The Pilgrimage and Natural Beauty of Murudeshwar

Today I am going to tell you a bit about Murudeshwar located on the west coast of  Karnataka and the bank of the Arabian sea. I was too astonished to see the beauty of the Arabian sea surrounded the temple of Lord Shiva. The Temple of Lord Shiva is telling us the rich expertise of architecture in ancient India.

Murudeshwar temple is one such temple that looks quite contemporary though it belongs to the ancient era. The temple is dedicated to worshipping Lord Murudeshwara considered to be one of the forms of Lord Shiva. The temple has one gripping thing: it is surrounded by the Arabian Sea from three sides and the temple premises begin with a twenty-storied Gopuram.

This temple is built on Kanduka Hill, surrounded by the waters of the Arabian Sea. It is dedicated to Sri Lokankara, and a 20-storied gopura is constructed at the temple. The temple authorities have installed a lift that provides a breath-taking view of the 123-feet Sri Shiva idol from the top of the Raja gopura. There is also a Rameshwara linga at the bottom of the hill, where devotees can do seva themselves. A Shaneswar temple has been built next to the idol of Sri Akshayaguna. Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to it. The entire temple and temple complex, including the 209-feet-tall Raja Gopura, is one among the tallest. There are statues of Sun Chariot on side of a park, pool, statues depicting Arjuna receiving Geetopadesham from Lord Krishna, Ravana being deceived by Ganesha in disguise, Shiva's manifestation as Bhaghirnath, descending Ganga, carved around the hill. The temple is entirely modernized with exception of the sanctum sanctorum which is still dark and retains its composure. The main deity is Sri Mridesa Linga, also called Murdeshwar. The linga is believed to be a piece of the original Atma Linga and is about two feet below ground level. The devotees performing special sevas like Abhisheka, Rudrabhisheka, Rathotsava, etc., can view the deity by standing before the threshold of the sanctum and the Linga is illuminated by oil lamps held close by the priests. The Linga is essentially a rough rock inside a hollowed spot in the ground. Entry into the sanctum is banned for all devotees. 

The natural beauty of the beaches surrounds the temple has given an extra milage to attract devotees as well as all beach lovers. The clean blue water of the Arabian sea and the coconut trees on the bank of the Arabian sea have attracted millions of devotees and travelers to visit Murudeshwar. 

If you get some time, please visit Murudeshwar. I hope you will enjoy your trip.