Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hills, Mysore, India

Mysore, the Palace city of India, is popular not only for its spectacular palace and zoo, but also for Chamundi Hills. Chamundi Hills is located at a distance of around 13 km from Mysore, and it has remained one of the favorite travel destinations in Mysore for many years. A write-up about Mysore tourism is not complete without mentioning Chamundi Hills.

The main attraction of Chamundi Hills is Chamundeshwari Temple. Chamundeshwari, also called Durga, is the fierce form of Shakti, the consort of Lord Shiva. She has been the goddess of Mysore kings for many centuries. 

It is believed that Durga eradicated Mahisasura in Chamundi hills, and hence the city was named Mysore. When you reach Chamundi hills, you will be welcomed by a giant colorful idol of the Asura Mahisasur. 

The original temple of Chamundeshwari belonged to the 12th century CE and was built by the Hoysala kings. The spectacular seven-tiered tall tower is believed to have been made by the Vijayanagara kings in the 17th century CE. However, most of the temple parts were renovated in the 19th century CE by the Wodayar kings.

Chamundi Hills can be reached on a motorable road, and it is easily reachable from Mysore. However, if you want to climb up the hills, there is a flight of 1000 steps leading to the mountain. There is a vast granite Nandi statue near the 800th step. It was constructed in 1659 CE.

The icon of Chamundeshwari is made of gold, and the temple doors are made of silver. There are many sculptures of Nandi found throughout the temple. No other deity is enshrined in the temple.

The temple is always crowded with devotees. You need to wait in a long queue to enter the temple.

On this hill, there are temples dedicated to Shiva - Mahabaleshwar and Lakshmi Narayana - Vishnu.

Happy travelling.

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