Temple Description

The name “Murdeshwar” originates from the Ramayana. The demon king Ravana sought immortality by obtaining the Atma-Linga, a divine object belonging to Shiva. Shiva agreed to grant Ravana’s wish under the condition that he must not place the Atma-Linga on the ground until he reached Lanka. Lord Vishnu, fearing the Atma-Linga could grant Ravana immense power, asked Ganesha to prevent him from reaching Lanka.

As Ravana neared Gokarna, Ganesha, disguised as a Brahmin boy, tricked him by creating the illusion of dusk. Ravana, unable to perform his evening rituals while holding the Atma-Linga, asked Ganesha to hold it temporarily. Ganesha agreed, but under the condition that he would place the Linga on the ground if Ravana didn’t return within three calls. When Ravana did return, Ganesha had already set the Linga down.

Vishnu then lifted his illusion, revealing daylight. Realizing he had been deceived, Ravana attempted to destroy the Atma-Linga. Pieces of it fell in various locations: one in Surathkal, leading to the Sadashiva temple, and others in Sajjeshwar, Guneshwar (Gunavanthe), and Dhareshwar. The final piece landed in Kanduka Hill, which is now called Murdeshwar.