Goddess Chamundeshwari temple, is the most renowned shrines, situated in Mysore. This temple is not, only famous in India but, also abroad. Nestled on the pinnacle of Chamundi Hill, this temple is located 13kms, from the city of Mysore. Goddess Chamundeshwari or Goddess Durga Devi, is the Kula Devatha or tutelary deity, of the Maharajas of Mysore, and the presiding divinity or the Naada Devi of Mysore.
This religious place dates, back to the 12th century, and this ancient temple, is said to have been, established, in a Dravidian style of architecture, by the Kings of the Hoysala Dynasty. It is also believed, that the Gopuram of this temple, has been built by, the Vijayanagara Empire, in the 17th century. In 1659, a stairway of one thousand steps was, constructed by the ruler Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar. This was built, for clambering uphill.
The elevation, of Chamundi Hill, is 300ft. In the temple premises, you can find an effigy, of Lord Nandi, and this colossal granite Nandi statue is, placed in the 700th step. You can even get to see, an ethereal bell, around its neck.
The Gopuram, or the Vimana Gopuram, of this age-old temple, is so big, you can even see it from, a long distance. This temple comprises, a sanctorium, Navaranga Hall, Antharala Mantapa, and Prakara. The original, shrine was small. However, with the help of Mysore Maharajas, this temple was expanded. It is also said, that animal sacrifices used to take place here, which were banned in, the 18th century. During that time, this temple was under, the control of the Mysore Emperors.
In 1827, King Krishnaraja Wodeyar III renovated the temple. It was during his regime, the entrance to, this temple was erected. He even presented a lion idol, as the Goddess Durga Devi’s vehicle is a lion, i.e. “Simha-Vahana.” To commemorate, the offerings bestowed by Emperor Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, his statue, along with the effigies of his three wives – Queen Ramavilasa, Queen Lakshmivilasa, and Queen Krishnavilasa has been installed, at the entrance of this, pilgrim place. You can, as well, spot a small Ganesha idol, there.
There are two more temples, at the hill, dedicated to the Lakshmi Narayana Swamy and Mahabaleswara. Sri Mahabaleshwara temple is said to be, the oldest temple on the hill. It is also said, visiting this temple washes away, all the sins of the devotees. Amongst the prominent, statues in this temple, the Mahishasura statue is the famous one. According to a legend, the area where the Goddess Chamundeshwari Devi temple, is situated belonged to the demon Mahishasura.
According to folklore, Mahishasura was a mighty demon. To become immortal, he did a rigorous penance to please, Lord Brahma Deva. Pleased by his bhakti, Lord Brahma Deva asked, Mahishasura as to, what boon did he want from him? When Mahishasura, told he wanted immortality, this stunned Lord Brahma Deva. So, he asked Mahishasura to reconsider, his wish. This time, Mahishasura asked, if ever he gets killed, his slayer should not be, either a man or a god, and wishes to be slain by a woman. Hence, Brahma Deva agreed, to grant this boon, and disappeared.
Therefore, he thought himself to be invincible, as no woman could kill him and tortured, as well as harmed many people, destroying several houses, in the melee. So, to put an end to this, all the Devas prayed Goddess Durga Devi, to save them, from this unruly demon. Nevertheless, to stop Mahishasura, from creating many more havoc situations, Goddess Durga Devi, killed him. From then on, this Goddess was called “Mahishasuramardhini.”
As per another story, Goddess Durga, as well killed the dangerous demon duos, Chanda and Munda, she came, to be also known as Goddess “Chamundeshwari Devi.” Earlier, the hill used, to be called, Mahabaladri. Goddess Chamundeshwari temple is a perfect combination of architectural beauty, with the devotion of firm, beliefs and religious sentiments.
Timings – 07.30 AM- 02.00 PM; 03.30 PM- 06.00 PM and 07.30 PM – 09.00 PM. For those who are interested in attending the pooja, visiting during these hours is ideal. The abhishekam timings are 6. 00 A.M to 7.30 AM and 6.00 PM to 7.30 PM in evenings. On Friday it is from 5 AM to 6.30 AM. Every day, free meals are also organized for devotees from 12.30 PM to 2.30 PM.
Address – Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hill, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010
