Chamundi Hills can be viewed from a distance of about 8 to 10 kms and from all the corners of Mysore City. Chamundeshwari temple is situated on the top of Chamundi hill which is about 3,489 ft. above sea level and located at a distance of 13 kms. from Mysore. The temple is dedicated to Sri Chamundeshwari, the titular deity of the Mysore Royal Family also described as ‘Mahishasura Mardini’for having killed the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura. The temple has a very beautiful idol of the goddess wearing a garland of skulls. Goddess Chamundeshwari, also spelled Chamundeswari is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, Goddess Kali is also referred to as the Goddess Chamundi.Mysore was ruled by the demon-king Mahishasura, he was a buffalo-headed monster. Hence, came the name of this place - Mahishuru, the city of demon Mahisha. Hearing to the prayers of Gods and Goddess to save them from the monster, Goddess Parvathi, (consort of Lord Siva), took birth as Chamundeshwari and killed the monster. After killing the demon, the Goddess resided atop the Chamundi Hills where she is worshiped with reverence and devotion. The goddess is also known as Mahishasura Mardini meaning She who slew Mahishasura.
The Chamundi temple has always been patronised by the rulers of Mysore. In 1659 Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar built 1,000 steps and huge Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull. This colossal Nandi is one of the largest in India, 16 ft. (4.8 meters) tall at the front and 25 ft. (7.5 meters) in length. The magnificent pendent bells around its neck are exquisite. Nandi and the temple beside it are located at the 700th step of the Chamundi Hill. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III repaired the shrine in 1827 and built the present beautiful forty-meter, seven storied Gopura (tower at the entrance) with gold finials, and set up statues of his and his three queens. In 1827, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III made arrangements for festivals and processions and gifted Simhavahana in 1843.There are two other temples dedicated to Lakshmi Narayana Swamy and Mahabaleswara. Sri Mahabaleswara temple - dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Linga, is the oldest temple on the hill. It was built before the beginning of the Hoysala rule. Epigraphical evidences indicate this area as Mabhala or Mabbala theertha and states that Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana has given donations to this temple in 1128 A.D.
The Mahishasura Statue - built in 1659 by Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar and Rajendra Vilas palace - used to be a popular hotel earlier are few other attractions on the hill.
A panoramic view of the city is seen from the top of the Chamundi hills. Among other landmarks, you can see the race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes. At dusk, the view of the city is especially beautiful, and on Sunday evenings and during the Mysore dasara festival, the illuminated Mysore Palace glitters like gold !
The Mahishasura Statue - built in 1659 by Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar and Rajendra Vilas palace - used to be a popular hotel earlier are few other attractions on the hill.
A panoramic view of the city is seen from the top of the Chamundi hills. Among other landmarks, you can see the race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes. At dusk, the view of the city is especially beautiful, and on Sunday evenings and during the Mysore dasara festival, the illuminated Mysore Palace glitters like gold !
| Chamundeshwari Temple Pooja Timings | 07.30 am - 02.00 pm 03.30 pm - 06.00 pm 07.30 pm - 09.00 pm |
|---|---|
| Chamundi Temple Entry Charges | Free |
| Distance From Mysore | 13 kms by road 1000 odd steps from the foot of Chamundi Hills |
| How to Reach From Mysore | Chamundi temple is well connected by road. Mysore City Buses ply regularly from Mysore City |
| Attractions Nearby | Lalitha Mahal Palace | Karanji Lake | Mysore Zoo |
Map data ©2012 Google -
No comments:
Post a Comment