Shri Chamundeshwari temple is one of the sacred Ashtadasa Maha Shakti peethas. The Chamundeshwari Temple is a traditional Hindu temple located on the eastern edge of Mysore at the height of 1000ft on the Chamundi hills. It’s called Krouncha Pitham because the region was known in Puranic times as Krouncha Puri.
Chamundi Hill is about 13 kms from Mysore, which is a prominent city in Karnataka State, India. Chamundi Hills is famous not only in India but also abroad. Atop of the hill the famous Sri Chamundeswari Temple. ‘Chamundi’ or ‘Durga’ is the fierce form of ‘Shakti’. She is the slayer of demons, ‘Chanda’ and ‘Munda’ and also ‘Mahishasura’, the buffalow-headed monster.
She is the tutelary deity of the Mysore Maharajas and the presiding deity of Mysore. For several centuries, they have held the Goddess, Chamundeswari, in great reverence.
‘Skanda Purana’ and other ancient texts mention a sacred place called ‘Trimuta Kshetra’ surrounded by eight hills. Lying on the western side is the Chamundi Hills, one among the eight hills. In the earlier days, the Hill was identified as ‘Mahabaladri’ in honour of God Shiva who resides in the ‘Mahabaleswara Temple’. This is the oldest temple on the hills.
In the later days, the hill came to be known as ‘Chamundi Hills’ in honour of the Goddess Chamundi, the chief subject of the ‘Devi Mahathme’. The Goddess is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A large number of devotees from all over the country and from abroad visit the temple every year. They believe that the Goddess fulfills their desires and aspirations.
Chamundi Hills rises to a height of 3,489 feet MSL and is visible from a distance itself while traveling towards Mysore. There is a good motorable road to the top. Besides from Mysore side, there is also a motorable road from its rear side, the Nanjangud side. Bus facilities are available to visit the hills. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular bus services every day for the convenience of pilgrims and others.
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History:
This temple, of great antiquity, has a background of over 1,000 years. It was built as a simple shrine but later gained immense popularity due to the divinity of goddess Durga. It gained a lot of significance after the Maharajas of Mysore, the Wodeyars, came to power in 1399 AD. The credit for major contributions for this temple goes to three dynasties- Hoysala, Vijayanagar and Mysore rulers. Placed on the top of the Chamundi hills, the Chamundeshwari temple is one of the most popular and ancient temples of Mysore. According to history logs, the original shrine was built in the 12th century by the Hoysala rulers, with the towers being built by the Vijayanagar rulers of the 17th century. Further, a flight of one thousand steps was built in 1659 that leads up to the 3000-foot summit of the Chamundi Hill.
Architecture:
The Chamundeshwari temple exhibits a quadrangular structure. It is built in Dravidian style, consisting of the main doorway, entrance, Navaranga Hall, Antharala Mantapa, Sanctum Sanctorum and Prakara. There is a beautiful seven-stage pyramidal tower at the entrance and a small tower on top of the sanctum sanctorum. On the top of the tower placed at the entrance, there are seven golden Kalashas. The tower at the entrance also has a small image of Lord Ganesha on the doorway. The doorway is silver-plated and has the images of the Goddess in different forms. The temple tower (Raja Gopura) was added by Krishna Raja Wodeyar III in 1830.
As one enters inside, on the right-hand side is a small statue of Lord Ganesha. After a few steps; there is a flagstaff, the footprints of the Goddess and a small statue of Nandi, facing the sanctum sanctorum. This temple is of great antiquity and symbolises the crown of Mysore. The Nandi statue is considered to be built by granite and is placed on the 800th step on the hill. It is adorned with metallic bells around its neck and measures about 15 feet high.
Attractions Near Chamundeshwari Temple
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Mahishasura Statue:
Mahishasura statue, holding a snake and a sword welcomes visitors to Chamundi Hills. This scary looking demon was killed by Goddess Durga, to bring relief to the people. Goddess Durga is also referred to as Mahishasura Mardini (Goddess who assassinated Mahishasura)
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Nandi Statue:
On the way to Chamundi Hill visitors can see a large monolithic statue of Nandi, 15 ft in height, 25 ft in width complete with extensive ornaments around the neck, one of the biggest of its kind. Nandi statue is white in colour but often appears black due to oil deposits.
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View Point:
Chamundi Hill offers a bird’s eye view of Mysuru city below.
Darshana and Pooja Timings:
7.30 a.m to 2.00 p.m and 3.30 p.m to 6.00 p.m
Abhisheka Timings :
6 a.m. to 7.30 a.m and 6 p.m to 7.30 p.m | Friday 5 a.m to 6.30 a.m.
Best time to Visit:
Chamundi Hills offer the best panoramic view of the Mysore city during the months of September to October. Although, the weather is quite pleasant throughout the year; the temple is highly flocked during the months of September and October due to festivals of Dussehra and Diwali. The temple can be visited in the dawn as well as at dusk.
How to Reach :
By Air:
At a distance of 160km, Bangalore is the closest airport. Tourists can choose to travel from Bangalore to Chamundi by road or take a train to Mysore.
By Rail:
The closest railway station connecting Chamundi is at Mysore. This is at a distance of merely 13 km.
By Road:
Chamundi Hills is well connected by road to Mysore and Nanjangud. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation runs every 20 minutes. Alternatively, one could hire a taxi or self-drive