On the coast of Karnataka lies the tranquil temple town of Murudeshwar.
Silvery sands contrast the Sahayadri mountains backdrop. Coconut trees sway beside rows of colourful fishing boats. Murudeshwar is another name of Shiva.
Predominantly a fisherman’s village, this town is made famous by the gigantic statue of Shiva that towers benevolently over everything around it.
At 123 ft, it is the world’s second-tallest Shiva statue, the tallest being in Nepal.
This one is designed in a way that it catches the sunlight and appears to sparkle.
The enormous structure, with its peaceful expression, casts a spell of peace and serenity over worshippers and tourists alike.
On top of a hillock and surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides, the idol is part of a temple complex that houses a 500-year old Shiva temple.
Two life-sized concrete elephants stand guard at the steps leading to the temple.
The temple embodies a Shivalinga, and has many carvings, inscriptions and statues that date back a few centuries.
Walking up the hillock, there is a shrine of Jattiga seated on a horse. A 20-storied Gopura is constructed in the complex. At 249 feet, Raja Gopura is the tallest in the world. Besides the temple, there are numerous sculptures on Kanduka hill.
Beneath the statue is a cavern with life-size sculptures, depicting the story of Murudeshwar through a sound and light show. For children and others not particularly interested in religion or history, there is a wavepool and waterpark on the hillock. Around the temple are several stalls and shops selling touristy clothes, hats, handicrafts and paraphernalia. Indulge in some tasty chaat or coconut water to quench your thirst after climbing the steps to the temple. Mahashivratri is the biggest festival celebrated in Murudeshwar. During this time, thousands of people descend upon the small town in bus loads, to worship and pray through the night. For the more aquatically-inclined, Murudeshwar has recently become a hotspot for snorkellers and scuba divers. Netrani island, or Pigeon island, lies 10 nautical miles from Murudeshwar, and can be reached by local boat.
This is a small coral island. Divers who plunge into the bluegreen waters can expect to see butterfly fish, triggerfish, napoleon wrasses, barracudas, parrotfish, and eels. There is even a sunken statue of a goddess at one of the sites.
Alternatively, you can see rusted canon shell casings on the seabed, as the Indian Navy uses one of the smaller islands around Netrani for target practice.
Many operators from Goa organise weekend dive trips to Netrani, as aquatic life here is abundant, and the water is clearer than Goa.
There you have it: history and fun packaged together. What more could you ask for in a holiday location?
Fact File
How to reach: Murudeshwar is located some 500 km from Bangalore, 180 km from Mangalore.
How to go: Trains on the Konkan railway’s Mumbai-Goa-Mangalore route stop at Murudeshwar railway station.
Private deluxe bus service is also available from Bangalore to Murudeshwar (500 km) up to Honnavar, which is nearly 20 km away from Murudeshar.
More details on www.murudeshwar.org Where to stay: Naveen Hotels www.naveenhotels.com Best time to visit: December-January
