Chamundeshwari devi, Mysore (Karnataka)
One of the 18 major Shakti Peethas is The Chamundeshwari of Mysore.It is also known by the name Krouncha Pitha as in the ancient times it was called Krouncha Puri. As per the legend the hair of Sati fell at the place where Chamundeshwari devi temple is.
The Chamundeshwari Temple is located on the top of the Chamundi Hills, approximately 13 km from the main city of Mysore and is situated on top of Chamunda hill at an height of about 3300 feet. Chamundeshwari Devi is called the Naada Devi, meaning Goddess of the state (of Karnataka) an She has been the presiding family Goddess of the royal family of Mysore for ages.
The temple is an imposing seven tier temple tower (known as Gopuram) and there are seven shining golden kalashas (sacred urns) placed on top of the temple. The architecture of the in the Dravidian style and of a quadrangular shape.
According to the archaeological department of India the original temple was built in the 12th century by the kings of the Hoysala Dynasty and its tower was built by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 17th century. A one thousand steps staircase going to the top of the hill was built In 1659. Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar 3 of the Mysore empire renovated the temple in 1827 A.D. The temple is also famous for many images of Nandi(the bull) and there is a very big granite Nandi in front of a Shiva temple on the 700th step. It is 15 feet high, 24 feet and one of the largest Nandi status in India.
It is said that Devi Durga killed Mahishasura on the top of this hill. As this place ruled by the demon king Mahuishasura it was originally known as Mahishooru meaning Place of Mahisha. During the British time it became and in 2005 changed to Mysuru. Chamundeshwari the presiding deity of Mysore is the same as Goddess Durga who Chanda and Munda, the king of demons, Mahishasura.
There is another small temple at the foothills called Jwalamalini Sri Tripura Sundari Temple and the Goddess is said to be the sister of Chamundeshwari who helped Chamundeswari in the battlefield to kill the demon Raktabīja.
Temple Timings: 7.30 am to 9.00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
How to Reach Mysore
By Air: Bangalore is the closest airport 160km away.
By Rail: Many trains to Mysore from Bangalore.
By Road: Mysore is a big city and well connected by road. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation runs a bus every 20 minutes. Roads to mysore are good to travel by taxi or self driving from Bangalore.
A must visit at Mysore – 1.The beautiful and famous Mysore palace. 2.The famous Brindavan gardens. 3.Beautifully carved Somanathapura temple. 4. Sukha Vana park which has over 2000 bird species and is in Guinness Book of World Records.
