Chamundi Hills

Three kilometers to the south east of the fort in Mysore, lays the Chamundi Hills that rises to a height of 1050 meters above sea level. Atop the hill is the temple dedicated to the ancestral Goddess of the Mysore royal family, Goddess Kali who is also referred to as the Goddess Chamundi. The Mahabaleswara temple stands close to the Chamundi Temple atop the hill. The Mahabaleswara temple is believed to be the oldest temple of the region constructed in the 13th century.

The stucco figure of the demon king who was slain by the Goddess, Mahishasura is placed close to the temple. On the way to the temple on Chamundi Hills in Mysore, the tourists will come across the 4.8 meter monolithic statue of the animal companion of Lord Shiva, Nandi. The statue of the bull is ornamented with anklets and a pendent bell. The elaborate ornamentation of the bull reveals the master craftsmanship of the artisans who created it.

The temple dedicated to the chief consort of Lord Shiva on the Chamundi Hills is one of the primary tourist attractions of Mysore. Prayers were offered by the king of Mysore who had his palace built on the hill. The Rajendra Vilas Palace has been now converted into a hotel which houses pilgrims who arrive to offer prayers to the Goddess and to visit the sandalwood city of Mysore. To reach the temple, the tourists may climb a flight of 100 stone steps or travel the 13 kilometer distance to the summit in the car.

Last Updated on 08/30/2011