The most prominent temple in Mysore located as high as 1000 feet on the Chamundi Hills, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple is a traditional pilgrimage site in India that invites people to seek blessings from Goddess Durga. Here you can also find the statues of the demon Mahishasura and Nandi that have significant importance in Hindu mythology.
To reach the temple, you need to climb around 1000 steps, which can be a little difficult in the beginning. Once you’re there, you’ll get to observe a view that is no less than a treat to watch. If you’re traveling some time soon, make sure to put this attraction in Mysore at the top of your list.
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History and Architecture
Dating its history back to the 12th century, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple was earlier a small shrine built by the Hoysala rulers. Later, it gained popularity when the Wodeyars, who were the Maharajas of Mysore, started ruling the region in 1399. Since then, there was no looking back for this temple as new developments were being made to it every day.
Featuring a Dravidian style of architecture that exhibits a quadrangular structure, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple has an impressive 7-stage tower at its entrance that looks beautiful when viewed even from a certain distance. There is a silver-plated doorway with a Navaranga Hall, Prakara, Sanctum Sanctorum, and Antharala Mantapa, all of which are worth seeing on your visit to this temple.
The moment you step inside its premises, you’ll come across a small idol of Lord Ganesha. Walk a little further to admire the statue of Nandi which adds to its overall beauty. Made of granite, the statue of Nandi measures about 15 feet in height and has metallic bells around its neck.
Travelers Tips
- Wear proper attire that helps you cover your shoulders, knees, and stomach.
- Do not carry any kind of plastic with you as it has been already declared as a no-plastic zone.
- It is strictly prohibited to dispose of plastic waste around the area.
Best Time to Visit
Although one can seek blessings at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple at any time of the year, it receives a huge influx of people between September and October due to the grand celebration of the Dussehra and Diwali festivals. Also, this is the time when the weather is also at its best, giving another reason to people to plan a getaway to this location.
How to Reach
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple can be easily accessed by locals as well as tourists from Mysore Junction Railway Station and Mysore Bus Stand via local transport. It is nearly a 13 km drive away from both the bus stand and railway station in Mysore and takes approximately 30 minutes to cover the required distance. Depending on your choice, you can either catch a state-owned bus or book a cab from one of the top car rental companies in Mysore for hassle-free traveling.