Sri Murudeshwara Shiva temple

The Murudeshwar Temple in the town of Murudeshwar in the Bhatkal Taluk of North Karnataka has the world's second largest Shiva statue. The temple is sprawled on the Kanduka Hill and is surrounded by Arabian Sea on three sides. At 123 foot, the Murudeshwar, another name for Shiva, was built over a period of two years. The origin of the name "Murdeshwar" dates to the time of Ramayana. The Hindu gods attained immortality and invincibility by worshiping a divine Linga called the Atma-Linga. The Lanka King Ravana wanted to attain immortality by obtaining the Atma-Linga. Since the Atma-Linga belonged to Shiva, Ravana worshipped Shiva with devotion. Pleased by his prayers, Shiva appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. Ravana asked for the Atma-Linga. Shiva agreed to give him the boon on the condition that it should never be placed on the ground before he reaches Lanka. If the Atma-Linga was ever placed on the ground, it would be impossible to move it. Having obtained his boon, Ravana started back on his journey to Lanka.