shiva famous temple

Murudeshwar is easily accessible from Honnavar. We took the Karnataka State bus from bus stand and within 1 hour we reached Murudeshwar. Temple complex and beach is around one and half km from the main road. We decided to walk and after some time we could easily see the big shiva statute and 20 storied Gopura.

Before I write more about this place, let me tell you very interesting legend behind this Shiva temple. It goes back to Ramanyana time when Ravana king of Lanka was worshipping Lord Shiva, so that he can achieve immortality and power. After many years of worship and prayer finally Lord Shiva appeared, pleased and granted his wish. Lord Shiva gave one Atmalinga to Ravana and warned he should not place it on the ground until he reach home. When other Gods came to know this, there were afraid, they thought now Ravana will become more powerful by worshipping the linga daily.

So all the Gods conspired to take the linga away from Ravana. They all knew that Ravana is great devotee of Lord Shiva and punctual in performing rites and prayer every day after sunset. When Ravana is on the way to his home, near Gokarana, Lord Vishnu blocked the sun with sudharshana chakra. Ravana thought its evening now and he should perform the prayer. But he was confused whether to put down the Atmalinga or skip the evening rites. Then Lord Ganesha appeared, posing as bramhin boy. Ravana saw him and asked for his help. He said that hold the Atmalinga until he complete his prayer. The boy agreed on the condition that he would keep the linga down if Ravana didn't return before the boy called out his name thrice. Ravana agreed and went about his rituals, but by then the boy called out his name thrice and placed the Atmalinga on the ground and left. The Atmalinga firmly rooted to the ground, it became light again. Then Ravana realized that he was tricked by the Gods. Ravana was deeply upset and tried to uproot the linga. Angry, furious ,he used all his power but was unable to uproot it from ground. It took the shape of a cow’s ear, and the place came to be known as Gokarna (Go means cow, Karna means ear). Disappointed Ravana threw the cloth wrapping the linga, and it fell around 50 km south at present day Murudeshwara.