Chamundi Hills Mahabaleshwar Temple – Karnataka

Address

Chamundi Hill, Chamundi Hill Rd,

Vijay Nagar, Mysuru,

Karnataka 570010

Moolavar

Mahabaleshwar

Introduction

Mahabaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Chamundi Hills near Mysuru City in Mysuru District of Karnataka. The Mahalingeshvara Temple is located to the south of the renowned Chamundeshwari Temple. It’s important to note that the Mahalingeshvara Temple predates the Chamundeshwari Temple, making it an older place of worship in the area. The temple is located on a hill in the vicinity of Mysore and is accessed through a motor able road. There are buses available to the temple from all parts of the Mysore City.

Puranic Significance

The Mahalingeshvara Temple has a rich history dating back to the 8th century CE when it was originally built by the Ganga Kings. Subsequently, it underwent extensive renovations carried out by the Hoysala kings. King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty is credited with expanding the temple, and it is believed that the Hoysalas added the Ardha Mantapa and Nava Ranga to its architectural features. Additionally, the bronze idols discovered within the temple are believed to date back to the Chola period.

Over time, the temple’s significance waned as the Mysore Kings began to patronize the Chamundi temple. In its earlier days, the hill on which the temple is situated was known as Mahabaladri (Mahabala Thirtha), named after Lord Mahabaleshwar of this temple. The more recent name, “Chamundi Hills,” emerged later.

Special Features

The Mahalingeshvara Temple is a remarkable fusion of architectural styles, incorporating elements from the Cholas, Hoysalas, and Gangas. Its inner sanctum, known as the Sanctum Sanctorum, consists of the Sanctum itself, an Ardha Mandapa, and a Navaranga. The Ardha Mandapa and Navaranga feature intricately crafted lathe-turned pillars characteristic of Hoysala architecture. The presiding deity of the temple is called Mahabaleshwar, and the deity is enshrined in the form of a Linga. This Linga is a Mukha Linga, with the face of Lord Shiva intricately carved onto it. Adjacent to the Shiva Linga, on the left side, there is an idol of Mother Parvati.

Facing the sanctum is the sacred Nandi, the bull associated with Lord Shiva. Surrounding the sanctum walls, you can find niche idols of Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, and Mahishasuramardhini. Chandikeswara is also present in his customary location. Within the temple premises, there are idols and shrines dedicated to various deities and figures, including the Sapta Matrikas, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, Lord Nataraja along with his consort Sivakami, various Lingas, Lord Bhairava, Lord Indra, Bikshadana, and Lord Brahma.

References

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/mahabaleshwar-temple-chamundi-hills-karnataka.html