India GOMurudeshwar: where it is and what it is famous for
Murudeshwar is a small temple town on the coast of Karnataka, in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district, with its own station on the Konkan Railway. It is famous for one sight: a seated Shiva 37 metres (123 feet) high on a headland with the sea on three sides, and a 20-storey gate tower beside it.
Murudeshwar is in the state of Karnataka (South India).
Shiva statue37m
gopura storeys20On a spit of the Karnataka coast stands one of the world's tallest Shiva statues, gazing out to sea from Kanduka hill. The draw is the jaw-dropping view, and a selfie beside the giant Shiva.
Where Murudeshwar is
Murudeshwar is in the state of Karnataka, South India, on the Arabian Sea coast: Uttara Kannada district, Bhatkal taluk. The temple stands on Kanduka Hill, a headland running into the sea, and the town is strung along the coast road NH-66.
On the map it sits between Gokarna to the north (about 55 km in a straight line, about 78 km by road) and Udupi to the south (about 90 km in a straight line); Goa is about 170 km away in a straight line. The local language is Kannada, and little English is spoken.
Facts about Murudeshwar
What the town is known for, and a few things that are often told wrong.
The statue: 37 m
Often called the second-tallest Shiva statue in the world, which depends on how you count: the 112-metre Viswas Swaroopam in Rajasthan, unveiled in 2022, is now taller, and the 34-metre Adiyogi in Coimbatore is a bust. The statue was funded by the businessman R. N. Shetty and carved by sculptors from Shivamogga led by Kashinath.
The gopura: 20 storeys
The Raja Gopura, the temple's gate tower, was built in 2008 and rises 249 feet by Karnataka Tourism's figure, and has a lift (about ₹10–20) to a viewing floor with the statue and the coast below.
The name and the legend
Ravana was carrying Shiva's Atmalinga to Lanka when Ganesha tricked him into setting it down at Gokarna. Ravana tore at it, and the pieces flew along this coast; the cloth that covered it fell here, and the town is named for it.
Not a Jyotirlinga
Murudeshwar is not one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, though its link to the Atmalinga makes it an important Shiva pilgrimage.
A reef offshore
Netrani Island, about 19 km out, is ringed by one of the very few coral reefs on India's west coast. A CMFRI survey recorded 92 fish species, 26 of them new records for the Indian coast. Landing is not permitted: the navy uses the island as a firing range.
An old port next door
Bhatkal, 16 km south, was the main west-coast port of the Vijayanagara empire; its Khetapai Narayana temple dates from 1546. The town's Nawayath community gave the coast Bhatkali biryani.
What Murudeshwar is not
It is not a beach resort. The beach beside the temple is crowded with buses, pilgrim jeeps and vendors, the waves are strong, and it is not really meant for swimming. The town works best as a stop of a few hours or one night on the coast between Goa and Udupi, built around the temple, the view from the gopura and a boat out to Netrani.
FAQ
Murudeshwar is in which state?
Karnataka, in South India, on the Arabian Sea coast.
Which district is Murudeshwar in?
Uttara Kannada district, Bhatkal taluk.
Why is Murudeshwar famous?
For the 37-metre Shiva statue on a headland above the sea, the 20-storey Raja Gopura beside it, and diving at the Netrani reef offshore.
Is Murudeshwara a Jyotirlinga?
No. It is not one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, but by legend a piece of the Atmalinga's covering fell here.
How far is Murudeshwar from Bangalore by road?
About 500 km, 10–12 hours via NH48 and NH66.
How tall is the Shiva statue in Murudeshwar?
37 metres, or 123 feet.
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
The full catalogue, hidden spots and districts on the map, plus “nearby” mode.
Open in India GO