Murdeshwar. Review on Murdeshwar

We all need a break from a day to day schedule and so I make it a point to take a break from work every year. I normally do this in November as I love to travel and November is the best month for doing so. This year I planned to accompany my parents on a trip to Coastal Karnataka. I was there for a week. The serene, beautiful state of Karnataka offers more than a perpetual holiday and more. It brings you close to nature and yourself. The place is beautiful sorrounded by lots of greenery, mountains, dense forest and not to forget the picturesque Falls.

Magod Falls: This waterfall of the Bedti river is around 17kms from Yellapur and a drive there is an experience by itself.

Jog Falls : This is the place where the river Sharavati falls from a height of 292m forming a glorious waterfall. The river forms four different tracks which are named 'Raja', 'Rani', 'Roarer' and 'Rocket' which are named aptly by the majesty they display.

Unchalli Falls: A trek through dense forests brings you to the picturesque Unchalli Falls. The sound of the cataract hurtling down the hilly tract shatters the silence of the forests, and the sight of the falls is unforgettable.

But one thing that I can never forget was my two day stay at Murdeshwar.

Situated between Honavar and Bhatkal is the scenic holy place. The place is believed to have been sanctified by a piece of the Pranalinga of Gokarna's Mahabaleshwara thrown by the demon Ravana. The world’s tallest idol of Lord Shiva is set at Murudeshwar, already famous for its ancient temple on the seashore. The idol of Neelakanta is 123 feet tall and has taken nearly two years to build. This review would not make any sense if the history of this place is not known and I can assure you it is worth reading and knowing. It is NICE TO KNOW.

Ravana, the all-accomplished and all powerful decided to get the 'Atmalinga' from Shiva so that he also could become immortal by worshipping it. With this great ambition he went to Kailasa and performed the rites. Lord Shiva was soon impressed by Ravana's devotion and appeared flanked by Goddess Parvathi on his left.He then said passionately to the king of Lanka that he was much pleased with his devotion and that he would bestow any kind of boon he would ask. Ravana's happiness found no bounds and got up and asked Shiva to grant him the 'Atmalinga'. Though Shiva was worried at Ravana's wish he did not like to go back on his promise and therefore gave him the 'Atmalinga'.As Shiva gave the linga to Ravana, the former told the latter that he should carry it home by walk, that he should never place it on the earth even for a short while failing which the linga would get eternally embedded at the place were he broke his commands. By saying this Lord Shiva disappeared and Ravana soon set out southwards carrying the linga in his hands with great care. The Gods learnt this and were disturbed at the prospect of Ravana's becoming all powerful and capable by possessing and worshipping the 'Atmalinga'. They devised a plan to install the linga somewhere and knew that Sri MahaGanapathi was alone capable of doing it. As they were all coming near Gokarna. Vighneshwara as was planned earlier came to the presence of Ravana in the guise of a Brahmin boy, Ravana was happy to see him. He called him near and asked him to hold the linga in his hand till he came back after finishing the rites.

Ganapathi agreed to hold the linga on one condition that he would do so till he would be able to bear its weight and that thereafter he would call Ravana three times and if failed to come to him by then he would place the linga on the earth. But before Ravana could complete the rites and come back Ganapathi placed the idol on the earth at a very auspicious moment. Ravana got furious and came to the entrenched linga and tried to uproot it but the idol did not budge a little.

The crestfallen Ravana was deeply agitated and in anger he threw the case, the lid, the cloth in which the linga was wrapped,the thread that had bound the linga in 5 different directions which has now taken five forms and are treated as five holy places. One of which is Murdeshwar.

The gigantic statue of Lord Shiva overlooking Murudeshwar entices tourists. I just could not stop looking at it. The sea surrounds the temple on three sides. I was put up at R N Shetty Trust Guest House where the balcony is the focal point that offers a superb view of the horizon and the waves.

So if ever you get a change ot visit this place Dont Miss It.

Regards

Anu