Chamundeshwari Temple

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Overview : The Temple is situated in the Chamundi Hills in Mysore, Karnataka. It is also called as the Chamundeshwari Temple. It is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka, and is about a thousand years old. It is dedicated to Goddess Devi Chamundeshwari, who is an avatar of Durga or Parvati. Located on top of the 3000 feet high Chamundi Hill, this temple is one of the most prominent landmarks of Mysore. About the temple : This is an old temple. It was possibly built around the 12th Century by the Hoysala King, Vishnuvardhana. The temple was added to and constructed by other dynasties, like the Vijayanagara and Mysore Maharajas. Chamundeshwari was the family deity of the Mysore Maharaja. They expanded the temple and made several other contributions to it. Maharaja Dodda Devaraja set up a flight of 1000 steps up to the top of the hill. Chamraja Wodeyar is said to have worshipped at the temple in 1573. He was saved from a lightning hit miraculously owing to the blessing of the Goddess. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar II built the huge Gopuram, the Temple Tower and gifted the Nakshatramalika jewel with sanskrit verses inscribed on it. About the deity : The idol of the deity is found in the sanctum sanctorum and every day the idol is decorated and worshipped by a number of priests. It is believed that the Mysore Maharaja frequently gifted the family deity with jewellery. In the room opposite of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a 6 foot statue of the Maharaja Krisharaja Wodeyar III. He is identified standing with folded arms in his religious clothes, along with his three wives. The small temple tower or Vimana which can be seen from outside the temple is exactly on top of the sanctum sanctorum. Legend : The tale of Devi Chamundi is described in Markandeya Purana. There were two Asura siblings, Sumba and Nisumba, who, reinforced by the aids got through extreme compensation, started to badger the Devas and the populace of the earth. implored Devi Parvati, who took the type of a lovely youthful lady and came sensible. The Asura siblings were stricken by her magnificence and sent emissaries to attempt and tempt her to come to them. At the point when this fizzled, they attempted power. In any case, the youthful lady executed the commanders sent by the Asuras. Two of the officers were named Sandan and Mundan. The Goddess took the brutal Warrior type of Kali and demolished them. As she murdered Sandan and Mundan, she was called Samundi or Samundeshwari. Later this got to be Chamundi or Chamundeshwari. Pooja timings: 07.30 am - 02.00 pm 03.30 pm - 06.00 pm 07.30 pm - 09.00 pm Significance : The Goddess is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A large number of devotees from all over the country and from abroad visit the temple every year. They believe that the Goddess fulfills their desires and aspirations. The 10 daylong Dasara festival is a grand occasion when special prayers are offered to the Goddess. The Vedas are chanted in the temple and various music performances are held here. After Dasara, on the auspicious Ashwayuja Pournime, a Rathotsava or car festival is conducted during the Jathra or annual festival on top of the hill. This is followed by Theppotsava (floating festival) that is held in the night. All these festivities attract devotees by the thousands. How to get there or Accessibility : Air: The closest airport is Mysore Airport to chamundi hill which is about 5 km away from the temple. Rail: Ashokapuram Railway Station is the closest railway station which is about 3.8 km away from the temple. Road: Chamundi Hill is well-connected to all nearby foremost places within the state Karnataka or neighboring states by Road network.