Chamundi Hills Mahabaleshwar Temple – Karnataka

Address

Chamundi Hills Mahabaleshwar Temple – Karnataka

Chamundi Hill, Chamundi Hill Rd,

Vijay Nagar, Mysuru,

Karnataka 570010

Moolavar

Mahabaleshwar

Introduction

• Location: Situated on Chamundi Hills, near Mysuru City in Mysuru District, Karnataka. The temple is located to the south of Chamundeshwari Temple, with a motorable road providing access.
• Significance: The Mahalingeshvara Temple predates the Chamundeshwari Temple, making it an ancient place of worship.

Puranic Significance:

• Historical Background:
  • Built in the 8th century CE by the Ganga Kings.
  • The temple was later expanded by the Hoysala Kings, with King Vishnuvardhana adding significant architectural features like the Ardha Mantapa and Nava Ranga.
  • Bronze idols within the temple are believed to date back to the Chola period.
• Name Evolution: The hill was originally known as Mahabaladri (Mahabala Thirtha) after Lord Mahabaleshwar. The name Chamundi Hills became popular later.

Special Features:

• Architectural Fusion: The temple is a mix of architectural styles from the Cholas, Hoysalas, and Gangas.
• Sanctum: The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of:
  • Sanctum itself,
  • Ardha Mandapa,
  • Navaranga (all incorporating Hoysala-style lathe-turned pillars).
• Presiding Deity: The main deity, Mahabaleshwar, is enshrined as a Mukha Linga, with the face of Lord Shiva intricately carved.
  • On the left of the Linga, an idol of Mother Parvati is placed.
• Nandi: A sacred Nandi (bull associated with Lord Shiva) faces the sanctum.
• Niche Idols: Around the sanctum walls are idols of:
  • Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Mahishasuramardhini.
  • Chandikeswara is also in his customary position.
• Other Shrines: The temple complex also includes idols and shrines dedicated to:
  • Sapta Matrikas, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, Lord Nataraja with 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

Century/Period

8th Cenutry

Nearest Bus Station

Chamundi Hills

Nearest Railway Station

Mysore Junction 

Nearest Airport

Mysore

Location on Map

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