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Home to the world's second-tallest Shiva statue and a towering 20-story gopura offering dramatic views of the Arabian Sea.
Discover what makes this destination truly special
Murdeshwar Temple is a major religious site situated on Kanduka Hill, surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. The main attraction is the world's second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva, standing at 123 feet, which is visible from a great distance. The entire complex is built around this imposing figure. Another key feature is the 20-story Raja Gopura, or temple tower, which stands at the entrance. Visitors can take an elevator to the top floor of the gopura for a fee, offering sweeping views of the Shiva statue, the temple, and the coastline.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
December-January, long weekends, and during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
October-November and February-March, especially on weekdays.
April-September, during the hot summer and heavy monsoon seasons.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
Free
No entry fee
Opening Hours
6:00 AM — 8:30 PM
The temple is open daily in two slots: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The temple remains closed in the afternoon from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The elevator in the gopura also operates during these hours. Timings may be extended during major festivals.
Entry to the temple complex and for darshan is free for all visitors. There is a fee of ₹10 per person for the elevator ride to the 18th floor of the Raja Gopura. Parking fees for vehicles may also apply.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Murdeshwar Temple Main Road, Murdeshwar, Bhatkal Taluk
Coordinates
14.1008, 74.5054
Nearest City
Gokarna
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), which is about 155 km away. A taxi from the airport to Murdeshwar takes approximately 3 to 4 hours...
Murdeshwar Railway Station (MRDW) is just 2 km from the temple and is located on the Konkan Railway route, connecting it to Mumbai, Mangalore, and Goa. Auto-ric...
Murdeshwar lies on National Highway 66 (NH-66). Regular bus services, both state-run and private, connect it to major cities like Bengaluru (500 km), Mangalore ...
Auto-rickshaws are the most common way to get around the town. The temple complex and nearby beach are easily accessible on foot. Taxis can be hired for visitin...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
The history of Murdeshwar is linked to the epic Ramayana. According to legend, the demon king Ravana, a devout follower of Shiva, obtained the Atma-Linga (the soul of Shiva) for immortality. The gods, worried about his power, tricked him into placing it on the ground at this spot. Once placed, the l...
Murdeshwar is a significant pilgrimage center for Shaivites, revered as one of the five sacred Shiva Kshetras along the Karnataka coast. Its primary religious importance comes from housing a piece of the original Atma-Linga. Beyond its spiritual value, the site is an architectural landmark due to th...
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