Chamundi Hill, also known as Chamunda Betta, is a hill and a pilgrimage site located near the city of Mysore, Karnataka, India. The hill is named after Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga, who is the patron deity of Mysore and who is believed to have killed the demon Mahishasura on this hill. The hill also has a statue of Mahishasura, who was the king of Mysore according to a legend. The hill offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings and has many attractions for the visitors. Visit during Mysore Local sightseeing as well as Bangalore to Mysore One day trip by cab
Location of Chamundi Hill & Mahishasur Statue
Chamundi Hill is located at Chamundi Hill Road, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010. It is about 13 km from the Mysore railway station and 20 km from the Mysore airport. It is situated on the eastern edge of the city and has an average elevation of 1,060 metres (3,480 ft).
Timing/Entry Fees Chamundi Hill & Mahishasur Statue
Chamundi Hill is open to visitors from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting the hill or the temple. 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 Chamundi Hill & Mahishasur Statue
There are various modes of transport available to reach Chamundi Hill 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 Chamundi Hill.
- 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 Chamundi Hill.
- 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 Chamundi Hill from various places. One can also drive to Chamundi Hill by car or bike.
- By steps: One can also reach Chamundi Hill by climbing a series of 1,008 stone steps that lead to the summit. The steps were built in 1659 by Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar, the king of Mysore. The steps are steep and challenging but offer a scenic and spiritual experience.
Things to Do/Must See Chamundi Hill & Mahishasur Statue
Chamundi Hill is a place of religious and cultural interest that offers a lot of things to do and see for the visitors.
- Offer prayers at the Chamundeshwari Temple, which is located atop the hill. The temple was built in the 12th century by Hoysala rulers and renovated in the 17th century by Wodeyar kings. The temple has a quadrangular structure with a seven-tiered gopuram (tower) at the entrance. The temple houses a statue of Chamundeshwari, who is seated with her right heel pressed against the lowest of the seven chakras (energy centers). This posture is said to provide an added dimensional view of the universe.
- Admire the statue of Mahishasura, which is located near the temple. The statue depicts Mahishasura holding a sword in his right hand and a cobra in his left hand. According to a legend, Mahishasura was born to an asura (demon) king and a human princess and had the power to change his form at will. He became invincible after obtaining a boon from Lord Brahma that he could be killed only by a woman. He then waged war against gods and humans and conquered heaven and earth. To stop his tyranny, Goddess Shakti took the form of Chamundeshwari and killed him on this hill after a fierce battle.
- Enjoy the view of the city and its landmarks from the hilltop. The hill offers a panoramic view of Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Jagmohan Palace, St. Philomena’s Church, Karanji Lake and other attractions of Mysore.
- Visit the Nandi Statue, which is located halfway up the hill. The statue is carved out of a single piece of black granite and measures 4.9 m (16 ft) in height and 7.6 m (25 ft) in length. It is one of the largest statues of Nandi (the bull mount of Lord Shiva) in India and was built in 1659 by Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar.
- Participate in the various events and festivals that are celebrated on the hill. Some of the major events are the Chamundi Jayanti (the birthday of Chamundeshwari), the Navratri (the nine nights of worship of Goddess Durga), the Dasara (the tenth day of victory of good over evil) and the Rathotsava (the chariot festival).
Nearby Tourist Attractions Chamundi Hill & Mahishasur Statue
There are many other tourist attractions near Chamundi Hill 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.
- Lalitha Mahal Palace: A palace and a heritage hotel that showcases the Renaissance style of architecture, the royal furniture, paintings, chandeliers, carpets, mirrors and other artifacts. It was built in 1921 by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV for the exclusive stay of the Viceroy of India and the European guests of the royal family.
- Jagmohan Palace: A palace and an art gallery that showcases the royal artifacts, paintings, sculptures and musical instruments of various schools and periods of Indian art. The palace also hosts various cultural programs and events that reflect the traditions and values of Mysore.
- 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 Chamundi Hill & Mahishasur Statue
Chamundi Hill is a significant attraction in Mysore for its religious and cultural importance. It is named after Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga, who is the patron deity of Mysore and who is believed to have killed the demon Mahishasura on this hill. The hill also has a statue of Mahishasura, who was the king of Mysore according to a legend. The hill is a symbol of the victory of good over evil and the faith and devotion of the people of Mysore.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Chamundi Hill?
A: The best time to visit Chamundi Hill is during the winter season (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. However, one can visit the hill throughout the year as it remains open on all days.
Q: How long does it take to explore Chamundi Hill?
A: It takes about 2-3 hours to explore Chamundi Hill and its surroundings. One can also spend some more time enjoying the temple, statue, view and events at the hill.
Q: Is photography allowed on Chamundi Hill?
A: Yes, photography is allowed on Chamundi Hill, but one should respect the beauty and sanctity of the place and avoid using flash or disturbing the prayers. One should also follow the rules and regulations of the hill and temple and avoid littering or feeding the monkeys.
Conclusion
Chamundi Hill is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the religious and cultural beauty of Mysore. It is a hill and a pilgrimage site that showcases the Chamundeshwari Temple, the Mahishasura Statue, the Nandi Statue and the panoramic view of the city. It is also a place that offers various events and festivals that celebrate the faith and culture of the people of Mysore. Chamundi Hill is a pride of Mysore and a treasure of India.
