Murudeshwar Temple is a popular pilgrimage site in the Indian state of Karnataka, located in the town of Murudeshwar in Uttara Kannada district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the most ancient temples in the region.

According to legend, the temple was built on the site where Lord Shiva appeared before Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Ravana was a devout follower of Lord Shiva and wanted to take him to Lanka. Lord Shiva appeared before Ravana at this spot and gave him an Atmalinga, a powerful lingam that represents the divine essence of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva instructed Ravana to take the Atmalinga to Lanka, but on the condition that it should not be placed on the ground until it reaches its final destination. If it were to be placed on the ground, it would remain there forever.

Ravana, eager to take the Atmalinga to Lanka, decided to perform his evening prayers on the way. Lord Ganesha, in the guise of a young Brahmin boy, appeared before Ravana and offered to hold the Atmalinga while he performed his prayers. Ravana agreed and handed over the Atmalinga to the boy, but the boy placed the Atmalinga on the ground, making it impossible for Ravana to move it.

This enraged Ravana, and he tried to uproot the lingam from the ground, breaking it into several pieces. The pieces of the Atmalinga fell at different places across India, and the one that fell in Murudeshwar is believed to have given rise to the temple.

The temple we see today was built in the 16th century by a local chieftain named Tuluva King. Later, the temple was renovated and expanded by several rulers, including the Vijayanagara Empire, the Keladi Nayakas, and the Wadiyar dynasty.

Today, the Murudeshwar Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva, who come here to offer prayers and seek blessings. Remember, when you are on Karnataka Tour must visit this temple.. The temple complex also includes a 20-storied Gopura, the second-tallest Gopura in the world, and a 123-feet-tall statue of Lord Shiva, which is a major attraction for visitors.