There are many temples in Mysore and the surrounding Mysuru region, with the Chamundeshwari Temple being one of the main highlights. This revered temple attracts countless devotees and visitors, showcasing the rich spiritual heritage of the area. Shri Chamundeshwari Temple history is inextricably linked with the history of Mysore or Mysuru. The city derives its very name from the legend associated with the temple.
The influence of the Chamundeshwari temple and its deity has extended over the city and its inhabitants, from time immemorial. Historically, the temple is believed to be more than a thousand years old, however, the sanctity of the place and the legend associated with it go way back in time.
It is believed that a small temple existed atop Chamundi Hill as far back as 2,000 years ago. The temple is mentioned in the Skanda Purana, and other Hindu ancient texts, where it has been referred to as Trimuta Kshetra.
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Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore – Historical Insights And Shri Chamundeshwari Temple Guide
Chamundi Hill known locally as Chamundi Betta, and the Chamundeshwari temple on its summit, triggered a wave of childhood memories as the bus wound its way up the twisting road leading to the top of Chamundi Hill in Mysore. We were visiting Chamundi Hill as part of a group of travel content creators in the Discover Mysuru programme, an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Bengaluru Office.
Memories of looking up in awe at the Mysore Chamundeshwari betta which twinkled with its many lights at night, a grand beacon to the city of Mysuru that lay at its feet. Recollection of climbing the 1000-odd Chamundi hill steps that led to the Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore came back hauntingly. Images of a giant Nandi statue, and a massive Mahishasura, sprung to mind of their own accord.
In this post about Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore, we dive deep into Shri Chamundeshwari Temple history and also cover relevant topics including the legends associated with the temple, the dress code for visiting Chamundeshwari Temple, how to get to Chamundeshwari temple, the best time to visit Chamundeshwari temple, and much more. Keep reading for an immersive experience of the divine Chamundeshwari temple of Mysore, Karnataka.
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple – Sacred Shakti Peetha
The Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas that are mentioned in the Ashta Dasha Shakti Peetha Stotram, of Adi Shankaracharya. These 18 Shakti Peethas are known as Astadasha Maha Shakti Pithas. Shakti Peethas are the sacred places where various parts of Sati fell, when Lord Shiva carrying the body of Sati on his shoulder, did the Tandav dance.
It is believed that the hair of Sati fell at the spot where the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple stands today. The Chamundeshwari temple Shakti Pitha is known as Krouncha Pitham. The Sri Chamundeshwari Temple is the fourth in the list of the 18 Shakti Peethas mentioned by Adi Shankaracharya in the Ashta Dasha Shakti Peetha Stotram. The 18 Shakti Peethas mentioned in the Ashta Dasha Shakti Peetha Stotram are:
- Shankari Temple, Sri Lanka
- Kamakshi Temple, Kanchipuram
- Shrinkala Temple, West Bengal
- Shri Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru
- Jogulamba Devi Temple, Telangana
- Brahmaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
- Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur
- Renuka Temple, Maharashtra
- Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
- Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh
- Ma Biraja Temple, Jajpur
- Bhimeshwara Temple, Andhra Pradesh
- Kamakhya Temple, Assam
- Alopi Devi Mandir, Uttar Pradesh
- Jwalamukhi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
- Mangla Gauri Temple, Bihar
- Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi
- Sharada Peeth, PoK
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple History And The Wodeyars | Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore History
Though the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple’s history dates back thousands of years and finds mention in the Puranas, in terms of history, it is believed that the earliest temple was built by the Hoysalas sometime in the 12th century, and later the Vijayanagara Kings enhanced it. Historically, the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple’s history came into the limelight with the advent of the Wadiyars of Mysuru in 1399 AD.
Yaduraya, a young lad believed to hail from Dwarka in Gujarat, had strange visions that spurred him on towards Mahisuru (Present day Mysuru), along with his brother Krishnaraya. The divine vision that he had was that of Chamundeshwari Devi, who was urging him to head towards the Mahabala mountains. With the blessings of Sri Chamundeshwari Devi, in 1399, Yaduraya ascended the throne of Mysuru as the first of the Wodeyar Kings. Sri Chamundeshwari Devi, atop the Chamundi Hill, became the family deity of the Wadiyars, as it was her divine intervention, that pulled the young Yaduraya towards Mahisuru and his destiny.
The Mysuru Maharajas, the Wodeyars, adopted Sri Chamundeshwari as their tutelary deity, after which the temple never looked back. The Wodeyars renovated the temple and added infrastructure in the form of steps to make it more accessible. They also made changes in the temple rituals. They introduced Brahmin priests, well-versed in Agama Shastra to take care of the worship of Sri Chamundeshwari.
In 1827 AD, Krishnaraja Wodyar III made major enhancements to the temple, including the building of the beautiful Gopuram at the entrance. He also endowed the temple with the Simha Vahana and other chariots as well as jewellery, which are used even today during ritual processions and festive occasions like the famed Mysuru Dasara.
In 1610, Raja Wodeyar I started a celebration to commemorate the killing of Mahishasura by Sri Chamundi Devi, and this evolved into the grand Mysuru Dasara that we know today. He took inspiration from the Dasara celebrations of the Vijayanagara Kings in Hampi.
Shri Chamundeshwari Temple History, Legends, and Myths
Chamundeshwari is locally also known as, “Nada Devi,” which means State Goddess, an obvious reference to her being the tutelary deity of the Wodeyar kingdom. The central legend associated with Sri Chamundeshwari is found in the Devi Mahatmya which is in itself a part of the Markandeya Purana.
Mahishasura was a demon who ruled over the city of Mahishooru, he was a tyrant and inflicted untold suffering on his subjects. He was vanquished in battle by Sri Chamundeshwari. The legend comes alive atop the Chamundi Hill, as you stand in the Garbagriha of the famous Sri Chamundeshwari temple or in front of the statue of the towering Mahishasura.
Visiting Sri Chamundeshwari Temple | Chamundi Temple Steps | Road To Chamundi Temple
At one time, the Chamundeshwari Temple was almost inaccessible and entailed great difficulty in reaching it. It was in 1664 AD, that Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar, also known as Dodda Kempadevaraja, the thirteenth Maharajah of the Kingdom of Mysore, got a thousand steps built to the temple. This time we traveled by bus and had a special darshan of Sri Chamundeshwari, at close quarters in the sanctum.
As it was a Friday, we were also blessed to see the Goddess being taken in procession around the temple on a palanquin, a very humbling sight indeed. We also visited the statue of Mahishasura and Nandi atop the Chamundi Hills in Mysore.
Mysore Chamundeshwari Temple Timings
The darshan timings at the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru is from 7.30 AM to 2.00 PM and then again from 3.30 PM to 6.00 PM.
The Abhisheka timings are from 6.00 AM to &.30 AM and 6.00 PM to 7.30 PM at Shri Chamundeshwari Temple. On Fridays, the morning Abhisheka is from 5.30 AM to 6.30 AM. Chamundeshwari Temple abhishekam online booking can be done.
Chamundi Temple Timings Sunday
On Sundays, the timings are from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and again from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Chamundi Temple Online Seva Booking
You can easily book online services for Chamundi Temple, including sevas and special entry tickets. For more information and to make your reservations, please visit the website.
Chamundi Temple Special Entry Fee
Visitors to the temple can purchase a special entry ticket. The special entry fee provides a more seamless experience, allowing visitors to bypass long lines. Additionally, those who pay the fee can enjoy a complimentary laddu outside the temple.
Shri Chamundeshwari Temple Festivals And Sevas
The Chamundeshwari Temple comes alive in spiritual fervour during the festivals that are celebrated here. The main festivals are Navaratri and Dasara. During Navratri, the idol of Sri Chamundeshwari is decorated in 9 different ways on the 9 days to depict the 9 aspects of Shakti. On the 7th day, which is dedicated to Shakti as Kalaratri, precious jewels from the royal family of Mysore, are used to decorate the Mother Goddess.
Here are some festivals and sevas celebrated at Chamundi Hills in Mysore, Karnataka:
Dasoha
Every day, free meals are offered to devotees at specific times: 7:30 AM to 10 AM for breakfast, 12 PM to 3:30 PM for lunch, and 7:30 PM to 9 PM for dinner. This initiative ensures that all visitors can enjoy a nourishing meal while visiting the temple.
Ashada Puja
The month of Ashadha, which falls between July and August, is considered auspicious for various rituals but inauspicious for family functions. During this time, the celebration of goddess Chamundeshwari, known as Vardanthi, takes place with grand festivities, including the Pallaki Utsava, Deepotsava, and Durbar Utsava. These vibrant celebrations culminate in the magnificent Brahmotsava, where devotees joyfully pull a colourful, flower-adorned chariot carrying the Utsavamoorti, the golden idol of the deity.
Chandika Homa
This sacred service is performed at the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, allowing devotees to partake in spiritual rituals aimed at invoking blessings and purification.
Dasara
The festival of Dasara is celebrated with immense grandeur at Chamundi Hills, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The festivities include a series of events such as processions, cultural performances, and rituals dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari. The highlight is the Mysore Dasara procession, where the idol of the goddess is paraded through the streets in a beautifully decorated chariot, accompanied by traditional music, dance, and vibrant floats.
The event has deep historical roots, particularly associated with the Wodeyar dynasty, which has played a significant role in promoting and preserving the festival. The royal family, especially during the reign of Maharaja Wodeyar, actively participated in the celebrations, enhancing its grandeur. The temple and the city are adorned with lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors. Devotees come together to offer prayers, seek blessings, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Mysore during this auspicious time, reflecting the traditions upheld by the Wodeyar kings.
Draping Saree Seva
One of the important sevas offered to the Goddess Chamundeshwari is in the form of draping a silk saree. This seva can be booked online, and a pure silk saree of 6 metres in length has to be handed over to the temple authorities, 5 days before the seva date.
Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore Dress Code
Although there is no formal dress code at the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore, Karnataka, it is advisable for visitors to dress modestly. This generally involves covering your shoulders and knees as a mark of respect for the sacred space. Embracing this practice enhances the spiritual atmosphere and shows appreciation for the local customs.
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Photos
Best Time To Visit Shri Chamundeshwari Temple
The Sri Chamundeshwari temple is a Shakti Peeth and is surrounded by divine energy. It can be visited at any time of the year. However, if you want to experience a festival atmosphere, visiting the temple around Dasara time would be a wonderful experience.
How To Get To Shri Chamundeshwari Temple Mysuru
Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore Distances:
- Mysuru Airport is about 14 kilometres from Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
- The Bengaluru to Mysuru distance is about 144 kilometres
- The distance from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru to Mysuru is about 186 kilometres
- FlyBus is available from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru to Mysuru
If you are planning a trip to Mysuru and wish to have a darshan at Shri Chamundeshwari Temple, you can book your flight to Mysuru or Bengaluru right here through Cleartrip or Makemytrip or CheapAir or Priceline .
Buses From Mysore to Chamundi Hill
The Chamundeshwari temple is about 13 kilometres from the city of Mysuru. Public buses ply every 20 minutes from the Mysuru City Bus Stand to Chamundi Hill. You can also use private transport to reach the temple.
Where To Stay While Visiting Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
There are a range of options available for staying in Mysuru, depending on your preference and budget.
You can book your hotel in Mysore or anywhere in India right here through any of the below options, at the location of your choice here – TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or makemytrip or goibibo or Booking.com or HotelsCombined or Agoda and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.
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Chamundeshwari Temple History & Temple Guide FAQ
What is the significance of the name Chamundeshwari?
Chamundeshwari is thus called as she is the slayer of the demons Chanda and Munda.
What is the Chamundeshwari story of Chamundi Hill?
It is believed that Chamundi Devi killed the demon king Mahishasura on this hill, and the city of Mysore was then known as Mahisooru.
Is Shri Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill, a Shaktipeeth?
Yes, Shri Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru, is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas described by Adi Shankaracharya.
Which part of Sati fell in Chamundi Hill where the Shri Chamundeshwari Temple is located?
The Hair of Sati is believed to have fallen where the Shri Chamundeshwari Temple is located in Mysuru.
Why is the Shri Chamundeshwari Temple also known as Krouncha Pitha?
In ancient times, the place was known as Krouncha Puri, and hence the Sri Chamundeshwari Shakti Peetha is also referred to as Krouncha Pitha.
We left the divine abode of Shri Chamundeshwari Temple, but not before gazing up at the Mahishasura Statue that stands in front of the temple. An eternal reminder of the fact that Good always triumphs over evil. Filled with bliss and positive energy, we made our way back to Mysuru City, which was getting ready for the grand Dasara celebrations, for which it is known globally.
Reading this post and looking at the Shri Chamundeshwari temple photos, do you feel inspired to visit? The intricate architecture and breathtaking views from the hilltop truly capture the essence of this sacred site. Have you been to Chamundi Hill and the Shri Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru? If yes, do let us know about your experience at Shri Chamundeshwari Temple in the comments section. If you have not been to the Shri Chamundeshwari Temple, do plan a visit to Mysuru soon, and experience the magic of this charming city and also experience the beauty and spirituality of the Shri Chamundeshwari Temple for yourself!
Visit Mysuru. Welcome to Mysuru Dasara!!
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Such a beautifully detailed post! Your insights into the history and spiritual significance of Chamundeshwari Temple are truly captivating. This has definitely inspired me to plan a visit soon!
I visited Mysore this year, and seeing the Chamundeshwari Temple in person was such a special experience. Knowing the deep connection between the temple and the city makes it feel even more meaningful. The way you’ve shared the history here adds so much depth to what I saw during my trip. Thanks for sharing.
For travelling, I always enjoy reading your post it gives complete details of the place with history and how to travel, we don’t have to look for any other information elsewhere.
The chamundi temple at Mysore is one of the most famous pilgrimage spots in the south. I visited the temple last year and the vibe was so calming and divine. I read through the history from your post which was very detailed containing information what every tourist would love to know
The Chamundeshwari Temple’s rich history and spiritual significance are truly captivating. Your detailed post beautifully captures the essence of this sacred site. Can’t wait to visit Mysore for this sacred place.