Sthala Purana

Before the formation of the present state of Karnataka, Mysuru was an erstwhile princely state and Mysore city was its Capital. The present Mysore was earlier referred to as “mahishurapura”. The Chamundi hills also known as mahabaladri hills and the temple is on this hill top at a mean sea level of 3489 feet. Jaganmatha Mahishasura Mardini, Sri Chamundeshwari’s is the deity and the deity’s idol is placed and worshipped in sanctum sanctorum of the...Before the formation of the present state of Karnataka, Mysuru was an erstwhile princely state and Mysore city was its Capital. The present Mysore was earlier referred to as “mahishurapura”. The Chamundi hills also known as mahabaladri hills and the temple is on this hill top at a mean sea level of 3489 feet. Jaganmatha Mahishasura Mardini, Sri Chamundeshwari’s is the deity and the deity’s idol is placed and worshipped in sanctum sanctorum of the temple. One has to climb around one Thousand steps or go in a vehicle to the hill top to visit the temple. The Deity is also known by name Vaishnavi devi. Mythology refers to Saints like Markandeya and other sages who performed penance (“Thapas”) here.

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple is an ancient temple and dates back to around 16th Century or earlier. Rulers of esrstwhile Mysore princely state constructed this temple for the welfare of the world and mankind.

The Gopuram at main entrance of temple is seven storey high and adorned with seven golden Kalashas. We find “Ashtadikpalakas” just below main entrance across eight directions.

Inside the temple, we find a magnificent idol of Lord Ganapathi (deity) to the right and Bhairava to the left of the main deity . We can find Panchaloha Utsavamurthy facing southward. Towards right side of Ganapathi deity and opposite to utsava Murthy, one can find idols of Mummadi Krishna Raja wodeyar and pattamahishi standing with devotion facing northwards towards the Idol of Godess. Sri Chamundeshwari deity idol with eight shoulders in seated position is inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. According to mythology, it is believed that Markandeya Rishi (sage) had established this idol. Apart from the devotees, many people from other states and foreign tourists visit this temple for its architecture. Devotees express their devotion and gratitude as a return to the favour they have received. Devotees offer Abhisheka (in the morning and evening) Kumkumarchane, Thrishathi, Sahasranama, utsava (Simhavahanothsava and Silver Chariot utsava) Donating Saree to the Godess, Chandika Homa, Vehicle worship and other rituals are performed in the temple. On Fridays during Ashadamasa, Chamundeshwari Vardhanthi and Navarathri are the periods during which devotees in large numbers visit the temple. It is the practice in this temple that Drishtidara, Theertha Coconut, Yanthra, Tayitha and other Parihara Pujas are not offered to the deity at the temple. But Archakas of the temple perform pooja and rituals to the thread and coconut which devotees bring and return them back to devotees. Yanthra, Tayithas are prepared and given to devotees by pradhan Archak.Read more