Are you looking for a place to visit in Mysore that will take your breath away with its stunning architecture, serene atmosphere and spiritual significance? If yes, then you should definitely check out Chamundeshwari Temple, one of the most prominent temples in Mysore and a Shakti Peetha.
Chamundeshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, the mother of all, who is believed to have performed penance on this spot to save her son from the demon king Mahishasura. The temple is also known as the “Temple of the Moon” because of its silver gates and entrance that are still present today.
The temple was built in the Dravidian style of architecture and has a seven-tier tower called Gopuram or Gopura that resembles a lotus flower. The temple also has a Nandi statue that symbolizes strength and prosperity. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and has many other deities such as Shiva linga, Shakti Peetha and other shrines.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Chamundeshwari Temple, such as its history, architecture, timings, entry fee, location and nearby attractions. We will also help you plan your trip to this divine destination and make it memorable for life.
History and Architecture of Chamundeshwari Temple
The name Chamundeshwari means “the mother of all” and it reflects the devotion and love that the goddess has for her devotees. The temple was built by King Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century CE as a tribute to his mother Queen Jaganmohanadevi. The temple was originally located near the river Kaveri but was later shifted to its current location due to floods.
The temple’s construction was done by renowned architect Vidyadharasimha Nayaka who used local materials such as granite, sandstone and lime mortar. The temple’s seven-tier tower called Gopuram or Gopura is made of stone and has intricate carvings on its walls. The tower also has a conical roof that resembles a lotus flower. The tower is 42 meters high and can be seen from a distance.
The temple’s silver gates and entrance are still present today and are considered as one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. The gates are made of silver plates that weigh 1.5 tons each and are adorned with floral motifs. The entrance is made of silver sheets that are 2 meters wide each and are decorated with lotus flowers.
The temple also has many other features such as Shakti Peetha, Nandi statue, Shiva linga and other deities that represent different aspects of Hinduism. The Shakti Peetha is one of the 51 places where Goddess Sati’s body parts were scattered after she immolated herself on a pyre to save her husband Lord Shiva from his father Lord Brahma’s curse. The Nandi statue is a huge stone bull that stands at 9 meters high and weighs 40 tons. It is believed that Nandi was once an elephant who was transformed into a bull by Lord Shiva.
Timings and Entry Fee of Chamundeshwari Temple
The best time to visit Chamundeshwari Temple is from 6 am to 9 pm every day except Mondays when it opens at 8 am. You can visit the temple anytime during these hours without any restriction or charge.
However, if you want to participate in any rituals or ceremonies conducted at the temple, you may have to follow some rules such as dressing modestly, covering your head with a scarf or hat, avoiding wearing gold or silver jewelry or carrying any electronic devices.
How to Reach Chamundeshwari Temple
There are two ways to reach Chamundeshwari Temple: either by steps or by driving through the interwoven valley road. If you prefer walking up the steps, you can start from either end of the valley road or from any point along the way. There are about 1,200 steps in total that lead up to the main entrance of the temple. You can also take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from any nearby point but be prepared to pay extra charges as they may not stop at every point.
If you prefer driving through the interwoven valley road, you can start from either end of the valley road or from any point along the way. You can also take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from any nearby point but be prepared to pay extra charges as they may not stop at every point.
Things to Do Near Chamundeshwari Temple
If you are looking for some fun and adventure activities near Chamundeshwari Temple, you can visit some of these places:
Shweta Varahaswamy Temple:
This is a 16th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Shweta Varahaswamy, who is believed to have saved the city from a plague. The temple is located on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the valley and the hills. You can also see a statue of Goddess Durga on the hilltop.
Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo:
This is an aquarium that showcases the marine life of India and other countries. You can see various species of fish, corals, turtles, sharks and more in their natural habitats. You can also enjoy various shows and activities such as feeding sessions, glass-bottom boat rides and snorkeling.
Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum:
This is a museum that displays the art and culture of sand sculpture. You can see various sculptures made of sand by local and international artists. You can also participate in some workshops and competitions and create your own sand sculpture.
Mysore Zoo:
This is one of the oldest zoos in India that houses over 1,000 animals from different regions of the world. You can see various animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, monkeys and more in their natural habitats. You can also enjoy various shows and activities such as elephant rides, lion safari and bird show.
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Some other popular temples in Mysore
Somanathapura Temple:
This is a 12th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. It is located on the banks of the Kaveri river and is known for its exquisite Hoysala architecture and sculptures. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Venugopala Swamy Temple:
This is a 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Venugopala, an incarnation of Vishnu. It is located on the banks of the Kaveri river and is known for its beautiful paintings and carvings. It is also a popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
Shree Bhuvaneshwari Temple:
This is a 17th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, another form of Goddess Durga. It is located on the banks of the Kaveri river and is known for its elegant Dravidian style and intricate carvings. It is also a place where many festivals are celebrated.
Mudukuthore Mallikarjuna Temple:
This is a 12th-century temple dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is located on the banks of the Kaveri river and is known for its unique feature of having two lingams, one red and one black, representing Shiva and Vishnu respectively. It is also a place where many rituals are performed.
The Vaidyanatheshwara Temple:
This is a 13th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vaidyanatheshwara, another form of Lord Vishnu. It is located on the banks of the Kaveri river and is known for its simple but elegant Dravidian style and carvings. It is also a place where many devotees seek blessings from the deity.
Nanjangud Mysore:
This is a town that has several temples dedicated to various Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Durga and more.
Check out: This Temple Town In Karnataka Is Known For It's Intricately Carved Ancient Temples
Chamundeshwari Temple is a divine destination in Mysore that will enchant you with its beauty, history and spirituality. It is one of the most prominent temples in Mysore and a Shakti Peetha that has many features such as silver gates, Gopuram, Nandi statue and other deities.
We hope this article has given you enough information about Chamundeshwari Temple and how to plan your trip to this place. If you have any questions or queries, feel free to contact us through our social media links or email address.
We wish you a happy and memorable visit to Chamundeshwari Temple!
