Murudeshwar Temple

Murudeshwar Temple’s prominence is known worldwide as it is the place where World’s second largest Shiva statue is established. Murudeshwar is a small town in Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. Murudeshwar is a synonym for Lord Shiva.

Murudeshwar temple at one stage had started to tumble down and hence there was a requirement for renovation. The locals tried rebuilding the sanctum sanctorum earlier, but it did not last long. The present temple complex is the result of the hardwork of Sri. R. N Shetty. He started renovation in 1977 with a team of craftsmen and artisans brought in from Tamilnadu. The temple is mainly built of granite.

Subsequently, other sculptures were built on the Kanduka hill, which have enhanced the charm of the place. The 123 ft high Shiva statue, which is the world’s second largest Shiva sculpture has become a landmark. Another newly added masterpiece is the world’s largest Rajagopuram in front of the temple complex. This 249 feet tower was inaugurated in May 2008. These monuments complement the natural scenic beauty of Murudeshwar.