Shree Chamundeshwari Devi Devasthana

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The temple tower, or gopuram, reaches a height of 40 meters.

2. 2

   The monolithic Nandi statue situated on the stairway path is 15 feet tall and 24 feet long.

3. 3

   The temple was patronized by the Hoysalas in the 12th century and later expanded by the Vijayanagara Empire and the Wodeyar dynasty.

4. 4

   The deity is considered the guardian goddess of the Mysore state and its rulers.

5. 5

   The temple is situated on the seventh hill of the Chamundi range.

Overview

Shree Chamundeshwari Devi Temple is a 12th-century Dravidian-style structure located atop the Chamundi Hills at an elevation of 1,065 meters. Dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of the Mysore royal family, the temple features a seven-story ornate gopuram. The site is a Shakti Peetha, believed to be where the hair of Sati fell according to Hindu mythology. Visitors can observe the monolithic Nandi statue, carved from a single piece of black granite, located halfway up the hill. The temple complex is built using stone and mortar, showcasing traditional south Indian architecture with intricate carvings and sculptures. It serves as a major pilgrimage site in Karnataka, drawing large crowds during the Dasara festival. The hill provides a vantage point for viewing the entire city of Mysore, including the illuminated Mysore Palace.

Insider tips

• Arrive early to avoid the longest queues for the main sanctum darshan.

• Keep a light jacket if visiting during the early morning or evening hours as the hilltop elevation creates cooler temperatures.

• Use the temple's official free footwear storage area near the entrance before proceeding to the sanctum.