idagunji, Kollur

Best time to visit: October to February for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Plan 2–3 hours to enjoy the temple, climb Gopura, and stroll by the sea .
Use off-peak hours (early morning or post-afternoon) to avoid festival crowds.