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Chamundi Hills, Mysore |
landmark of Mysore is the
Chamundi Hills. A visitor can spot it from a distance of 8 to 10 kms while
driving to this old royal city of Yadu Maharajas or Wodeyars from any direction.
It stands as a crown overlooking the city with the presiding deity of Mysore and
the family Goddess of the Maharajas, Chamundeswari, residing atop, in the famous
Chamundi temple, blessing her devotees since several centuries. Besides the
temple, there is also a small Palace of the Mysore rulers, Lalithadri, now in
possession of Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, scion of the Mysore royal
family and son of late Maharaja, Sri Jayachamaraja Wodeyar. Near the temple, is
a statue of Monster Mahishasura. It is made out of mortar and colourfully
painted. It is about 3.5 metre tall.
Mahishasura, according to mythological legend, was the ruler of this place and
was killed by Goddess Chamundeswari, a form of Goddess Parvathi, and the consort
of Lord Shiva.
Mysore is said to have derived its name from this demon-king, Mahishasura.
Halfway the Hills, stands a huge monolith statue of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord
Shiva. There is also a temple tank, Devikola, which is used for floating
festival. There are a number of houses, where also reside the priests of the
temple, governed by a local council or village panchayat. The rocky Chamundi
Hill is about three kms south-east of the city. Its height is 1065-metre above
the sea level, about 800 feet above the level of Mysore. It has 1,000 stone
steps and also a good motorable road. Fitness-keepers, devotees and residents
and students attending schools and colleges in Mysore make use of the 1,000
steps carved out of the granite rocks.
Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar, who ruled from 1659 to 1673, is said to have built the
steps in 1583 for the convenience of pilgrims. He is also attributed to have
constructed 63 houses at the foot of the hills and called it Devarajapura and
donated it to Brahmins taking care of the temples. Besides using the steps, the
Maharajas also ride on horse-back to the temple. There was a separate flight of
equestrian steps for the purpose. Very few know about the equestrian pathway
today. The road was built in 1916 and offers an excellent bird's eye of Mysore.
Location: 3 kms to south-east of Mysore.
Transport: State Transport (KSRTC) buses ply from Mysore to the top of
the hills and back regularly. Taxies are also available from Mysore. 1000 steps
for enthusiastic hill-climbers.
Auspicious Days to visit Chamundi Temple: Tuesdays, Fridays and 10 days
of Dasara.
Special Worship Days: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
WorshipTimings: Daily 7-30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3-30 p.m. to 6-00 p.m., 7-30
p.m. to 9 p.m.
Illumination: The temple tower is illuminated on festivals and public
holidays in the nights.
Note: Shoes have to be left outside before entering the temple.
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