Description
According to the Hindu mythological beliefs, there are three deities who are considered to be the supreme powers. They are, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer of the world, a deity whose anger is feared by all devotees. It is believed that when lord Shiva opens his third eye, there is destruction in the world, to rid it of all the sins and evils that have crossed their permissible limits. However, Lord Shiva is also quite easily satisfied. Simplicity and pure devotion appeases the deity and makes him quite benevolent.The usual form in which Lord Shiva is worshipped is the Shivalinga. Most temples of the deity manifest the lord in this form. The Murudeshwara Shiva Temple- Murudeshwara, Coastal Karnataka is a famous Shiva temple which is situated along the coast of the Arabian Sea. Here too, the lord is seen in the form of a Shivaling.
History
The Murudeshwar temple has a rich religious history associated with it. It was common practice amongst the Hindu gods to achieve immortality by worshipping the 'atma-linga' which belonged to Shiva. The Asura king, Ravana, also the king of lanka, in a quest for immortality decided to worship Shiva devotedly. His prayers and his persistence in his devotion pleased the lord Shiva and he decided to grant Ravana a boon of Ravana's choice. Ravana then asked for the custody of the 'atma-linga'. Being bound by his words, Shiva agreed to give him the linga on the condition that Ravana should not set down the linga anywhere on his return journey to Lanka, till he reached his destination.Having thus, obtained the linga, Ravana started on his journey homeward, realizing the grave possibility of Ravana obtaining immortality, Narada approached lord Ganesh to help regain the linga from Ravana's custody. Ganesha planned to trick Ravana. He took the form of a Brahmin boy and with his wit and with the help of Lord Vishnu, made Ravana set the linga down on the ground. Enraged by this, Ravana attempted to destroy the linga. The cloth covering the Linga fell on Kantuk Hill where the Murudeshwar temple stands.
Importance/Significance
The entire story behind the temple's significance is depicted in a cave below the idol of Shiva. A recent Gopura structure has been constructed over the original temple place to protect and preserve the site.
Facts/Mythology
Murudeshwar is situated in the Bhatkal taluk of the state of Karnataka. The town is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. The famous Murudeshwar temple is present in this town. The town shares its name with lord Shiva and this, points to the mythological relationship of the place with lord Shiva. The town also features the second tallest Shiva statue in the world. This is located near the temple itself.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The temple throngs with devotees of Lord Shiva and it is a major tourist attraction as well. The original linga is in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, embedded two feet below the ground level and the rituals are performed by the priests standing on the threshold. The linga is illuminated using big oil lamps. The Murudeshwara Shiva Temple evokes a great sense of faith and contentment in the heart of all Shiva devotees who visit it.
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