chamundeshwari temple in mysore karnataka
The Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore District of Karnataka is an important Shakti Peetha in India. It is located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the city of Mysore.
Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Chamundi in this temple. She is also known as Mahishasura Mardini for killing the demon Mahisha.
The original shrine is said to have been built in the 12th century by the Hoysala rulers and the tower was built by the Vijayanagar rulers of the 17th century. A flight of 1000 stone steps from the foothills takes you to the temple at a height of more than 3000 ft. However it is also accessible by road.
The temple is a fine quadrangular structure of Dravidian style with a splendid 40 mt high gopura or tower at the entrance. The silver plated doorway has the images of the Goddess in different forms.
The temple came into prominence for being the family deity of the Mysore Maharajas. They held the temple in utmost glory for centuries and have contributed a lot to the growth of the temple.
The Dasara festival which is celebrated in Mysore during Navratri attracts millions of people from all over the world. It is famous for its procession of the elephants and other cultural activities. It is a state festival in the region and gets good support from the Government.
There is huge granite Nandi on the 800th step on the hill in front of a small Shiva temple. This Nandi is over 15 feet high and 24 feet long and has exquisite bells around his neck.
The Chamundeshwari temple has a seven storey tall Gopura decorated with intricate carvings and the deity is said to be made of Gold. There is also a statue of the demon Mahishasura outside the temple.
Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore, Karnataka
Goddess: Chamundi Devi.
Historic Name: Mahabaladri Shikara
Location: Situated south-east of Mysore city, Karnataka, India
Temples: Chamundeswari Temple (400 A.D), Shiva (mahabaleswara) Temple, Nandi
Lake: Devi Kere (which is known as Ganga in purana)
No’ of Steps and Elevation: 1001 steps and 1000 meters
chamundeshwari temple is one of the good tourist place in mysore… visit chamundeshwari temple if you are going to mysore.