Chamundi Hills Mysore

 The Sri Chamundeswari temple is located on the top of Chamundi hill which is about 3,489 ft above sea level. This picturesque hill is approximately 13 km from the City of Mysore. This temple of 'Durga Devi' or the Goddess 'Chamundi' has a mythological story behind it. It is believed that the Goddess  'Chamundi' killed the demons named 'Mahishasura','Chanda' and 'Munda'. Hence the name 'Mahishasuramardhini'. 

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore

The temple gained its prominence after the Mysore Wodeyars came to power in 1399A.D and the devotees across the world come here to seek blessings from the Mother Durga. Devotees believe that the goddess's powerful yogic posture provides a further dimensional view of the universe. Halfway through the temple you can find a Nandhi statue carved out of the black granite stone  which is about 4.9 m tall and 7.6 m long. As you go further, this temple, has a statue of Mahishasura with a sword and snake at the entrance. 

The scenic beauty of the hills combined with the view of the Mysore City and the Karanji Lake is definitely a place worth visiting. The mesmerizing route that spirals around the hill is refreshing both to the mind, body and soul. 

How to Visit the Temple in Chamundi Hills

 1. Transportation: 

Leave at 7am from the City and reach the temple by 7:45 am. Preferred mode of travel is a bike or a Car. KSRTC Bus facilities are also there. One might find it difficult if you have elders accompanying you. Parking facility provided by the temple authorities.

2. Entry: Free

We headed for the Darshan with a flower basket that costs around 300Rs/- to offer to the god. To our disappointment, We could see most of our offerings not even kept near the god due to the huge crowd flocking together.

The Flower Baskets arranged by the locals

I would rather suggest you to feed the Monkeys,Cows or the poor if you prefer to. The crowd is usually less during the early hours and during the weekdays. In case you want to finish the visit it with lesser time on a weekend, then there is advisable for a special Darshan for 300Rs/- and free Darshan as also available to the devotees. 

We went for the free Darshan on a Monday Morning 8am. It took us around around 45min in the queue. You can then Visit the goddess Chamundi and offer your prayers. After the Darshan, you can get some delightful laddu prasadam, pack of 2 for 30Rs/-.There is a small Mahabaleshwara or Shiva temple just besides the main temple area. You can see a Bilvapatra Tree and the beauty of the Shiva Linga inside. You can visit that temple that is often ignored by many. 

3. Photography

Photography is not allowed inside the temple. Do respect the guidelines mentioned.There is a View point called Chamundi Hill View Point where the photographers and cyclists park in there for a moment to quickly get some clicks in the watch tower. The view of the Karanji Lake is also a moment worth capturing. The scenic beauty, misty clouds, the beautiful architecture of the temples are fascinating. 

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