The Chamundeshwari Temple
The Chamundeshwari Temple is located on Chamundi Hills in Karnataka, 13 kilometres from the Mysore Palace. This is the abode of the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the fierce form of Shakti, or feminine power, as embodied. Being a Maha Shaktipeetha, it’s a divine abode for worship and a testimony to the region’s brilliant architectural prowess and rich cultural heritage.
History Behind the Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundeshwari Temple is steeped in the mythology of Goddess Sati, whose tragic tale is intricately woven into the tapestry of Hindu belief. Sati, a devoted daughter of King Daksha and the consort of Lord Shiva defied her father to marry Shiva, while Daksha’s detestation of Shiva marked their union.
King Daksha conducted a very big yajna with much pomp one day. Sati and Shiva were deliberately kept out of the guest list. Against Shiva’s advice, Sati attended the yajna by herself. There, she and her husband were insulted by her father. Inflamed with anger and frustration at the humiliation accorded to Shiva, she committed self-immolation.
With shock, anger, and grief, Lord Shiva carried Sati’s burnt body on his shoulders and performed the Tandava, the dance of cosmic destruction. He threatened to destroy the world as such, and the gods decided to go to Lord Vishnu for redress. Vishnu came to their rescue armed with his Sudarshana Chakra and started breaking down Sati’s body. Her pieces fell at many sites across the Indian subcontinent. Every site where Sati’s body parts had fallen became a place of pilgrimage and was called Shaktipeetha.
Chamundeshwari Temple is one such Shaktipeetha, believed to mark the spot where Sati’s hair fell. The temple is also known as Krouncha Pitham and is named after the former title of the region, Krouncha Puri.
History and Architecture
The Chamundeshwari Temple is a true example of the Dravidian style of architecture. Built during the 12th century by the Hoysala rulers, its current structure is essentially the result of the extensions it received at the hands of the kings of Vijayanagara in the 17th century. It is a quadrangular temple with an imposing seven-tiered gopura, capped with seven golden kalashas on top.
The intricate carvings, silver-plated doors, and deities give the structure a sense of grandeur and reverence. The sanctum sanctorum contains the idol of Chamundeshwari, which is made intricately to give an impression of power and grace. Many small shrines surround the temple. One is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and the other to Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull mount.
In 1659, Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar constructed 1,000 steps to the temple’s 3,000-foot summit to facilitate pilgrims’ access. The 700th step boasts a magnificent statue of Nandi, measuring 15 feet in height and 24 feet in length, with beautiful bell carvings all around it. This giant Nandi figure is one of the biggest in India, signifying the unshakeable faith of the rulers in Lord Shiva and Chamundeshwari Devi.
Significance of Mahishasura
Visitors who climb the Chamundi Hills encounter a huge statue of Mahishasura, the demon king who was killed by Goddess Chamundeshwari. The story of Mahishasura forms the crux of the temple’s significance.
Born to the union between the demon Rambha and a she-buffalo, Mahishasura inherited immense power as well as cruelty. For penance to Lord Brahma, he was able to obtain a boon that could not be killed by any man in his lifetime, underestimating the strength of women. Thus, drunk with the said power, he waged war against the gods, driving them out of their celestial abode.
Desperate and defeated, the gods appealed to the divine trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. United, they fashioned a powerful goddess who possessed all their combined powers. On a lion she rode, and with heavenly weapons in her hand, stood the Goddess Durga, later Chamundeshwari, to oppose Mahishasura.
To evade her attacks, Mahishasura changed his shape several times. He became a lion, an elephant, and a serpent before ultimately taking the shape of a buffalo. The Goddess never gave up, and to finish his tyranny, she cut off his head with the Sudarshana Chakra.
The Mahishasura monument on Chamundi Hill symbolises the victory of good over evil. The demon is shown carrying a sword and a snake in his hand.
Interesting Facts About the Chamundeshwari Temple
Devotion and Miracles
In 1573, Chamaraja Wadiyar, a king of Mysore, was hit by lightning while praying at the temple. Miraculously, he survived the accident, and the people believed that Goddess Chamundeshwari herself had come to save him. From then on, he was called Bald Chamaraja Wadiyar.
Climbing the Sacred Steps
Pilgrims believe that climbing the 1,000 steps leading to the temple washes away their past sins. The strenuous climb reflects their dedication and resolve to seek favours from the Goddess.
Architectural Marvel
The silver-plated doors and gopuram of the temple are a testament to the artistic and cultural acme of the Mysore rulers. Every step and every edifice speaks of devotion, artistry, and royal patronage.
A Temple of Strength and Triumph
She embodies the spirit of strength, courage, and divinity over evil. She is an inspiration to millions and a place for solace and cultural heritage continues. Whether it’s the views from the top of the Chamundi Hill or intricate carvings on the walls of the temple, deep-rooted mythology resonates at each corner of the place; this journey into the heart of devotion, history, and mysticism happens during a visit to the Chamundeshwari Temple.
The Chamundeshwari Temple is not merely a sacred shrine; it is an immersive journey into devotion, history, and cultural pride. From the awe-inspiring views atop Chamundi Hills to the intricate carvings and legends that breathe life into its walls, the temple encapsulates the essence of Mysore’s rich heritage. Complete your visit with a stay at Bimba, the best hotel in Mysore, offering you comfort and proximity to the city’s iconic landmarks.
