Where the Atma-Linga Legend Lives.
Standing beside the magnificent 123-ft statue of Shiva, Murudeshwar Temple—also known as Kethapayya Narayan Temple—is one of Karnataka’s most striking Shiva kshetras.
According to legend, when Ravana attempted to carry the sacred Atma-Linga to Lanka, Ganesha, appearing as a young shepherd, caused it to be placed firmly on the earth. In his fury, Ravana tried to uproot it, breaking it into pieces. One fragment is believed to have fallen at Kanduka Giri, the sacred hill where Murudeshwar Temple stands today.
The sanctum is traditionally believed to preserve a portion of the sacred Atma-Linga underground.
A Shaneshwar Temple also stands within the complex.
Beneath the towering Shiva statue lies a cave depicting the dramatic story of Ravana and the Atma-Linga.
The majestic Shiva statue can be beautifully viewed from the beach and Rajagopuram.
