Shri Chamundeshwari Temple where you will see the idol of a superpowerful demon before the darshan of the gods and goddesses. The temple where Mata Sati’s hair fell, due to which it is considered one of the 18 Maha Shaktipeeths.
This temple of Chamundeshwari Mata is located in the city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka, India. This temple is a Hindu temple situated on the top of Chamundi hill, not far from Mysore city.
Chamundeshwari Devi located in this temple is considered to be the fierce form of Shakti. Mata Chamundeshwari Devi is known as the patron of the King Maharajas of Mysore. The people of Karnataka know Chamundeshwari Mata as Nada Devi, which means the local goddess here.
Situated on the Chamundi hill, this temple is believed to symbolize the killing of the demon Mahishasura by Durga. It is said that the goddess killed Mahishasura at this place and today this Chamundeshwari temple is situated. There is a tall statue of Mahishasura on the Chamundi hill followed by the temple.
Chamundeshwari Temple is considered to be one of the 18 Maha Shaktipeeths. Because according to the beliefs, the hair of Goddess Sati had fallen here. In mythological times, this area was called ‘Krauncha Puri’, that is why this temple is also known as ‘Krauncha Peetham’ in South India. According to the residents, it is said that to protect the Shaktipeeth, Kal Bhairav also always resides here.
‘Skanda Purana’ and other ancient texts mention a sacred place called ‘Trimuta Kshetra’ surrounded by eight hills. Lying on the western side is the Sri Chamundeshwari Temples, one among the eight hills. In the earlier days, the Hill was identified as ‘Mahabaladri’ in honor of God Shiva who resides in the ‘Mahabaleswara Temple’. This is the oldest temple on the hills.
Important Details about Chamundeshwari Temple
Table of Contents
| Name of Temple | Chamundeshwari Temple |
| Deity | Chamundeshwari Devi ( Goddess Durga ) |
| Address | Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hill, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010 |
| Festivals Celebration | Navaratri |
| Darshan and Pooja Timing | 7.30 a.m to 2.00 p.m and 3.30 p.m to 6.00 p.m |
| Abhisheka Timing | 6 a.m. to 7.30 a.m and 6 p.m to 7.30 p.m | Friday 5 a.m to 6.30 a.m. |
| Important Note | Plastic Free Zone ( Do Not use Plastic bags and other Material made of plastic ) |
| Contact Number | +91 08212590127 |
History of Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore
The history of Chamundeshwari Temple is said to have been built by the rulers of the Hoysala dynasty in the 12th century. But later due to the popularity of the goddess located in the temple, in 1399 AD, Maharaja Wodeyar of Mysore expanded this temple.
The credit for the expansion of this temple of Chamundeshwari Mata goes to the three dynasties (the rulers of Hoysalas, Vijayanagara and Mysore) here.
According to ancient records about this temple, the temple was built by the rulers of the Hoysala dynasty, the towers in the temple were built by the Vijayanagara rulers and the temple was expanded by the Mysore rulers.
Religious Significance of Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore
Mother Chamunda, who is prominently described in Devi Mahatmya, is the main deity of this age-old temple. This divine field has been described in Devi Purana and Skanda Purana.
It is said about the religious significance of this temple of Chamundeshwari Mata that Durga Mata killed the demon king Mahishasura on the top of this Chamundi hill.
At the time when Mata killed this demon, Mahishasura ruled this entire region, and this entire region was known as Mahisharu (place of Mahisha). Later, when the British came under the rule of this country, the British changed the name of this country to Mysore.
According to a legend, Mahishasura had a boon from Brahma that he would be killed only by a woman. Apart from this, no one else could harm him. After getting the boon, Mahishasura started torturing the gods and sages. Due to this, the deities worshiped Mahashakti Bhagwati to get rid of Mahishasura.
Pleased with the prayers of the deities, Goddess Bhagwati assured them of deliverance from the atrocities of Mahishasura. After this there was a fierce battle between Goddess Bhagwati and Mahishasura. The goddess killed all the demonic army and finally cut off the head of Mahishasura. This form of the goddess was given the name of Chamunda.
The idol of the Goddess installed in the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple is made of pure gold. The temple building is seven storeys with a total height of 40 meters. Behind the main temple there is also a small Shiva temple dedicated to Mahabaleshwar which is more than 1000 years old. A panoramic view of Mysore is visible from the top of the mountain.
The people here believe that the people of Mysore city are blessed by Maa Chamunda. It is because of his blessings that the city of Mysore is moving ahead on the path of progress in every century. In the tableau taken out on the occasion of Dussehra of Mysore, only the replica of Mother Chamunda is seated on the palanquin instead of the king.
Thousands of devotees from all over the country reach every day for the darshan of Chamunda Devi. By the way, during Navratri, there is more crowd in the temple.
Accommodation facility is available in Dharamshala for the convenience of the devotees on Chamunda hill. There is also an operation of a food area where you can take food.
Architecture of Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore
The Chamundeshwari temple is built according to the Dravidian style. A beautiful seven-step pyramidal tower, seven golden urns and a small idol of Lord Ganesha have been installed at the entrance of the temple. The idol of the mother is seated in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, and a tower has been built above the sanctum. The granite idols of Lord Ganesha and Nandi the bull are also seated in the temple premises. This temple is built in the top of the mountain, to reach there one has to climb about 800 steps.
The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. A large statue of Mahishasura is installed even before entering the temple. In which the demon has a sword in one hand and a huge snake in the other. Apart from this, when one goes to the temple via stairs, a huge Nandi statue is installed on the way.
This 15 feet high Nandi has been constructed from a single stone. The Navrang Hall, Antar Mandapa and Prakar are the major parts of the temple. The Vimanam has been constructed on the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, on which 7 golden urns are installed on the top.
The main festival of the temple is Navratri. Celebrated twice a year, during this festival, the number of devotees reaching the temple reaches into lakhs. Apart from this, the number of devotees also increases on Friday of the month of Ashadh.
Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore opening hours
- Chamundeshwari Temple remains open from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
- The timing of worship in the temple in the morning is from 6:00 am to 7:30 am and in the evening from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
- In the middle of this time, devotees can visit the temple at any time, and food is also served in the form of prasad to the devotees in the temple daily from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Places to visit near chamundeshwari temple mysore
Some of the major places to visit around Chamundeshwari Temple are given below.
1- Mahishasura Statue
The colorful statue of demon Mahishasura is one of the most visited places in the city of Mysore. This idol is situated in Chamundi hills itself. In this idol, Mahishasura is shown holding a serpent in the left hand and a sword in the right hand. It is said that this idol was made during the reign of Dodda Devraj Wodeyar. When stairs were built on the hills to go to the temple of the mother.
2- Shree Dodda Nandi Temple
The monolithic idol of Nandi located in the Shri Dodda Nandi Temple is the main attraction of tourism here. This statue is the third largest Nandi idol in India, and is located at a distance of about 13 km from the city of Mysore in the Chamundi hills. This idol is known for its religious significance, as it is mentioned in many holy Hindu scriptures.
3- Lalita Mahal Palace
The Lalita Mahal Palace in Mysore is one of the most attractive heritage houses here. This palace is one of the most luxurious hotels in India. Lalita Mahal Palace is located about 11 km away from the city of Mysore. It is situated in a picturesque garden at the bottom of Chamundi hills. The palace was built in 1921 AD by the then Maharaja of Mysore to host the stay of the Viceroy of India.
4- Regional Museum of Natural History of Mysore
This regional museum of Mysore was built on 20 May 1995. This museum is maintained by the Department of Environment and Forests, Government of India. It is a non-formal environmental education centre. In which galleries and exhibitions are done to create awareness among the public about the conservation of nature, environment and wildlife.
5- Mysore Zoo
This zoo is spread over an area of about 245 acres in the city of Mysore. Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Southern India. More than 160 species of wild animals and birds are found in this zoo. It was constructed in the year 1892 AD. This zoo is located near Karanji Lake, just 1 km away from Mysore Palace.
How to reach Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore?
- To reach Chamundeshwari temple by air, one can reach Kempegowda International Airport from Bangalore via taxi or bus. The distance from the airport to the temple is approximately 219 kms.
- To reach Chamundeshwari temple by rail, one can reach the temple complex by auto taxi or taxi from Mysore Junction. The distance of the temple from the railway station is about 13 kilometers.
- To reach Chamundeshwari temple by road, one can reach the temple premises via Transport Corporation buses, private buses and taxis from any city in the state of Karnataka.