MURUDESHWAR TEMPLE

How To Reach

Murudeshwar temple is accessible by various modes of travel, primarily three:

By Road: The best way to reach Murudeshwar temple is by the roadway. There are four ways to get from Gokarna to Murudeshwar. Traveling by car, it would take around an hour and a half to reach Murudeshwar temple from Gokarna.

By Taxi: If you are traveling by taxi, it will take around the same time as a car. It is a costly mode of travel but also the most convenient. You can sit back and relax while you drive to your destination. It will cost around 2000-3000 rupees.

By Railway: Murudeshwar can also be reached by railway from Gokarna. This method takes one hour forty-five minutes and costs around 440-450 rupees. Three trains are available between these destinations, but Bangalore Express is the most convenient. Matsyagandha express is also often opted by passengers to cover this distance.

Best Time To Visit

Murudeshwar temple can be visited throughout the year. Its pristine location makes it all the more attractive spot. The best time to visit Murudeshwar temple is from October to May.

During summers, the scorching heat of the sun may make it inconvenient to explore the areas around Murudeshwar Temple.

On the contrary, the winter months ensure a cooler climate with pleasant afternoons and mildly cold evenings. Furthermore, the monsoon showers have cleansed the area around thus making the landscape more vivid.

As Murudeshwar temple is at the sea coast area has high moisture in the air. This brings about an abundance of rainfall which makes sightseeing difficult.

Another great time to visit Murudeshwar is during Mahashivratri. As Mahashivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Murudeshwar. Mahashivratri generally occurs during February or March. As it is a huge festival, many devotees visit this temple during the time.

Other Essential Information

Timing: Opens at 6:00 am closes at 8:30 pm
Lunch timings: 1 pm to 4 pm
The main temple is closed during lunch break. Rudraabhisheka happens from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Entry Fee: The main temple has no specific fee for visiting, like most temples in India.
Rudra Abhishekam ticket cost: RS.55 for 2 people. Devotees will have to carry pooja material for the Abhisheka.
Distance from Gokarna City Centre:

Roadway: The distance from Gokarna City Centre to Murudeshwar Temple is 77.7 km.
It can be covered in one and a half hours on a regular traffic day by roadway.

Railway: The distance between Gokarna City Centre to Murudeshwar temple is 83 km.
Three direct trains are available from Gokaran to Murudeshwar. Bangalore Express is the most convenient.

History of Murudeshwar Temple

Murudeshwara temple is the greatest marvel for the devotees of Lord Shiva that originated during the Vijayanagara kings. The name Murudeshwar originated in the Ramayana era. The Hindu gods attained immortality from Lord Shiva as a result of a penance dedicated to Atma Lingam.

Ravana also tried attaining the same by worshipping Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva appeared before Ravana and granted him Atma Lingam, he knew Ravana would wreak havoc into the world with such power. Thus, lord Shiva placed a condition on his boon. This condition was that if the Atma Lingam ever touched the earth, it would return to Lord Shiva.

Narada took advantage of this loophole in the boon. He knew Ravana would use this power for destruction. Narada approached Lord Ganesha for help. On his way back to Lanka, Narada tricked Ravana into thinking it was time for his evening prayers.

Ravana handed the Atma Lingam to a Brahmin boy, who was actually lord Ganesh in disguise. After the prayers, on returning, Ravana found the Atma Lingam on the ground. Realizing he had been tricked, Ravana got angry and sought to break the Atma Lingam.

The lingam was divided into three parts: the case covering that Ravana threw to Sajjeshwara, the lid which was thrown into Guneshwar and Dhareshwara, and the cloth covering the lingam was thrown to Mrideshwara, the present day Murudeshwar.

Murudeshwar temple is one of the most popular destinations in Karnataka. It captivates the numerous devotees and tourists with its rustic charm and beauty. It is one of the five temples known as Pancha Kshetras (five holy destinations) in Karnataka. 

Places to Eat Near Murudeshwar Temple

After exploration, if you need to boost yourself up with energy and some sumptuous meals, then the places around Murudeshwar temple will not leave you in dismay:

1. Naveen beach restaurant: It is a lively beach restaurant and is known for serving scrumptious delicacies to the tourists. The staff is extremely cooperative, and the ambiance of this place is also very electrifying.

2. Sea lounge restaurant: This restaurant has a great vibe and good staff. It is known for serving the best seafood that is definitely something that you must relish over here..

3. RNS café: It is a café with a great location, excellent service, and good food. The beautiful view that this café offer makes it a spell-binding spot.

4. Romansiah restaurant: If you’re looking for a restaurant that has the best vibes then you should definitely stop by this place. This restaurant is known for its chilled vibes and varied menu that will satiate your hunger with utmost satisfaction.

5. Nayak fishland: This is a paradise for people who love relishing on to the authentic south Indian non-veg dishes. The menu is full of variation, and you can also customize food as per your choice over here.

6. Hotel Kwality: It is extremely popular for serving the best Bhatkal biryani. If you are a true biryani fan then this place should be a must-visit for you.

Places to Stay Near Murudeshwar Temple

There are various top-notch places around Murudeshwar temple where you can have a comfortable stay.

1. Dhenu Atithya: It is a good hotel with affordable clean AC/Non AC rooms. They have an adjoining Chinese restaurant. This is a lively place that offers top-notch facilities to the guests. 

2. RNS guesthouse: This guest house exudes sheer opulence through its expansive rooms that offer the enthralling view of the Arabian Sea. It provides a tranquil stay, and the staff here never fails to impress you with their services.

3. Shree Vinayak residency: This is one of the more preferred hotels to stay near Murudeshwar temple for people who aren’t looking for luxury but comfort. It has airy and spacious rooms and polite staff that will make your vacation worth remembering forever.

4. Naveen beach resort: Enjoy a comfortable stay in this beach resort that boasts of offering the top notch facilities to its guests. They have spacious rooms and a lush green balcony where you can have a memorable time with your family.

Travellers Tip before Visiting Murudeshwar Temple

1. Remove footwear before entering the temple. There is a shoe stand situated outside the temple for convenience. If you wish, you can wear plastic or paper bags on your feet. 

2. You can buy the offerings and Prasad from the various stalls that are located outside the temple. 

3. Do not get frazzled by the shopkeepers and crowds. Keep a clear mindset about your need and buy things accordingly.

4. Beware of pickpockets and thieves. Keep your belongings safe.

5. If you want to offer Abhishek, there is a separate queue, and you need to pay a small fee to join that queue.

6. Never eat something that an acquaintance offers as it might be injurious to your health.

7. Carry essential medicines and carry them with you everywhere.