Photo: Wikipedia "Chamundeshwari Temple" — CC-licensed via Wikimedia CommonsOpen NowChamundeshwari Temple
Type
Hindu Temple
Deity
Goddess Chamundeshwari
Pincode
570010
A hilltop shrine atop Chamundi Hills overlooking Mysuru, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the fierce form of Durga said to have slain the buffalo-demon Mahishasura nearby. A giant statue of the demon stands near the temple, and the thousand-step stone stairway up the hill passes a monolithic Nandi bull carved from a single rock.
History & Significance
Significance
Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills (1,065 m) overlooking Mysuru is one of the most powerful Shakti shrines in South India. The presiding goddess, Chamundeshwari (Durga), is the tutelary deity of the Mysore royal family and the city of Mysuru takes its name from Mahishasura, the demon she slew on this hill. The Mysuru Dasara festival, which centres on this goddess, is one of the most grand royal festivals in India.
History
The temple's history spans over 1,000 years, though the current structure dates primarily to the 12th century CE with additions from the Hoysala and Wodeyar periods. The Mysore Maharajas (Wodeyar dynasty) were the greatest patrons of this temple — the 7-storey gopuram was built by the Mysore king Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in 1827 CE. The Maharajas of Mysore perform the annual Dasara puja to the goddess, a tradition maintained even after Indian independence.
The demon Mahishasura terrorised heaven and earth, and the gods combined their powers to create the goddess Chamundeshwari (a form of Durga). She battled Mahishasura for nine days and on the tenth day (Vijayadasami), she slew him atop this hill. The hill is named 'Chamundi Hill' after her, and Mysuru (Mysore) is named 'Mahishur' — the city of Mahishasura — in his memory. A large statue of Mahishasura with a golden sword stands at the base of the hill.
Architecture
The temple is built in the Dravidian style with a 7-storey gopuram (tower) adorned with colourful sculptures. The sanctum houses the magnificent golden idol of Chamundeshwari adorned in silk and gold ornaments. A large Nandi statue (Sri Nandi) along the 1,000-step path is a notable landmark. The hilltop offers panoramic views of Mysuru city, the Mysore Palace, and the Kaveri plains.
Nearby Temples
Closest temples by distance — worth combining into the same trip.
