Murudeshwar Temple Trust — Pilgrim Information Guide

Murudeshwar Temple, on the Arabian Sea coast at Bhatkal in Karnataka, is best known for its 123-foot Shiva statue — one of the tallest images of Lord Shiva in the world — and its towering 20-storey Raja Gopura fitted with a lift that carries visitors up for a panoramic view. The temple honours Sri Mridesa Linga (Murudeshwara), believed to be a fragment of the mythical Atma Linga. The grand modern structures — the statue and the gopura — were financed by the businessman and philanthropist R. N. Shetty, and the wider complex is associated with his trust’s contributions. This guide covers the temple’s story, darshan and lift timings, how to reach it, and practical tips, all drawn from published sources.

Where is Murudeshwar Temple?

The temple sits on Kanduka Hill (Kandukagiri) in the town of Murudeshwar, in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. The hill juts into the Arabian Sea, so the temple is surrounded by water on three sides — a setting that gives the giant Shiva statue its famous seaside backdrop. Murudeshwar lies on the Konkan coast between Mangalore and Karwar, and is a popular stop for pilgrims and tourists travelling along the western coastline.

The legend: a piece of the Atma Linga

According to the Ramayana-linked legend, the demon king Ravana obtained the powerful Atma Linga from Lord Shiva on the condition that it must not be set down on the ground before reaching Lanka. The gods, wary of Ravana’s growing power, arranged for the linga to be placed on the earth near this coast, where it became fixed. In the struggle to lift it, the covering cloth is said to have been flung to different spots — and Murudeshwar is traditionally identified as one such place. The presiding deity, Sri Mridesa Linga, is believed to be a piece of that original Atma Linga. The linga sits roughly two feet below ground level, and entry into the innermost sanctum is restricted.

The 123-foot Shiva statue

The temple’s most photographed feature is the colossal seated Shiva idol, which stands about 123 feet (roughly 37 metres) tall — among the tallest Shiva statues anywhere. It was sculpted by Kashinath of Shivamogga along with a team of sculptors and was financed by R. N. Shetty at a reported cost of around ₹5 crore (about ₹50 million). The statue took roughly two years to build and was deliberately positioned so that it catches direct sunlight and appears to glow. Visitors are free to view and photograph the statue from the temple grounds; there is no charge to see it.

The 20-storey Raja Gopura and the lift

Completed in 2008, the Raja Gopura is a soaring 20-storey gateway tower — one of the tallest temple gopuras in India. What makes it unusual is the lift (elevator) inside it, which carries visitors high up the tower to a viewing level (commonly cited as around the 18th floor). From the top you get a sweeping 360-degree view of the giant Shiva statue, the temple complex and the Arabian Sea stretching to the horizon. Two life-size stone elephants stand guard at the base of the tower. Riding the gopura lift is one of the main paid experiences at the site; the darshan of the main shrine itself is free.

Darshan, lift timings and charges

The table below summarises commonly published timings and fees. Because temple hours and lift-ticket prices are revised from time to time — and sources differ — treat these as a guide and confirm the current schedule and rate at the temple office or on the temple’s official notices when you arrive.

A free lunch (annadanam) is generally offered to devotees around midday. Availability can vary, so check locally on the day of your visit.

How to reach Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar is well connected by rail and road along the Konkan corridor.

Tips for pilgrims and visitors

• Mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times to visit; the open, sea-facing grounds get hot at midday.
• Dress modestly as it is an active place of worship; follow the temple’s photography and footwear rules near the sanctum.
• Keep small change handy for the gopura lift ticket and any pooja you wish to sponsor.
• Weekends, holidays and the Maha Shivaratri season draw large crowds, and the lift can have long queues — plan for extra time.
• For accommodation, poojas or the official trust’s arrangements, ask at the temple office in person or refer to the temple/trust’s own official notices rather than third-party agents.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Murudeshwar Shiva statue?

It stands about 123 feet (roughly 37 metres) tall, making it one of the tallest Shiva statues in the world. It was financed by R. N. Shetty.

Is there a lift in the Murudeshwar gopura?

Yes. The 20-storey Raja Gopura, completed in 2008, has a lift that takes visitors up to a viewing level (around the 18th floor) for a 360-degree view of the statue and the Arabian Sea.

What is the entry fee for the temple?

There is no entry fee to visit the temple and view the statue. The gopura lift carries a small per-person charge, and special poojas are charged separately.

What are the temple timings?

The temple is generally open in the morning from about 6:00 AM and again in the evening until roughly 8:00–8:30 PM, with a midday break. Confirm exact hours on site, as they are revised periodically.

Who manages and built the Murudeshwar complex?

The landmark statue and the Raja Gopura were funded by the businessman and philanthropist R. N. Shetty, and the complex is associated with his trust’s philanthropic contributions.

Which is the nearest railway station and airport?

Murudeshwar railway station on the Konkan Railway is about 2 km away; the nearest airport is Mangalore, roughly 162 km from the temple.

See also

• Vemulawada Temple VIP Darshan Online Booking Timings Cost
• Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple Vizag VIP Darshan Cost Booking

Sources & last verified (July 2026)

• Wikipedia — Murdeshwar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murdeshwar
• Karnataka.com — About Murdeshwar: https://www.karnataka.com/murdeshwar/about-murdeshwar/
• Yatra — Murudeshwar Temple, timings and how to reach: https://www.yatra.com/utilities/temple/murudeshwar-temple-bhatkal
• Trawell — How to reach Murudeshwar: https://www.trawell.in/karnataka/murudeshwar/how-to-reach

This site is an independent pilgrim guide and is not affiliated with Murudeshwar Temple, the R. N. Shetty Trust, TTD, or any government body. Timings, lift charges and pooja fees can change; please confirm current details at the temple office or on the temple/trust’s official notices before you travel.

Last reviewed: July 7, 2026