Murudeshwara - History and attraction

Karnataka has many beautiful places and pilgrimage centers. Murudeshwara is one of that. It is located in Uttara kannada district of Karnataka state. This holy pilgrimage center is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for the statue of Lord Shiva which is the world's tallest statue that lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea.



Murudeshwara is renowned for its beaches and immaculate sands. One can enjoy the boating and water sports here. It is famous for its unique hand-crafted articles that are made of special type of grass.

Murudeshwara is mainly famous for the world's tallest statue (123 feet height) of Lord Shiva. The statue took 2 years to build at a cost of 50 million rupees. The statue is designed in such a way that it gets the sunlight directly which makes it appear sparkling. Shivamogga's Kashinath built this statue and Mr. R.N. Shetty financed this. This is an Atma Linga and there was a story behind it. Once Ravana was prayed to Lord Shiva for Atmalinga to attain immortality. Lord Shiva agreed on a condition that he would not keep Atmalinga on ground lest all powers would return to him. But Lord Ganesha in the disguise of Brahmin boy deceived Ravana and kept that on a ground.

Murudeshwara fort is another attraction which is refurbished by Tipu Sultan. Other attractions include Raja gopura, demon dance and Nagamandala.