|
|
Situated
between Honnavar and Bhatkal, 1 km off the National Highway is the scenic
holy place of Murudeshwar.
The place is believed to have been sanctified by a piece of the
Pranalinga of Mahabaleshwara thrown by Ravana and has some beautiful
carvings and statues. Bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills, the
place is a favourite picnic spot.
WIth the roaring sea to the west, the towering hills to the east and the
coconut and areca groves nearby, the temple attracts a lot of devotees and
tourists as well.
While touring this land of picture-postcard scenery, be sure to witness
some of the quaint rituals like Bhuta worship, the Kambala (buffalo race)
or Korikatta the cockfight.
Partake of the delicacies of coastal Karnataka, the mouth - watering
sweets, spicy fish curries and a variety of rice calces. Savour the juicy
fruits a wide variety of mangoes, jackfruit, cashew and bananas, which
abound in this fertile land. And take home memories as colourful and
varied as your experiences.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Murdeshwar Temple:
This picturesque place situated 16 kms from Bhatkal has a gorgeous temple
perched on a hillock by the shore. Murudeshwar is around 180 km from
Mangalore on the National Highway.
On the route along the highway is the alluring
Maravanthe Beach with the Arabian Sea
roaring on the west and a serene river on the east along this route for
almost 2 kilometres.
The sea is an intrinsic part of the temple scape at Murudeshwar. The sea
surrounds the temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri on
three sides.
Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to
the temple. The Murudeshwar temple has a history that dates back to a few
centuries.
Local Belief
The temple, which embodies a linga, is believed to have erupted when
Ravana flung the cloth covering the atmatlinga at Gokarana while lifting
it. As one ascends the hillock, there is a shrine of Jattiga seated on a
horse.
Fort:
There is also a huge fort behind the temple said to have been renovated by
Tipu sultan, the ruler of
Mysore.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
The nearest airport is at Goa.
Rail:
Hubli is the nearest railhead.
Road:
Bhatkal is 16 kms by road from Murudeshwar.
WHERE TO STAY
Temple Cottages.
Ashirwad Hotel & Resort, Murudeshwar Complex.