Chamundeshwari Temple - Chamundi Hills Temple, Mysore
Chamundi Hills can be simply called as the identifier of Mysore. This ancient temple is situated on a small hillock around 10 km from the city, dedicated to and named after Goddess Durga. The story of the shrine is narrated in ancient Markandeya Purana. Sumbha and Nisumba were the two demon brothers strengthened by the boons received through severe penances. They began to irritate the divine souls and the people of the earth. On their request to Goddess Parvati, she took the form of a young maiden and came down to Earth. As the demons were attracted by her charm, they enticed her to come to them.
When they forced her to take down their orders, the Goddess took the ferocious form as Chamundi and killed them. Another legend relates this shrine as the reason behind the name of the city Mysore. According to mythological Devi Purana, Mysore was ruled by the demon-king Mahishasura and he was a buffalo-headed demon. He was so arrogant with the people and also the divine souls, as the latter went on to Goddess Parvati to help them. Hearing the prayers, Goddess Parvathi took birth as Chamundi (Chamundeshwari) and killed the demon.
This festival is celebrated as ‘Dasara’ all over India in different regional names. That is how the place was known as ‘Mahishuru’ meaning the town of demon Mahisha and the anglicized form is Mysore. The construction of the temple was contributed by several rulers of Mysore. There were animal sacrifices once followed here but were stopped in the 18th century. The entrance has a 7 tier main tower of Dravidian style. At a height of 16 feet and a length of 25 feet, the Nandi (Bull) statue made of granite at the entrance is quite majestic.
It is adorned with metallic bells around its neck. In 1827, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III built the entrance to the temple. He also presented the divine vehicles to the shrine, which are used as religious and festival time processions. There is a 6 feet tall statue of that king, along with his three wives in front of the sanctum sanctorum is present to honour them. The temple can either be reached through roads or a 1000 step walk way. From the top of the hill, one can have the panoramic view of Mysore city along with the famous Karanji lake.