Chamundeshwari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga, who is the patron deity of Mysore. The temple is located on the top of Chamundi Hills, about 13 km from the city of Mysore in Karnataka, India. The temple is famous for its ancient history, exquisite architecture and grand festivals. Visit during Mysore One day tour by cab as well as Bangalore to Mysore One day trip by cab
Location of Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundeshwari Temple is located at Chamundi Hill Road, Chamundi Hill, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010. It is about 5 km from the Mysore railway station and 20 km from the Mysore airport. It is situated on the summit of the Chamundi Hills, which offer a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Timing/Entry Fees Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundeshwari Temple is open to visitors from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple or the water tank. However, one has to pay a nominal parking fee for vehicles, which ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 depending on the type of vehicle.
How to Reach Chamundeshwari Temple
There are various modes of transport available to reach Chamundeshwari Temple from different parts of Karnataka and India.
- By air: The nearest airport is Mysore International Airport, which is well connected by flights from major cities in India and abroad. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Chamundeshwari Temple.
- By train: The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction Railway Station, which is well connected by trains from major cities in India. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Chamundeshwari Temple.
- By road: Mysore is well connected by road with other cities and towns in Karnataka and neighboring states. There are regular government and private buses that ply to Chamundeshwari Temple from various places. One can also drive to Chamundeshwari Temple by car or bike.
- By steps: There are two ways to reach the temple by steps. One is by climbing 1008 steps that start from the foot of the hill near Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. Another is by climbing 300 steps that start from halfway up the hill near Nandi statue.
Things to Do/Must See Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundeshwari Temple is a place of religious and cultural interest that offers a lot of things to do and see for the visitors.
- Admire the Dravidian style of architecture of the temple, which has a seven-storey gopuram (tower) with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple also has a silver-plated door with images of goddesses and a golden kalasha (pot) on top of the gopuram.
- Offer prayers at the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, which is about 3 feet high and made of gold. The idol has eight arms and holds various weapons and symbols. The idol is adorned with jewels and flowers and placed in a silver mantapa (canopy).
- Enjoy the view of the water tank behind the temple, which has a natural spring and a mantapa with nine water spouts. The water tank is inhabited by various kinds of fish, which can be fed by the visitors.
- Visit the nearby statue of Nandi (the bull mount of Shiva), which is about 15 feet high and 24 feet long and made of granite. The statue has exquisite bells around its neck and dates back to the 17th century.
- Visit the nearby Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples on the hills. The temple has a Shiva Linga that was installed by sage Agastya.
Nearby Tourist Attractions Chamundeshwari Temple
There are many other tourist attractions near Chamundeshwari Temple that one can explore while visiting Mysore. Some of them are:
- Mysore Palace: A magnificent palace that was the residence of the Wodeyar kings of Mysore. It has a blend of Indo-Saracenic styles of architecture, with domes, arches and turrets. It also has a museum that displays royal artifacts and paintings.
- Brindavan Gardens: A beautiful garden that lies below the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam. It has fountains, terraces, lawns and flower beds. It also has a musical fountain show that is held in the evenings.
- Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens: A well-maintained zoo that houses a variety of animals and birds. It has a safari park, a reptile house, an aviary and an aquarium. It also has a conservation and breeding program for endangered species.
- Jaganmohan Palace: A former royal residence that has been converted into an art gallery. It has a collection of paintings, sculptures, musical instruments and antiques. It also has a hall that hosts cultural events and concerts.
- St Philomena’s Church: A majestic church that is built in the Neo-Gothic style of architecture. It has twin spires that are 175 feet high and can be seen from a distance. It also has stained glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible.
Significance of Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundeshwari Temple is a significant attraction in Mysore for its religious and cultural importance. It is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where the hair of Goddess Sati fell. It is also the place where Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga killed the demon king Mahishasura, who gave the name to Mysore. The temple is a symbol of the power and grace of the goddess, who is worshipped as the mother of Mysore. The temple also hosts the Dasara festival, which is one of the grandest festivals in India, and showcases the art, culture and traditions of Mysore.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Chamundeshwari Temple?
A: The best time to visit Chamundeshwari Temple is during the winter season (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. However, one can visit the temple throughout the year as it remains open on all days.
Q: How long does it take to explore Chamundeshwari Temple?
A: It takes about 1-2 hours to explore Chamundeshwari Temple and its surroundings. One can also spend some more time enjoying the view, cultural programs and events at the temple.
Q: Is photography allowed inside Chamundeshwari Temple?
A: No, photography is not allowed inside Chamundeshwari Temple, except for the Nandi statue. However, photography is allowed outside the temple and in the temple grounds and gardens.
Conclusion
Chamundeshwari Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the religious and cultural beauty of Mysore. It is a temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga, who is the patron deity of Mysore. The temple is located on the top of Chamundi Hills, which offer a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding landscape. The temple is famous for its ancient history, exquisite architecture and grand festivals. Chamundeshwari Temple is a pride of Mysore and a treasure of India
