Sri Chamundeshwari Temple – Chamundi Hills
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple is about 13 kms from Mysuru, which is a prominent city in Karnataka State, India. Sri Chamundeshwari Temples 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 Mysuru Maharajas and the presiding deity of Mysuru. 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 Sri Chamundeshwari Temples, 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 ‘Sri Chamundeshwari Temples’ 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.
Sri Chamundeshwari Temples rises to a height of 3,489 feet MSL and is visible from a distance itself while traveling towards Mysuru. There is a good motorable road to the top. Besides from Mysuru 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.
A temple of great antiquity with over 1,000 years of background, it was a small shrine initially and assuming importance over the centuries it became a big temple as seen today. It assumed significance after the Mysuru Maharajas, the Wodeyars, came to power in 1399 A.D., great devotees and worshippers of the Devi, Chamundeswari became their home deity and thus assumed religious prominance.
Timings & Other info
- 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.
- KSRTC bus facilities are available every 20 minutes from Mysuru city bus stand to Sri Chamundeshwari Temple.
- Sri Chamundeshwari Temples are declared as NO PLASTIC ZONE. Devotees are requested not to bring the plastic carry bags and not throw the plastic wastes in the hill area.
- Chamundeshwari Temple: Said to have been 1000+ years old, Chamundeshwari Temple featuring Goddess Durga received patronage from all rulers such as Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire and Mysuru Wodeyars. The temple tower (Raja Gopura) was added by Krishna Raja Wodeyar III in 1830.
- 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)
- 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.
- View Point: Chamundi Hill offers a bird’s eye view of Mysuru city below.