Chamundi Hills...hlii of Mahishasura Mardini..mysore ..

Chamundi Hills is located 13 km east of Mysore,  in Karnataka, India.
Its elevation is 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).

According to a legend, the Asura Mahishasura (king of the city Mysore) was killed by goddess Chamundeswari  after a fierce battle.

The goddess is also called Mahishasura Mardini.

Named after goddess Chamundi, the Chamundeshwari

Temple sits atop the main hill. The main hill itself features an ancient stone stairway of 1,008 steps leading to its summit.


Around this point, the steps become significantly less steep and eventually the climber is rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.The summit of the Chamundi hills offers a panoramic view of Mysore’s landmarks like the race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes.

A key feature is the statue of Mahishasura bearing a sword in his right hand and a cobra in the left.
A colorful gigantic image of the demon, Mahishasura greets visitors as they reach the summit of the hill.

She is seated with her right heel pressed against the lowest of the seven chakras. This cross-legged yogic posture echoes the posture of Lord Shiva.

Chamundi Temple Mythology
The story of Devi Chamundi is - There were two Asura brothers, Sumba and Nisumba, who, strengthened by the boons received through severe penance, began to harass the Devas and the people

The Devas prayed to Devi Parvati, who took the form of a beautiful young maiden and came down to Earth.

The Asura brothers were smitten by her beauty and sent emissaries to try and entice her to come to them. When this failed, they tried force. But the young maiden killed the generals sent by the Asuras. Two of the generals were named Sandan and Mundan.

The Goddess took the ferocious Warrior form of Kali and destroyed them. As she killed Sandan and Mundan, she was called Samundi or Samundeshwari. Later this became  Chamundeshwari.

During the Dasara festival, on Vijayadashami, the Jumboo Savari,  traditional Dasara procession goes onto the streets of Mysore city. Idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a Golden mantapa, on the top of a decorated elephant. Balarama, the elephant has been performing this great venture from the past 9 years.

Chamundi Temple Architecture

The temple is set on top of the Chamundi Hill. You can climb up a flight of 1000 steps or drive up a hill road. When you reach about halfway up the hill, you will come across a small Shiva Temple.
The prominent feature of this temple is the huge 15 foot Nandi .Lord Shiva’s Bull, a monolith is found at the 800th step on the hill. It is over 15feet high and 24 feet long  and carved out of a single piece of granite..

Then you will be greeted by the imposing temple tower.
The Chamundi Temple is built on a square plan, with a Dravidian Gopuram.
This tower is decorated with beautiful sculptures. There is a statue of Lord Ganesha over the doorway.
The Sanctum has a beautiful eight-armed idol of Devi Chamundi in a seated posture.

How to Get to Chamundi Temple

Chamundi Hills is just 12 kms from Mysore city. You can get a bus from Mysore. Special times to visit are during Dussera celebrations and after Dussera during the Annual Rathotsava.

District: Mysore
Town: Chamundi Hills
Temple: Chamundi temple

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