Chamundeshwari Temple

Chamundeshwari Temple is the Abode of the presiding deity of Mysore Goddess Chamundeshwari. The Devi shrine is situated on top of Chamundi Hill, originally known as Mahabalagiri, at an altitude 1073 feet, commanding a panoramic view of the city below.

Devi Chamundi is the tutelary Goddess of the Wodeyar kings, who lavished gifts on the temple. A sculptured gopura, constructed by Krishnaraja Wodeyar (1794-1868), adorns the entrance to the shrine. In the sanctum, the Goddess is worshipped as Mahishasuramardhini. Atop the hill, there is a life-size statue of demon Mahishasura, whom the Devi is believed to have vanquished at this spot. Shrines dedicated to lord Shiva as Mahabaleshwara andlord Vishnu as Lakshmi Narayana are situated near the Chamundi temple.

The summit of Chamundi Hill is about 13 km from Mysore city. The 20 minute drive uphill negotiating hairpin bends proves to be an interesting experience. From the metro bus station, buses ply to the hill with a frequency of 10 15 minutes. One can also reach the temple by climbing a thousand steps. Mid way through the steps, pilgrims worship a beautifully sculptured monolithic Nandi (Lord Shivas mount), about 5 meters high and 7.6 meters long. Consecrated during the reign of Dodda Devaraja (1659-1672), this Nandi is equal in importance to those at the Sri Brihadeeshwara temple at Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu) and Sri Veerabhadra shrine at Lepakshi (Andhra Pradesh).

Markandeya Ashram and Jwalamukhi Tripurasundari shrine are situated on the southern slope of the hill en route to Nanjangud. Theerthas Deva Ganga and Pathala Vahini are sacred waters on the hills.

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