It is one of the tallest statues of Shiva in the world, standing at 123 feet (37 m) tall. The temple is also notable for its 20-storied gopura (tower), which is one of the tallest in India.
History
The Shri Murudeshwara Shiva Temple was built in the 14th century by the Chalukya dynasty. However, the temple was largely destroyed by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The temple was rebuilt in the 18th century by the Rani Chennamma of Kittur.
Architecture
The Shri Murudeshwara Shiva Temple is a Dravidian style temple. The main temple complex consists of the sanctum sanctorum, the gopura, and a number of smaller shrines. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Shiva. The gopura is the main tower of the temple and is adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu deities. The smaller shrines are dedicated to various other Hindu gods and goddesses.
Significance
The Shri Murudeshwara Shiva Temple is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is also a popular tourist destination. The temple is particularly well-known for its massive statue of Lord Shiva, which is one of the tallest in the world. The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things to do at Shri Murudeshwara Shiva Temple
- Visit the main temple complex and admire the architecture.
- Climb the 20-storied gopura for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Pay homage to the idol of Lord Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum.
- Visit the smaller shrines dedicated to various other Hindu gods and goddesses.
- Take a boat ride on the Arabian Sea to get a different perspective of the temple.
- Enjoy the beautiful sunsets from the beach near the temple.
- Sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the area.
- Shop for souvenirs at the stalls near the temple.
Additional Information
- The Shri Murudeshwara Shiva Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
- The best time to visit the temple is during the cooler months of October to March.
- The temple is located about 160 kilometers from Mangalore and 500 kilometers from Bangalore.
- The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport.
- The nearest railway station is Murudeshwara railway station.
