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**History of Murudeshwar Temple**
The **Murudeshwar Temple** is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in **Murudeshwar**, a coastal town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is dedicated to Lord **Shiva**, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The temple complex is known for its stunning architecture, its monumental statue of Lord Shiva, and its picturesque setting by the Arabian Sea.
### Origins and Mythological Significance
The history of Murudeshwar Temple is intertwined with Hindu mythology. The temple's origin can be traced to ancient times, with its foundation linked to the epic **Ramayana**. According to the myth, the temple is built on the spot where **Lord Shiva's** divine presence was invoked by **Ravana**, the demon king of Lanka.
- **Ravana's Request for Immortality**: According to the legend, Ravana, in his quest for immortality, performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva. Impressed by Ravana’s devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him and gave him the **Atmalinga** (the self-manifested Shiva Linga), which would grant him immense power. However, the Atmalinga had a condition: it could not be placed on the ground before reaching Lanka.
- **The Deception**: On his way back to Lanka, Ravana stopped in the area (Murudeshwar), and as he attempted to perform his daily rituals, the gods, fearing his power, devised a plan to prevent Ravana from placing the Atmalinga on the ground. Lord Ganesha, in disguise, tricked Ravana into handing over the Atmalinga by convincing him to let it be placed on the ground for a short time. When Ravana handed it over to a Brahmin boy (Ganesha), the boy quickly set it down, and the Atmalinga became immovable. Ravana, frustrated, tried to take it back, but the Atmalinga remained stuck in the ground.
- **The Name Murudeshwar**: As per the legend, Ravana, in his rage, tried to destroy the Atmalinga by throwing it away, but it eventually came to rest in the area that is now known as **Murudeshwar**. The name "Murudeshwar" is derived from "Muru" (meaning Ravana) and "Ishwar" (meaning Lord Shiva), symbolizing Lord Shiva's divine power in this region.
### Development of the Temple
Although the area was known for its religious significance from ancient times, the Murudeshwar Temple's present form is a result of modern developments. The earlier temple structures were small and not as elaborate. The current temple complex, with its towering structure and modern features, was built in the 20th century.
- **Construction in the 1970s**: The present-day temple was largely renovated and expanded in the **1970s** under the guidance of the renowned philanthropist and industrialist **R. N. Shetty**. He funded the project, which involved the construction of a new temple structure and the massive Shiva statue.
- **Shiva Statue**: One of the most remarkable features of the Murudeshwar Temple is the towering **Lord Shiva statue**, which stands at **123 feet** (37 meters) tall, making it one of the largest Shiva statues in the world. The statue was inaugurated in **2006**, and it is a key attraction of the temple complex. It is surrounded by a series of smaller sculptures and beautifully landscaped gardens.
- **Temple Tower (Rajagopuram)**: Another notable feature is the **Rajagopuram**, a 20-story tower, which is one of the tallest of its kind in India. The tower offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding landscape.
### Architecture and Significance
The temple architecture blends traditional and modern styles. The Murudeshwar Temple is built in the **Dravidian architectural style**, characterized by its ornate carvings, towering spires (shikharas), and intricate sculptures. The sanctum sanctorum houses the **Atmalinga** or the Shiva Linga, which is the most revered part of the temple. Unlike most temples where the Linga is housed within a closed sanctum, the Murudeshwar Linga is open to view, symbolizing Lord Shiva's cosmic power.
- **The Role of the Atmalinga**: Pilgrims come to the temple to pay homage to the **Atmalinga**, which is believed to have extraordinary powers. It is said that anyone who worships here will be blessed with peace, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles.
- **Scenic Location**: The temple is situated on a small hillock surrounded by the sea, which adds to its charm. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, and the temple complex has been designed to take full advantage of the natural surroundings.
### Religious Practices and FestivalS