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 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