Coastal Karnataka

The Mahabaleshwar temple is located in Gokarna, a sacred pilgrimage site in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. One of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka, Gokarna is also known for its idyllic beaches and serene landscape. The Mahabaleshwar Shiva temple is regarded to be next in sanctity only to the Vishwanath Siva Temple in Varanasi and is often called the Dakshina Kashi.

The Mahabaleshwar temple enshrines the Aatma Lingam of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the holy Lingam was given by Shiva to King Ravana to make his kingdom an invincible fortress. Varuna and Ganesha tricked Ravana into placing the Lingam here and in spite of the might exerted by Ravana (Maha Bala) the Lingam remained rooted to the ground.

The six foot tall Shiva Lingam, enclosed in a square Saligrama Peetham, can be seen only once in 40 years, when the Ashta bandana Kumbhahishekam is performed. It is customary here to have a dip in the sea and then worship a Shivalingam made out of sand, before worshipping at the temple. Maha Sivaratri is of great significance in this shrine located in idyllic surroundings.

Shiva ( Mahabaleshwar ) temple at Gokarn

Shiva Idol in Murdeshwar

World's tallest Siva idol Few people have ever heard of a place called Murudeshwar. Even in India it seems to be little known which is both a shame and a fortune for the little town on the northern coast of Karnataka.It lacks these typical crowds of tourists, its beach is not paved with colourful bath towels and its people fortunately haven't learned yet how to exploit unsuspecting visitors.Instead, Murudeshwar offers you endless walks on the beach, a refreshing breeze carrying the pure smell of the sea and an atmosphere that belongs to something between a turbulent village and a drowsy town.

Deshpande ,Vashta and Patil on Murdeswar sea shore

Murudeshwar
Murudeshwar is located at west coast of

India

. To visit West coast districts of Karnataka, one can proceed from Bangalore to Mangalore (National Highway 48) and proceed towards North direction. Murudeshwar is in the district of North Karnataka. People visiting Kollur can visit this place as it is nearer. Murudeswara is 55 Kms away from Kollur out of which 20 Kms is highway road. Famous Eswara temple with huge Lord Shiva statue is situated at this place. This temple is located at the beach. People can visit nearer islands through private ferries. Lodges are available at Rs500/- onwards for family accommodation (5 members).