Location & Overview
The Chamundeshwari Temple is situated atop chamundi hills, about 13 km from the city of mysuru (mysore) in karnataka. The hill itself rises to an elevation of roughly 1,060 m above sea level and offers panoramic views of the city below. The Temple is dedicated To Goddess Chamundeshwari (also called Maa Chamundi) — A Fierce Manifestation Of The Divine Mother (Shakti), Who, by legend, Defeated the demon mahishasura from this hill.
2. Historical & Mythological Significance
Legend:
- According to lore, the demon mahishasura had his realm on this hill, and The Goddess Chamundeshwari Emerged To Slay him, Establishing the hill as a sacred site.
- The region was earlier known as “mahishooru” (place of mahisha/mahishasura) which later morphed into mysore / mysuru.
History & Development:
- The original Shrine is believed to have been built by the hoysala dynasty in the 12th century.
- The Temple saw patronage and additions by the vijayanagara empire and later by the wodeyar dynasty of mysore. For example, the large staircase (~1,000 steps) to The Temple was built in 1659 ce under dodda devaraja wodeyar.
- The seven-tiered gopuram (tower) was added in the early 19th century (around 1827) by krishnaraja wodeyar iII.
- According to heritage documents, The Shrine sits on a hill formerly known as mahabaladri, associated with a shiva temple (mahabaleswara) in ancient times