Chamundeshwari Temple is about 13 km from the city of Mysore in Karnataka. It is located on the western top of Chamundi Hill. In earlier days, the hill was identified as ‘Mahabaladri’ in the honor of God Shiva who resides in the ‘Mahabaleshwar Temple’ the oldest temple. In the later days, the hill came to be known as ‘Chamundi Hills’. Temple is named after Goddess Durga, the ferocious form of Shakti. The temple is considered as a Shakti Peetha and one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peeths. The origin of Shakti Peethas is linked to the mythology of Daksha Yaga and Sati’s self immolation.

Shakti Peethas are divine seat of Shakti, when lord Shiva carried the Sati Devi body parts with sorrow. There are 51 Shakti Peeths. It is said that the Hair of Sati Devi fell here, the Shakti is addressed as Chamundeshwari Devi.

The crowning glory of Mysore, Chamundi hills is a charming natural beauty. In the forest, there are variety of trees, birds and animals. Its surroundings are illuminated during the time of Dussherra and other occasions.

History

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, originally built in 12th Century by the Hoysala rulers while its tower was probably built by the Vijayanagar rulers of the 17th Century. In 1659, a flight of 1000 steps was built leading up to the 3000 foot from the pinnacle of the hill, located on one of the eight sacred hills of southern India. Chamundi hills rises to a height of 3,489 ft and is visible from a distance while travelling towards Mysore.

Architecture

There is a huge statue of Nandi carved in granite on the 800th step on the hill in front of a small Shiva temple a short distance away, black in color because of regular anointing with oil and other sacred waters. Nandi’s statue is 15 feet high and 24 feet long and around its neck are exquisite bells.

The temple has a seven storey tall Gopura decorated with intricate carvings. The deity of goddess is made of gold and the temple doors are of silver. As one passes through the major gate, on the right side there is a small statue of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The Mysore Maharajas have made a number of precious gifts to their family deity. In the front of the room, there is a striking 6-foot statue of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, standing with folded hands in the religious clothes with his three wives. Maharaja Krishnaraja repaired the temple in 1827 and built the enormous tower in it. He also gifted the temple a large wooden chariot known as Simha Vahana, used during the Rathutsava.

On top of the chamber is a small tower or Vimana, visible from outside the temple.

Best Time to Visit the Temple

Mysore has a cool and warm throughout the year. The winters are cool and summers are tolerable. Mysore gets most of rain during June to September.

October to February is the best time to visit this palace because weather is cool and temperature dips by 10 degree C. Mostly people visit this temple during the time of Dussherra, the victory of good over evil. A procession takes place at the Mysore palace ground wherein the gold idol the goddess Chamundi Devi is taken on a elephant. The Vedas are chanted in the temple and various music performances held. After Dussherra, a Rathutsav is conducted during the Jathra, an annual festival on top of the hill. This is followed by Theppotsava held in night. It attracts thousands of devotees during this festival season.

Entrance Fees

No Entry Fees.

How to Reach

By Road

KSRTC bus facilities are available after every 20 minutes from Mysore city bus stand to Chamundi hill.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Chamundeshwari temple is Mysore Jn train station which is 5 Km away from the Chamundeshwari temple.

By Air

The nearest airport to Chamundeshwari temple is Mysore airport, which is 3 km away from the temple.