Situated between Honnavar and Bhatkal, 1 km off the National Highway is the
scenic holy place of Murudeshwar.
The place is believed to have been sanctified by a piece of the Pranalinga
of Mahabaleshwara thrown by Ravana and has some beautiful carvings and
statues. Bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills, Murudeshwar is a
favourite picnic spot.
With the roaring sea to the west, the towering hills to the east and the
coconut and areca groves nearby, Murudeshwar temple attracts a lot of devotees and
tourists as well.
While touring this land of picture-postcard scenery, be sure to witness
some of the quaint rituals like Bhuta worship, the Kambala (buffalo race) or
Korikatta the cockfight.
Partake of the delicacies of coastal Karnataka, the mouth - watering
sweets, spicy fish curries and a variety of rice calces. Savour the juicy
fruits a wide variety of mangoes, jackfruit, cashew and bananas, which
abound in this fertile land. And take home memories as colourful and varied
as your experiences.
Major Attractions of Murudeshwar Beach in Karnataka
- Murdeshwar Temple
This picturesque place situated 16 kms from Bhatkal has a gorgeous
temple perched on a hillock by the shore. Murudeshwar is around 180 km
from Mangalore on the National Highway.
On the route along the highway is the alluring Maravanthe Beach with
the Arabian Sea roaring on the west and a serene river on the east along
this route for almost 2 kilometres. The sea is an intrinsic part of the
temple scape at Murudeshwar. The sea surrounds the temple towering on
the small hill called Kanduka Giri on three sides.
Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to
the temple. The Murudeshwar temple has a history that dates back to a
few centuries.
- Local Belief
The temple, which embodies a linga, is believed to have erupted when
Ravana flung the cloth covering the atmatlinga at Gokarana while lifting
it. As one ascends the hillock, there is a shrine of Jattiga seated on a
horse.
- Fort in Murudeshwar
There is also a huge fort behind the temple said to have been renovated
by Tipu sultan, the ruler of Mysore.
Places to stay in Murudeshwar
Temple Cottages. Ashirwad Hotel & Resort, Murudeshwar Complex are the best Murudeshwar hotels, offering excellent facilities and well furnished rooms equipped with modern amenities.
How to Get There
- Air
The nearest airport is at Goa.
- Rail
Hubli is the nearest railhead.
- Road
Bhatkal is 16 kms by road from Murudeshwar.
