Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru
Also known as: சாமுண்டீஸ்வரி கோயில் (மைசூரு) · చాముండేశ్వరి ఆలయం, మైసూరు · चामुंडेश्वरी मंदिर, मैसूरु
Karnataka Devi
The hill temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the state goddess (Nada Devi) of Karnataka. Mysuru Dasara centres on her.
- Deity
- Chamundeshwari (fierce form of Shakti)
- Tradition
- Devi
- Place
- Chamundi Hills, Mysuru
- State
- Karnataka
- Era
- Original shrine thought to be 12th century (Hoysala). Tower probably 17th century (Vijayanagara).
Sthala Puranam
Goddess Durga is believed to have killed the demon king Mahishasura on this hill, which he ruled. The place was later called Mahishooru, which became Mysuru.
Speciality
- Locally called Nada Devi, the 'state goddess'. The image in the sanctum has eight hands.
- Also called Krouncha Pitha. Considered one of the 18 Shakta Pithas, where Sati's hair is said to have fallen.
- A staircase of 1,000 steps was built in 1659. A large granite Nandi stands on the 700th step.
- The original shrine is thought to be from the 12th century (Hoysala). The tower was probably added in the 17th century under Vijayanagara.
Festivals
- Navaratri (the most important)
- Ashada Shukravara
- Ammanavara Vardhanthi
- Chamundi Jayanti
- Mysuru Dasara
How to reach
By airMysuru Airport (small); Bengaluru Airport is about 170 km.
By trainMysuru Junction, about 13 km.
By roadAbout 13 km from Mysuru city. Buses and taxis go up the hill road, or you can climb the 1,000 steps.
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Friday and Navaratri are crowded. Weekday mornings are best.
- Climbing the steps takes time. Carry water and start early.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.