Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru, Karnataka

History of the Temple

According to inscriptions and local tradition:

• The original shrine is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Hoysala kings.
• The imposing tower (Gopura) was constructed in the 17th century by rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• In 1659, a 1,000-step stone pathway was created to facilitate pilgrims climbing up Chamundi Hill.
• Several Nandi statues adorn the hill; the most famous is the enormous monolithic Nandi, carved out of a single granite rock, standing 15 ft tall and 24 ft long.

In 1827, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III renovated the temple and enhanced the entrance tower. He gifted gold, silver, precious jewels, and the grand Simha‑Vahana (lion vehicle) used during religious processions.

Architecture

The temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, featuring a traditional quadrangular structure. Key components include:

Main Architecture Features

• Seven-tier Gopura (ornate entrance tower)
• Silver-plated main doors with intricate goddess carvings
• Vimana (small tower) above the sanctum
• Seven golden Kalashas atop the Shikhara

Inside the Temple

• Lord Ganesha idol at the entrance
• Dwarapalakas (door guardians) sculpted on either side of the silver-clad doorway
• Flagstaff, Goddess’s divine footprints, and Nandi shrine facing the sanctum
• Anjaneya (Hanuman) idol mounted near the flagstaff
• Statues of Nandini and Kamalini, the Dikpalakas

Iconic Spots Around the Hill

• Mahishasura Statue: A brightly painted statue of the buffalo demon, symbolizing Chamundeshwari’s victory.
• Nandi Statue: A massive monolithic Nandi with beautifully carved ornaments.
• View Point: A panoramic viewpoint offering stunning views of Mysuru city.

Deity Worshipped

• Presiding Deity: Sri Chamundeshwari Devi
• An incarnation of Durga and the powerful slayer of Mahishasura.

Temple Timings & Rituals

Temple Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday

• 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
• 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
• 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Sundays

• 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Darshana & Pooja

• 5:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Abhisheka Timings

• Monday to Friday:
• 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
• 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Special Days:
• 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM

Major Sevas

Shashwatha Seva

• ₹1,50,000 Fixed Deposit
• Includes Sankalpa Seva, Special Darshan, Abhisheka, Prasada, and Shesha Vastra

Dasoha Seva

• ₹15,000 per day
• Includes Special Darshan, Abhisheka, Prasada, and Vastra

Saree Seva

Devotees may offer sarees to Goddess Chamundeshwari by booking in advance.

Facilities for Devotees

• 20‑room Guest House on Chamundi Hill
• Parking for two-wheelers and four-wheelers
• Clean drinking water facility
• Laddu Prasadam distribution
• Primary Health Centre on the hill
• Free meals (Dasoha) served daily
• KSRTC bus service every 30 minutes from Mysuru
• Donations accepted via Canara Bank (details on official site)

Festivals Celebrated

Ashada Shukravara

Fridays in Ashada month are considered very auspicious.

Navaratri & Mysuru Dasara

The grandest annual celebration:

• Goddess worshipped in all Navadurga forms
• Royal jewels displayed on Day 7
• Special processions and temple decorations

Chamundi Jayanti

Celebrates the consecration of the deity’s Utsava Murti by Mysuru Maharaja.

How to Reach

Map:

Nearest City: Mysuru – 12 km

Nearest Airport: Mysuru Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Mysuru Junction

Chamundi Hill is accessible by:

• City buses
• Taxis
• Private vehicles

Nearby Temples

• Shweta Varahaswamy Temple – Near Mysore Palace
• Nandi Temple – On Chamundi Hill Road
• Srikanteshwara Temple – Nanjangud

Nearby Tourist Attractions

• Mysuru Palace – 6.1 km
• Avadhoota Datta Peetham – 5.1 km
• Samyak Yoga – Srirangapatna – 13.2 km

Contact Information

Phone:
+91 0821 259 0027
+91 0821 259 0127

Email:
eochamunditemple@gmail.com

Address:
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundi Hill, Mysuru – 570010
Karnataka, India