Shri Murudeshwara Temple - Divinity meets the sea!

The Murudeshwar Temple is believed to have been originally built by the Kadamba dynasty in the 2nd century CE. It was later renovated by the Vijayanagara rulers in the 16th century. The present-day temple complex was developed by businessman and philanthropist R. N. Shetty. The towering statue of Lord Shiva, which is the main attraction of the temple, was built in 2002. It stands at a height of 123 feet (37 m) and is the second tallest Shiva statue in the world. The statue is made of concrete and is covered in a layer of gold paint. The temple complex also houses a museum that displays various artifacts and sculptures related to Hindu mythology.