Chamundeshwari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the palace city of Mysuru/Mysore in the state of Karnataka in India.
This Temple is considered one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and is known by the name of Krouncha Pitham. It is believed that the hair of Goddess Sati fell at the site where the present day temple stands.
It is named after the Chamundeshwari; the site was known as Krouncha Puri during the Puranic times. The deity is seated on a lion with a trident in her hand, which is pierced into the demon Mahisasura. The buffalo lies in the body of the asur.
There is also a Kalbhairab temple within the temple complex, dedicated to Kalbhairab, another incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Kalbhairab temple also features a huge granite statue of Nandi, the Vahana of Lord Shiva. With a height of 15 feet and length of 24 feet, this idol is adorned with bells.
History of Chamundeshwari Temple:-
It is believed that demon Mahisasura tortured the people of Mysore and hence the goddess rose to her power to destroy the evil forces and relieve the people. The temple had been built almost 1000 years ago and was the home deity of the monarchs of Wodeyars.
The place where the temple is located was known as Trimuta Kshetra, meaning a place surrounded by eight hills. The Chamunda Hill lies at the western part of the group. It is believed that Lord Shiva used to reside at the Mahabaleshwar temple and hence this hill was named as Mahabaladri.
The deity of Devi Chamundeshwari is in a seated posture with eight shoulders, known as Ashta Bhujas. This deity is considered to be very old, being established by sage Markandeya.
It is believed that when Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was blessed by the Goddess Chamunda, he decided to build the beautiful Gopura in 1827 AD. He also gifted a Simha Vahana, that is, the vehicle of the goddess along with other animal vehicles to the temple.
The proof that the temple was revamped by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III lies within the temple complex. There is a large 6 feet statue of the king in religious apparel along with his three wives, Ramavilasa, Lakshmivilasa and Krishnavilasa within the shrine.
Architecture of Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore is the perfect combination of architectural beauty, serene surroundings and religious sentiments. The main temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and has a quadrangular structure. The temple consists of an impressive seven-tier tower known as ‘gopuram’ or ‘gopura’ and an equally imposing entrance which is known as ‘dwara’.
Apart from these, the temple also comprises Navaranga Hall, Antharala Mantapa and Prakara as well as a small tower atop the sanctum sanctorum called ‘vimana’.
Quick Facts:-
- Address: Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hill, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Altitude: 3300 Ft above sea level
- Architecture: Dravidian Style
- Deity Worshiped: Chamundeshwari(Chamunda)
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Photography: Inside temple premises not allowed
- Time For Darshan: 1- 2 hours hardly
- Temple Timings: 7.30 AM to 2.00 PM and 3.30 PM to 6.00 PM and 7:30 PM – 9 PM
- Festivals: Navratri, Rathothsava Festival, Theppothsava Festival
- Best Time To Visit: September to February
Also Read: ABOUT VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE HAMPI
Pooja Timings
Abhisheka Timings: 6 am to 7.30 am in the morning and from 6 pm to 7.30 pm in the evening on all days except Fridays.
On Fridays, the timing is from 5 am to 6.30 am.
Astonishing Facts about Chamundeshwari Temple
- The temple also offers free meals blessed by the Chamundeshwari Devi of Mysore, known as Dasoha, for all the devotees daily from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
- It is believed that Goddess Chamunda, the slyer of demon Mahisarsura and Chanda, Munda fulfills all the wishes of the devotees.
- The Chamundeshwari Temple is also important due to the small footprints of the goddess that is found within it, along with a flagstaff.
- Thousands of devotees gather at the Chamundeshwari Temple to witness the pious celebration of Theppothsava, which means the floating festival. The festival takes place in the night and the deity of Devi Chamundeshwari is taken round the Devi Tank on a boat. As lights fall on the crystalline waters of the tank, a magical environment is created.
How To Reach Chamundeshwari Temple?
By Air
The nearest Airport is Mysore Airport (MYQ) which is about 15 KM from the temple. Taxi service are easily available at the airport.
By Rail
Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station to the Chamundeshwari Temple which is about 13 KM from the temple. auto-rickshaws, cabs, and buses available for your next part of the journey to the Temple.
By Road
Though located at an elevation, the Chamundeshwari Temple is connected with a proper motorable road. There are buses available to the Temple from all parts of the Mysore city. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plies buses to the temple every day with a time gap of 30 minutes from the City Bus Stand.
Where To Stay?
SPOT ON 77346 H K Residency
Find your perfect stay with Spot On 77346 H K Residency in Mysore. Located 3 km from Mysore Palace and 3 km from Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, the hotel provides the perfect location for any traveler looking to explore this historical city
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