Chamundi Hills (Kannada: ಚಾಮುಂಡಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟ) is located 13 km east of Mysore, the
Palace City, in Karnataka, India. Its average elevation is 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).
Patronized for centuries byMysore Rules, Chamundeshwari Temple is located a top the Chumundi Hills. It was renovated during the time of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III(1827)
Named
after goddess Chamunda,
the Chamundeshwari Temple sits atop the main hill. The main hill
itself features an ancient stone stairway of 1,008 steps leading to its summit.
Approximately halfway to the summit is statue of bull Nandi, the vahana,
or "vehicle" of Lord
Shiva, which is 4.9m tall and 7.6m long and carved out of a single piece of
black granite. Around this point, the steps become significantly less steep and
eventually the climber is rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.
The Temple has a quadrangular structure.
A key feature is the statue of Mahishasura bearing a sword in his right hand and
a cobra in the left. Within the temple's sanctum stands a sculpted depiction of
Chamundeshwari. She is seated with her right heel pressed against the lowest of
the seven chakras. This
cross-legged yogic posture echoes the posture of Lord
Shiva. Worshipers believe that this powerful yogic posture, if mastered,
provides an added dimensional view of the universe.
Since the early days of the Maharajahs
of Mysore, the idol of goddess Chamundi has been carried on a decorated elephant
as part of the celebrations in the annual Dasara
festival.
From the peak of the
Chamundi hills, the Mysore Palace, the Karanji
Lake and several smaller temples
are visible. Many of the temples were constructed by members of Shirdi Sai Baba movement
Nandi at Chamundi Hills
Important Note
Darshana and Pooja Timings: 7.30
a.m to 2.00 p.m and 3.30 to 6.00 p.m and 7-30 p.m to 9 p.m.
Abhisheka Timings : 6 a.m. to 7.30 a.m and 6
p.m to 7.30 p.m | Friday 5 a.m to 6.30 a.m.
Dasoha (free meals) is arranged to devotees daily
12.30 p.m to 2.30 p.m.
KSRTC bus
facilities are available every 20 minutes from Mysore city bus stand to
Chamundi hill.
Chamundi
Hills are declared as NO PLASTIC
ZONE. Devotees are requested not to bring the plastic cary bags and not
throw the plastic wastes in the hill area.
