The Bhu-Kailasa cave at Murudeshwara

The visit to Murudeshwara after longer gap turned out be rejuvenating. On arrival, we headed straight towards the Shiva Statue for couple of reasons.

(i) The temple entrance was crowded

(ii) The parking place beneath was full.

The temple majesty and the landscape is something lures visitors pan India. The temple premises bounded by the splendid ocean at west and Western Ghats at east is rejoicing for every nature lover especially during Monsoon season.

We reached the Shiva Statue after climbing required stairs. As we reached, the Bhu-Kailasa cave attracted us at first glimpse. We paid the required entrance fees which Rs.10/- for adults and Rs.5/- for children (less than 10yrs). The artificial cave which is constructed right beneath Shiva Statue, is well lit and air conditioned. The casts are neatly maintained and neatly painted. The audio though not audible due to crowd, also narrates the Bhu-Kailasa story eternally. We finished the cave journey in 15 minutes with excitement. Even though artificial and man-made, a sense of devotion blooms when you traverse through the cave.

Severe Penance by Ravana to propitiate Lord Shiva. He begins to cut one by one.

Shri Narada seeks Ganesha's help to stop Ravana from carrying Atmalinga to Lanka

It is well known story that Lord Ganesha disguised as Brahman offered Ravana to hold the Shiva's atmalinga for a while till Ravana completes the Sandhyavandan. 

The Atmalinga once installed over ground cannot be withdrawn. Ravana pleaded the boy not to install the Linga on ground. The Brahman boy upon calling 3 times, installed the Atmalinga which is Gokarna location now.

Ravana hit Brahmachari hard on his head.

The ravaged Ravana tried to lift the Atmalinga with full energy which finally split into five pieces and fell over different locations as below. Gokarna also has the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha whose deeds helped to prevent Atmalinga migration to Lanka. 

(i) Gokarna (where actual installation was done)

(ii) Murudeshwara

(iii) Dhareshwara (nearby Kumta)

(iv) Gunavanteshwara (near Idagunji)

(v) Sajjeshwara

The 5 splits of Shiva's Atmalinga fell on above divine locations. All of these divine locations are within radius of 60kms. We saw the arch of Gunavanteshwara temple while returning from Idagunji, however could not visit due to time constraints. I wish to visit all of these places simultaneously which is known as Pancha-Kshetra Darshana

OM NAMO BHAGAVATHE RUDRAYA