Main Info
Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore
Overview
The Chanumdeshwari temple holds a special place of significance in Hindu mythology and thus has a deep reverence amongst its worshippers. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga. Here, the goddess is especially worshipped because of the specific story associated with the temple. It is believed that the goddess killed a gigantic demon by the name of Maheshasur at this place and restored divinity, peace and righteousness through her actions.
The temple is considered as a Shakti Peeth and is one of the 18 shakti peeths which are of significant importance for all Hindus. Therefore, it has an unmatched sacredness and aura attached to it. The temple is situated atop a height of 1000 ft on the Chamundi hills. Due to its height, the place is not very crowded and is visited only by those people who have deep admiration, loyalty and devotion towards their deity.
The temple can be reached through a huge sequence of steps or by road through a whirlwind path. The temple pays homage to their deity in the form of huge statues of Goddess Durga which is offered fruits, etc. by the priests and the worshippers.
The entire path for reaching the temple is filled with huge statues. The temple also has a statue of Nandi who is referred to as the biggest devotee of Lord Shiva. Goddess Durga is a form of Goddess Parvati who is the wife of Lord Shiva.
In Hindu mythology, Nandi is showcased as an epitome of devotional practice and thus finds a place in this temple.
More on Chamundeshwari Temple
History of Chamundeshwari Temple
Throughout history, this temple has gained the interest of many emperors and kings in the town of Mysore. Ancient history is replete with examples of the divinity of Goddess Durga. Thus, people automatically ended up having deep respect and interest in this temple.
Various dynasties and empires such as the Maharajas of Mysore, the Wodeyars, Hoysala, Vijaynagar and other Mysore rulers, made some developments to this temple at different stages.
The flight of 1000 steps, which allows one to reach the top of the hill on foot was also a part of one of these development processes. These steps ended up becoming an important part of this temple and a symbol of devotion.
Thus, the Chamundeshwari Temple is a symbol of love, devotion and compassion.
The architecture of Chamundeshwari Temple
The entire architecture of the temple is built with decency and grandeur at the same time. It has a quadrangular structure and is built in Dravidian style. There is a seven stage pyramidal tower which is adorned by seven golden kalashes at the top. These Kalash hold a special significance. The internals of the temple contains various halls including the main doorway, entrance, Navranga Hall,AntharalaManthapa, Sanctum sanctorum and Prakara.
The temple is embellished with various portraits and pictures of the goddess. Also, the footsteps of Goddess Durga adorn the internals of one of the main hall.
It is believed that Goddess Parvati, whose one form is Goddess Durga, had an extreme love for his son Ganesha. In fact, as the legends say, Goddess Parvati made Lord Ganesha with her own hands and felt a sense of compassion and deep love on being in the vicinity of him.
Therefore, a statue of Lord Ganesha adorns the temple giving respect to her feelings and for worshipping the first prayed Lord of Hindu mythology.
Attractions near chamundeshwari temple
The Chamundeshwari temple is surrounded by a lot of other devotional places and temples including the Mahabaladri and Narayanaswami temples. Also, there are other huge statues of Nandi and Lord Ganesha near the temple.
The Lalitha palace near the temple is another major attraction. This place was visited by the royal families during their stays on the hills, especially during the reigns of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.
Later also, this palace was accustomed to royal families and thus provided you with some antique scenes and architecture to look at. The temple provides a bird’s eye view of the entire city of Mysore. That is why the kings of Mysore, along with their royal families, frequented this palace.
Chamundeshwari Temple Timings
The temple remains open during the timings of 7:30 AM- 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM- 6:00 P.M. and 7:30 PM- 9:00 PM. You can Darshan the divine feminine goddess also witness the auspicious Pooja during these timings.
Also, you can take part in the holy Abhisheka ceremony every day from 6:00 AM- 7:30 AM while on Fridays’, the same can be witnessed from 5:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
The priests are very particular about their timings and prefer to make their offerings to the goddess at the appropriate times without any unnecessary delay.
Also, the temple offers Bhandara or free meals without any discrimination. All the devotees visiting this temple can take the prasadam in the form of these meals from 12:30 PM- 2:30 PM.
Best time to visit Chamundeshwari Temple
While the temple is a beauty throughout the year, it holds special significance during the months of September- October. During these times, the festivals of Dusshera and Diwali are celebrated, which brings a lot ofcandour and festivity in the atmosphere. Also, a lot of devotees come here at this time.
However, if you wish to take the world-class view of the city of Mysore and spend some time of tranquillity; you can visit the temple during any season. However, extreme summer months should be avoided. Also, in non-winter months, visit during dusk or dawn for a pleasant experience.
Tips for visiting Chamundeshwari Temple
Use of plastic is strictly prohibited in this area. Help the authorities to maintain the sanctity of this area and do not carry any plastic stuff.
How to reach Chamundeshwari Temple
KSRTC offers seamless bus facilities to Chamundeshwari Temple, and the frequency is as good as the availability of buses every 20 minutes. Also, the temple is 13 kilometers away from the Mysore junction railway station. You can also take auto rickshaws. The drive up the hill takes 30 minutes.
