Located 12 km from Mysuru, the Chamundi Hills is home to the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the Mysuru Royal Family. Built in the Dravidian style architecture, the 17th-century Chamundeshwari temple with a richly-attired image of the deity also has a huge statue of Mahishasura near the entrance. An older Ganga-era Mahabaleshwara Temple is also located on the hilltop.
According to the legends, the Goddess defeated the demon king Mahishasura, on this hill. Halfway up the hill, you can also see the monolithic Nandi, believed to be one among the largest in the country.
To see:
- Chamundeshwari Temple: Said to have been 1000+ years old, Chamundeshwari Temple featuring Goddess Durga received patronage from all rulers such as Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire and Mysuru Wodeyars. The temple tower (Raja Gopura) was added by Krishna Raja Wodeyar III in 1830.
- Mahishasura Statue: Mahishasura statue, holding a snake and a sword welcomes visitors to Chamundi Hills. This scary looking demon was killed by Goddess Durga, to bring relief to the people. Goddess Durga is also referred to as Mahishasura Mardini (Goddess who assassinated Mahishasura)
- Nandi Statue: On the way to Chamundi Hill visitors can see a large monolithic statue of Nandi, 15 ft in height, 25 ft in width complete with extensive ornaments around the neck, one of the biggest of its kind. Nandi statue is white in colour but often appears black due to oil deposits.
- View Point: Chamundi Hill offers a bird’s eye view of Mysuru city below.
Timings to visit Chamundeshwari Temple: Chamundeshwari Temple is open to devotees from 7.30 AM till 2 PM, 3.30 PM till 6 PM and 7.30 PM till 9 PM from Monday till Saturday. On Sundays timing is from 7.30 AM till 6 PM and 7.30 PM till 9 PM.
How to reach Chamundeshwari Temple:
Chamundeshwari Temple is 12 kms from Mysuru and 154 kms from Bengaluru. Mysuru is the nearest airport and railway station. Mysuru is well connected by air, rail and road network. City Buses are available to reach Chamundi Hills from Mysuru. Taxi can also be hired from Mysuru. Chamundi hills can
Places to stay near Chamundeshwari Temple: Dormitory type basic accommodation is available on top of Chamundi Hill. Mysuru city (12 kms away) has more stay options in all budget categories.
Official website: http://chamundeshwaritemple.in/
