Chamundi Hills and Chamundeeswari Temple

The top of the imposing Chola style tower of Chamundeshwari Temple.

Chamundi Hills, which is located about 13 kms from Mysore, is the prime landmark of Mysore city, and is visible almost from anywhere in the city center. Most importantly, it is home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, with its imposing Chola style tower. This temple is not only known for its history and imposing architecture, but also believed to be one the powerful pilgrimage sites dedicated to Shakti, the mother goddess focus of Hinduism.

The goddess worshiped in the Chamundeshwari Temple is the Goddess Chamundeeswari, which is the fierce form of Shakti who vanquished the demon Mahishasura. The original shrine is thought to have been built in the 12th century by Hoysala rulers while its tower was probably built by the Vijayanagar rulers of the 17th century. In 1659, a flight of approx 1008 steps was built by the Maharaja Dodda Devaraja leading up to the summit of the hill.

Steps up to the top... or you can take a car or
bus up.

Besides the steps, there are roads that also leads to the top of the summit, and along the way there are little spots where one or two vehicle could pull over for the passengers to enjoy the spectacular view. As you come closer to the top, you will notice the trafiic picking up as vehicles go everywhere, trying to find parking or get out of parking spaces. A little before the temple, and close to the parking lot and the Chamundi bus stand is the colorful statue of ‘Mahishasura’, the demon that the Goddess Chamundeeswari (or Chamundi for short) slayed.

Stunning view of Mysore from one of the viewing points.

Everyone wants a selfie with the demon
Mahishasura!

There are many stalls selling flower and fruit offerings to the deity, as well as 'religious' men trying to sell you amulets and rosary beads outside the temple. Takes a bit to sort of get away from them, but they are common in many popular Indian pilgrimage temples.

Flower and coconuts sold as offerings.

Lady selling flowers with her children.

The tall gopura (tower) of the temple.

As you walk towards the temple, the tall gopura tower immediately catches your attention. When we were there, they were working on giving the tower a new coat of paint. Photography is not allowed in the inner sanctum, and we didn't get a chance to glance at the inner sanctum, as at that time, the place was filled with devotee.

On the journey down, a must see is a collossal Nandi (the mount of Lord Shiva, Shakti's consort) located on the 800th step on the hill. This Nandi is over 15 feet high, and 24 feet long. It was created during the reign of Dodda Devaraja, who also built the steps leading up the hill. By vehicle, you will have to ascend to the Chamundeeswari Temple and then take a detour road that comes down the hill to get to this Nandi, or you could take the seemingly never ending steps down the hill.

Nandi the Bull (Lord Shiva's mount).

Summary:

• Lovely view points all the way up and down.
• Stunning temple, especially the inside.
• Very interesting to watch people pray at Nandi (the Bull).
• Watch out for the monkeys at the temple.
• Many stalls selling identical souvenirs/trinkets so try to get the best price out of them.