Murdeshwar

Murdeshwar, is a village in Karanataka. It stands on the banks of the Arabian Sea and is considered the abode of Lord Shiva. Surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea, the famous Murdeshwar temple attracts people from far and wide. Nature has bestowed Murdeshwar with lush greenery. It is breathtaking to watch the waves lash the shore. Fishing is a common occupation and sea food is a delicacy in the region.
The temple looks similar to the one at the Vivekananda Rock in Kanyakumari. The carvings on the temple are marvelous. The scene depicting Ravana bringing the Atmalinga of Lord Shiva from Kailasha is a masterpiece. A tower in the temple premises has the story carved on it. The foundation stone, towers and pillars have dimensions in multiples of six. The glory of Murdeshwar exists in the story that Ravana, King of Lanka, after his penance at Kailasha asked Lord Shiva for a boon.
Lord Shiva told Ravana to make a wish and Ravana asked for the ‘Atmalinga’. In order to keep his promise, Lord Shiva had to grant Ravana his wish. However he put the condition that the Atmalinga was not to be kept on the ground at any cost. Fearful that Ravana would misuse the boon, all the Gods sought Lord Ganapathi’s help. Disguised as a shepherd Lord Ganapathi appeared before Ravana, who requested him to hold the Shivalinga till he (Ravana) returned after paying obeisance to God. Lord Ganapathi waited patiently for a while and then placed the linga on the ground at Gokarna.
Furious over this, Ravana tried to move the linga with al his might but in vain. He threw the cloth and thread of the linga in frustration. The sacred cloth fell over the Kanduka Hill and assumed the form of the Mrideshwar Linga.
Mrideshwar is an island. When Lord Maheshwara reached Murdeshwar he saw his own self in the linga. Since the linga stood without a pedestal, Lord Shiva summoned all the Gods and made Vishwakarma build a pedestal for it.
The trampling of the sacred cloth by Ravana is called ‘Mrida’. This was transformed into a linga. Thus the Shivalinga is called ‘Mrideshwara’. Mrida also means ‘happiness’. Shiva thus blessed this abode and it has ever since been known as a place of happiness. Mrideshwara is now known as Murdeshwar.