CHAMUNDESHWARI TEMPLE
AT
MYSORE
The Chamundi Temple on
top of the Chamundi hills is the most famous temple in Mysore, since Goddess
Chamundi or Chamundeshwari is the presiding deity of Msyore.
The chamundeshwari
temple is located on the top of chamundi hills in the Mysore city of the
Karnataka State of India.
Initially the temple was a small one, but over
the past few centuries, as a result of the patronage and expansions made by the
Mysore Maharajas it has become a big temple.
In the olden days,
human and animal sacrifices were regularly made at this temple, but were
stopped in the 18th century.
Chamundi Hill is about 13 kms from Mysore, which is a
prominent city in Karnataka State, India. Chamundi Hills is famous not only in
India but also abroad.
Atop of the hill the famous Sri Chamundeswari Temple.
‘Chamundi’ or ‘Durga’ is the fierce form of ‘Shakti’. She is the slayer of
demons, ‘Chanda’ and ‘Munda’ and also ‘Mahishasura’, the buffalow-headed
monster.
She is the tutelary deity of the Mysore Maharajas and the
presiding deity of Mysore. For several centuries they have held the Goddess,
Chamundeswari, in great reverence.
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 crowning glory of Mysore, Chamundi Hills
is an enchanting place surrounded by natural beauty. In the forest, there are
varieties of trees, birds and animals.
While going up the hills, a bird’s eye
view of Mysore can be seen and several
prominent places be spotted. It offers a spectacular scene when the Palace and
its surroundings are illuminated during the Dasara and other occasions.
The idol of the Goddess is decorated every
day and worshipped by a number of priests. The Mysore Maharajas have donated
number of valuable gifts to their
family deity.Coconuts, fruits and flowers are offered to the diety.
The Chamundi temple
has always been patronised by the rulers of Mysore. In 1659 Dodda Devaraja
Wodeyar built 1,000 steps and huge Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull.
This colossal
Nandi is one of the largest in India, 16 ft. (4.8 meters) tall at the front and
25 ft. (7.5 meters) in length. The magnificent pendent bells around its neck
are exquisite. Nandi and the temple beside it are located at the 700th step of
the Chamundi Hill.
Darshana
and Pooja Timings:
7.30 a.m to 2.00 p.m
3.30 to 6.00 p.m and
7-30 p.m to 9 p.m.
The temple is 3km away from Mysore Airport, and 5km away from Mysore Railway Station.
By Air
Mysore Airport (MYQ) is a domestic airport that is connected with regular flights from major cities of India. Bangalore international airport is the nearest international airport that connects the city to various cities of the world. It’s located 190 kilometres from Mysore. We can easily hire buses and cabs from the airport to reach the destinations.
By Train
A train to Mysore is available from all major railway stations. The major Mysore railway stations are Mysore Junction (MYS) and Ashokapuram (AP). Some of the main Mysore trains are Sharavathi Express, Chamundi Express.
By Bus
Mysore is well-connected to national
highways and bypass roads. State-run and private buses offer frequent services
to the city. A Mysore
visit by bus is a
common option taken by travellers.
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