Mysore Chamundeshwari Temple – Karnataka

Address

Mysore Chamundeshwari Temple – Karnataka

Chamundeshwari Temple road, Chamundi Hill,

Mysuru (Mysore),

Karnataka 570010

Amman

Chamundeshwari

Introduction

• Location: Situated on Chamundi Hills, 13 km from Mysuru, Karnataka, at an elevation of about 3300 ft above sea level.
• Deity: Goddess Chamundeshwari, a fierce form of Shakti, revered as Naada Devi, the state Goddess of Karnataka.

Puranic Significance

• Legend of Mahishasura: Believed that Goddess Durga slayed the demon king Mahishasura at this hilltop. The area was initially called Mahishooru, which was later changed to Mysore (Kannadized to Mysuru).
• Historical Timeline:
  • The original shrine is thought to have been built in the 12th century by the Hoysala Dynasty.
  • The temple tower was likely constructed by the Vijayanagara Empire rulers in the 17th century.
  • In 1659, a staircase with 1000 steps was constructed to the summit.
• Major Attractions:
  • Golden Idol of Chamundeshwari: The goddess’s idol is made of solid gold, and the temple gates are made of silver.
  • Nakshatra-Malike Jewel: A jewel containing 30 Sanskrit shlokas inscribed on it.
  • Mahishasura Statue: A 16-foot-high statue of the demon Mahishasura near the temple symbolizes the victory of the goddess over the demon.

Special Features

• Mahishasura Statue: A statue of Mahishasura holding a sword and snake, symbolizing the demon slain by Goddess Durga, also known as Mahishasura Mardini (the slayer of Mahishasura).
• Nandi Statue: A massive 15 ft tall, 24 ft wide monolithic statue of Nandi, Shiva’s bull mount, placed on the way to Chamundi Hill. The statue is often seen as black due to oil deposits around its neck.

Festivals

• Navaratri & Mysuru Dasara: The most significant festival celebrated at Chamundeshwari Temple. Mysuru Dasara is the state festival of Karnataka (Nada Habba). During Navaratri:
  • The goddess’s idol is adorned in 9 different forms known as Navadurgas.
  • On the 7th day, during Kalaratri, valuable jewels donated by the Maharajas are brought from the District Treasury to decorate the idol.

Century/Period

12th century

Managed By

Government of Karnataka

Nearest Bus Station

Chamundi Hill

Nearest Railway Station

Mysore

Nearest Airport

Bangalore

Location on Map

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