Your one day Mysore tour by car begins with one of the most revered temples, the Chamundeshwari temple. Set majestically on the Chamundi Hills, the Hindu shrine is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, a manifestation of Goddess Durga.
Lying at a distance of 13 kms from the city, the rulers of the Mysore, Wodeyars worshiped Goddess Chamundeshwari as their guardian deity in 1399 AD. Perched at a height of 3489 feet above the sea level, the well renowned temple is known as one of the Shakti Peethas..
Chamundeshwari is the fierce form of Shakti who had slayed the demon, Mahishasura, a buffalo headed monster. Encircled with an enticing environment, the thousand years old temple is flocked with devotees from different parts of the world.
The glorious temple is also known as Crouch Pitham since the region was popular as Crouch Puri during the Purana times. Dwarapalakas at the doorway greet the visitors to the magnificent temple built in Dravidian style of architecture. Sanctum Sanctorum has the gracious idol of Mahisha Mardini with her ashtabhuja or the eight shoulders in the seated posture.
A flight of 1000 steps leads to the auspicious temple. Near the parking lot of the temple stands the gigantic statue of Mahishasura. In Sanskrit, Mahisha means buffalo and Asura means demon. Mysore was more popular as Mysuru, a name derived from the demon’s name, Mahishasura who used to take different forms and trouble the people with his evil acts. The half human half buffalo demon was then slayed by Goddess durga.
Reaching around 800 steps, visitors would be amazed to see the 15 feet high and 24 feet broad Nandi statue which was built during the period of Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar, before 350 years. Just like the Mahishasura statue, it is one of the most photographic images. Most of these bull structures worshipped as Nandi are found in the Shiva temples.
Must see \ Things to do: Pay your obeisance to Goddess Chamundeshwari and take a snap with Mahishasura Statue.