The temple of goddess Chamundeshwari is a Shakti Peetha or powerful energy centres, and one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas of the world. It is also called Krouncha Peetham because the area where it is located was known by the name of Krouncha Puri in the Vedic Era.
The temple history…
Skanda Purana, the holy ancient texts, talks of a pious place known as Trimuta Kshetra which is believed to be enclosed by eight hills and Chamundi Hills is believed to be one of those eight sacred hills. Long ago, the hill was also known as Mahabaladri to adulate Lord Shiva who is worshipped in the Mahabaleswara Temple, the oldest shrine situated atop the eight holy hills in the region. Later, however, the hill was renamed as Chamundi Hills to honour, Goddess Chamundi, one of the main protagonists of the Devi Mahatmayam. Goddess Chamundi is a manifestation of Devi Parvati, the divine spouse of Shiva. The temple of Goddess Chamundi possesses supreme powers to grant boons, therefore, every year a score of people take a pilgrimage to the shrine across Karnataka and the whole of India.
A great legacy of Karnataka, the 1000-plus year-old shrine of Chamundeshwari was initially small-sized. Its fame spread far and wide when the Wodeyar clan took over the reign of the kingdom of Mysuru in 1399 A.D. Due to their fondness for Devi worship, the Wodeyars accepted Goddess Chamundeshwari as their guardian deity. In 1659, a steep staircase having one thousand steps was built to reach the 3000-feet high hills where the shrine is located.
The gem in the crown of Mysuru, Chamundi Hills, is like heaven itself. Its forests are rich in fauna, flora and avifaunal wealth. As for the architecture of the Chamundi temple, it is a quadrangular edifice constructed as per Dravidian style. It has a main door, an entrance, Navranga Hall, Antharala Mantapa, Sanctum Sanctorum, and Prakara.
An enchanting seven-tier Gopura (pyramidal tower) is located at the entrance and a Vimana (small tower) can be seen on top of the sanctum sanctorum. Onto the Shikhara (the tower at the entrance) are placed seven golden kalasha (sacred urns).
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III renovated the temple in 1827 A.D and the blessed king also installed a Sinha-vahana (mount of lion), cars for the deities and loads of other valuables to the temple. The cars donated by the king are still used during special religious occasions and grand events.
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The Gopuram of the temple has an image of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, on the silver-plated doorway. The doorway is flanked by the Dwarpalakas (divine doorkeepers). On stepping inside the temple, a small statue of Lord Ganesha is kept. After walking a few steps, a flagstaff of the Goddess, her footprints and a small statue of Nandi can be seen in front of the sanctum sanctorum. Also, an image of Lord Hanuman can be seen close to the holy chamber. The twin Dikpalakas – Nandini and Kamalini are also present at the entrance. Before the sanctum sanctorum, a statue of Lord Bhairon, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is also visible. A 6-feet-long statue of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III along with his three queens namely Ramavilasa, Lakshmivilasa and Krishnavilasa is also present in the shrine.
The sanctum sanctorum houses a stone image of Durga in s seated pose and having eight-hands. Legend has it that the image was enthroned by the immortal sage Markandeya. An image of Sri Chakra, which symbolises the Great Goddess herself, is also worshipped in the temple.
A number of priests have been employed for worshipping the goddess daily with due rites. Coconuts, fruits and flowers are offered to the goddess by the pilgrims. Delicious ladoos made by the temple authorities for offering as Prasad to the deity are available for sale outside the shrine.
In the premises of the shrine, there is a statue of Nandi, the divine bull and mount of Lord Shiva. It is a beautiful, gigantic, black granite statue of Nandi on the 800th step on the hillock in front of a Shiva shrine situated quite close-by. The statue of Nandi is 15 feet high, 24 feet long and is wearing a garland of lovely bells around its neck.
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Before the temple of Chamundeshwari, a huge statue of the demon Mahishasura is located holding a sword and a serpent in his hands. The Chamundi Village is also situated quite close to the shrine. A host of amenities for the welfare of pilgrims are present in and around the temple. Devotees can partake of free meals inside the temple premises that are daily arranged by the administration. Free drinking water and facilities for offering special worship and commuting from City Bus Stand to Chamundi Hill are also available.
Chamundeshwari Temple Timings
The darshan start at 7.30 AM and go on till 2. PM. After a break of an hour and a half, the temple portals are reopened at 3.30 PM till 6.PM. Once again, after a brief halt, pilgrims are allowed darshan from 7.30 PM till 9.PM.
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