The beauty of majestic and architecturally rich Murudeshwar temple is a talk of the town when a discussion of temples takes place. A solely dedicated temple to Lord Shiva, Murudeshwar temple has an enriching history too. The town was earlier known Mrideshwara which was later renamed as Murudeshwar once the construction of the temple is done.  

Murudeshwar temple is one the famous abode of Lord Shiva and a pilgrimage core of South India.  Among all the places to visit in Murudeshwar, the Murudeshwar temple tops the list.
 
Murudeshwar temple height

The temple is 123 feet in height. It is entirely modernized with exceptional sanctum sanctorum that retains the posture view in the darkness as well. The temple is a huge complex which has towering statue of Lord Shiva. It is visible from the Afar. It took around 2 years for the responsible people to build it in this grand way.
 
Murudeshwar temple story

As per the historical facts the legend Ravana once bought the Atma Lingam from the Mount Kailash. The playful Lord Ganesha kept on playing tricks with Ravana on his way back to his kingdom Lanka. Being extremely distorted and angry, Ravana kept the Lingam on the ground and tried to destroy it. 

Few of the broken small pieces of the Lingam simply cast away with the wind. The cloth used for covering the Lingam fell at the Kanduka Giri where the Murudeshwar temple was built later.

The location of the temple is quite interesting, situated at the small hill named Kanduka Giri. It is surrounded by seas on all three sides. Interesting sculptures of Chalukya and Kadamba are present on the temple walls, designed in Dravidian style. 

Murudeshwar temple is carved out of the granite rock, having 20 storeys Gopura, which is guarded by the two huge elephants on the steps of the temple. The tower of Gopura is around 249 feet high and considered to be the tallest among all.  

The beauty of the Gopura temple encircles the features statue of Raja Gopura. The Murudeshwar temple is chiefly modernized having exceptional wall carvings maintaining the traditionalism and original structuring intact to it. There is a sanctum which is graced by Lord Shiva in the form of a Lingam measuring 2 feet underneath the ground. 
 
There is a massive fort behind the Murudeshwar temple which was renovated by the then ruling King Tipu Sultan. This place has a lovely sunset which one must witness. On one of ascend of the Murudeshwar temple hillocks, there is a Shrine of Jattiga nicely seated on a horse observed. 

The festival of Maha Shivaratri is grandly celebrated each year without fail.

Murudeshwar temple timings
   
The timings of the temple are 3 AM – 1 PM and 3 PM – 8 PM.

Exploring the interesting Murudeshwara Tour Packges is a good idea to witness history and pilgrimage centers. Murudeshwar temple is one of the grand among all.