Sri Chamundeswari Temple Mysuru

Sri Chamundeswari is one of the manifestations of Sri Durga Devi; Sri Durga Devi got the name Chamunda as She had diminished two demons named Chanda and Munda.

Sri Durga Devi had also destroyed the demon named Mahishasur. The place was earlier called as Mahishuru to denote that it was his place. The name then changed to Mysuru.

There are several temples ascribed for the worship of Sri Chamundeswari Devi. The one atop the Chamunda hill near Mysuru, Karnataka is one of the prominent temples. She is also considered as the Kula Devatha (family Deity) of the Mysuru Royal Family.

The place with eight hills is said to be referred in Skaandha Puran as Trimutha Kshetra. The hills were also referred as Maha Baladhri. Sri Chamundeswari temple is in the western side of the hills. The temple is said to be approximately at 3400 feet above sea level.

Around 1659 A.D, the mountain path with 1000 steps is made for the devotees to come up by walk. Near the 700^th step, there is a huge and gigantic Nandi which is 15 feet high and 24 feet long with bells tied around its neck.

There is also the statue of Mahishasur in the hills.

The temple is said to be atleast 1000 years old. Though it was initially built as a small temple, it was expanded during the reign of Mysuru Royalty. It is said that Sri Krishna Raja Wodeyar had presented the simha vahana and other chariots to the temple around 1827 A.D which are still being used.

The temple is considered as one of the Shakthi-peet temples as it believed that Sri Ambal’s hair had fallen here. As this place was called as Kraucha-puri during Puranic times, the temple is also called as Krauncha-peeta.

The temple is built as per Dravidian style of architecture. Rajagopuram has seven golden Kalashas at the top. Soon on entering, we worship the Dwaja Sthamba. We reach the main sanctum through Navaranga Mandapa and Antharala Mandapa.

At the Raja Gopuram, Bhagwan Ganesh is depicted. The main doors of the temple are silver plated and are engraved with the images of Sri Durga Devi in various manifestations. Dwara Palakas are depicted on either side.

On entering, on the right side, we are blessed with the darshan of Bhagwan Vinayak. After going around the Dwaja Sthambam, we see Sri Nandikeshwar facing Maa Chamundi. At the entrance of the sanctum, we see two palakies named Nandhini and Kamalini.

Sri Chamundeswari is sitting by keeping Her hands in Abhaya and Varadha hastha mudras.

In the mandapam, we are blessed with the depiction of Bhagwan Anjaneya.

Vanothsava is held in Chaithra month (April-May).

Ashada (July-August) Krishna Paksha Sapthami day is celebrated as the birth day of Sri Chamundeswari.

Avasuja (August-September) Krishna Paksha Trithiya is celebrated as Shainothsava. Mudi Uthsavam is being held on Avasuja Krishna Paksha Panchami. Rathothsava, the chariot festival is held on Avasuja Purnima day. Theppothsava, the float festival in the temple tank is held on the Krishna Paksha Dwithiya of the same Avasuja month.

Navarathri / Dasara festivals are held in Avasuja (September-October) month. During this period, Sri Durga Devi is decorated each day as the depiction of Nava Durga Devis.

Karthika Pournami (November-December) is grandly celebrated. During Pushya month (December-January) Kotarothsava is held.

Jwalamukhi festival is conducted in Magha month (February-March). Another chariot festival is conducted in Phalguna (March-April) month.

All the festivals are grandly celebrated at the temple. On all Tuesdays, Fridays, Pournami days and on other auspicious occasions, special Pujas are done to the Deity.

Devotees ardently believe that sincere prayers to Sri Chamundi Devi blesses and bestows them with fulfillment of their wishes.

The temple is open from 07.30 A.M to 02.00 P.M, from 03.30 P.M to 06.00 P.M and from 07.30 P.M to 09.00 P.M. Abhishekam is done from 06.00 A.M to 07.30 A.M in the mornings and from 06.00 P.M to 07.30 P.M in the evenings. The timings may differ during festival days.