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Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru
Goddess Chamundeshwari · Chamundi Hill · Karnataka
॥ ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॥
The Chamundeshwari Temple crowns the Chamundi Hill above Mysuru, the shrine of the goddess Chamundeshwari who, by legend, slew the buffalo-demon Mahishasura and gave the city its name. A Shakti Peetha and the tutelary deity of the Wadiyar kings, the temple is the spiritual heart of the famous Mysore Dasara, when the goddess is honoured with royal splendour.
The slayer of Mahishasura
Chamundeshwari is the fierce form of Durga who destroyed the buffalo-demon Mahishasura after a long battle, freeing the land from his tyranny. The city below — Mahishuru, now Mysuru — takes its name from the demon, and a great statue of Mahishasura stands on the hill, recalling the victory the goddess won here.
A Shakti Peetha and royal deity
The temple is counted among the Shakti Peethas, and Chamundeshwari was the chosen goddess of the Wadiyar rulers of Mysore, who lavished patronage on the shrine and raised its towering seven-storey gopuram. The hilltop also holds the great monolithic Nandi, carved from a single rock, on the way up.
The heart of Mysore Dasara
Navaratri at Mysuru — the world-famous Dasara — centres on the worship of Chamundeshwari, and in the old days the Maharaja himself led the rites. The festival fills the city with lights and processions, and the goddess on the hill remains its presiding power. Pilgrims climb the long stairway or drive up the hill for darshan.
How to reach the temple
- By road: the temple is on Chamundi Hill, about 13 km from Mysuru city, reached by road or by a stairway of around a thousand steps.
- By train: Mysuru Junction is the nearest railhead.
- By air: Mysuru airport is about 15 km away; Bengaluru is the larger airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chamundeshwari?
Chamundeshwari is the fierce form of Durga who slew the buffalo-demon Mahishasura. Her temple crowns the Chamundi Hill above Mysuru, the city named after the demon.
Is the temple a Shakti Peetha?
Yes — the Chamundeshwari Temple is counted among the Shakti Peethas and was the tutelary deity of the Wadiyar kings of Mysore.
What is the connection to Mysore Dasara?
The world-famous Mysore Dasara centres on the worship of Chamundeshwari during Navaratri, a festival once led by the Maharaja himself and still the spiritual heart of the city’s celebration.
What is the Mahishasura statue?
A great statue of the buffalo-demon Mahishasura stands on Chamundi Hill, recalling the victory the goddess won over him here.
How do I reach the Chamundeshwari Temple?
It is on Chamundi Hill, about 13 km from Mysuru, reached by road or a stairway of around a thousand steps. Mysuru Junction is the nearest railhead.
What is the Nandi on the hill?
On the way up the hill stands a great Nandi carved from a single block of stone, one of the largest monolithic Nandis in India.
॥ जय माता दी ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Goddess Chamundeshwari (slayer of Mahishasura) |
| Significance | A Shakti Peetha; tutelary deity of the Wadiyars |
| Setting | Chamundi Hill above Mysuru |
| Special | Seven-storey gopuram; monolithic Nandi; Mahishasura statue |
| Main Festival | Navaratri / Mysore Dasara |
| Nearby | Mysuru (~13 km) |