Up the winding roads of Chamundi hills, with the beautiful
city of Mysore sprawling beneath, stands one of the most important temples of
the region, the Chamundeshwari temple. The shrine is dedicated to the divinity
of the fierce form of Devi as Mahishasuramardhini, the slayer of demon Mahisha.
The ancient shrine was small but over the centuries, the devotion of the
rulers and people of the area has
converted this sanctum to its present prominence. It assumed significance after
the Mysore Maharajas, the Wodeyars, in 1399 A.D. made Chamundeswari their
guardian deity. Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Mysore rulers have contributed
immensely to the renovations of the temple in various eras. The temple is
considered one of the eighteen Maha Shakthipeethas
Location Karnataka , Mysore, Bangalore
Legend
Mythology traces the origin of the temple to the slaying of
Mahishasura. According to the legends, Mysore was the place of a demon called
Mahishasura. He wrecked havoc o the lives of people here. On hearing the pleas
of her devotees, Goddes Shakthi, took the avatar of the fierce Chamundeshwari
and annihilated the demon. Legend also mentions the temple as one of the
Shakthipeetha where the hair of the Sati devi is believed to have fallen while
Shiva was wandering with her body.
This temple is part of famous Shaktipeethas.
Architecture
Chanundeshwari temple is built in Dravidian architectural
style. There is a huge seven tiered gopuram adorned with carvings. Atop the
gopuram there are seven kalasha. The temple consists of main Doorway, entrance,
navaranga hall, antharala mantapa, garbhagriha and prakara. The deity of the
Goddess is ornate with beautiful clothing and jewels. There are statues of
Mahishasur and Nandi near the temple. The Nandi monolith is the third largest
of its kind in the country.
Culture
Mysore, the cultural capital of South Karnataka, is known
for its palaces the prominent among them being the Mysore Palace. The ten day festivities,
procession and celebrations during Navarathri and Dussera in Mysore is a visual
splendour. The city shines with the radiance of the lights as well as spiritual devotion as thousands of tourists
from all over the country come to witness the spectacle. Mysore is also known
for its silk sarees, style of painting and the famed Mysore pak.
Picture Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org
Darsan Info
Chamundeshwari temple timings: 7.30 AM to 2 PM, 3.30 to 6
PM, 7.30 PM to 9 PM.
Tuesday and Friday are considered auspicious to seek the
blessings of Chamundu devi. Chamundi hills is a 'no plastic zone'
Darsan Dresscode
Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire
in the temple
Famous Festival
October - Navrathri, Dussera, Rathothsava
Temple Rituals
The priests perform regular pujas and abhishekas to the
deity. Abhishek is done twice a day, in the morning and evening
Special Rituals
Special worships, processions, pujas and celebrations are
conducted during Navrathri and Dusserra
Additional Info
Drinking water, free meals are arranged by the temple
authorities.
Restaurants are available in Mysore
Olive garde
Mysore Nandhini
Om Shanti, Kamat
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