Sri Chamundeshwari Temple

The temple is dedicated to the Goddess ‘Chamundi’ or Durga who is a fierce form of Shakti. She is the enforcer of demons, Chanda and Munda, and also ‘Mahishasura’ the buffalo headed monster. Hence she got the names, ‘Mahishasuraghati’ and ‘Mahisha Mardini’. Mysore was ruled by the demon-king Mahishasura. Hence, came the name of this place – Mahishuru, the city of demon Mahisha. Acknowledging to the prayers of Gods and Goddess to save them from the monster, Goddess Parvathi, Consort of Lord Shiva, reincarnated as Chamundeshwari and killed the monster. After killing the demon, the Goddess resided atop the Chamundi Hills where she is worshiped with reverence and devotion. The entire hill, where the temple is established was named after her in honor of her victory and courage.

Goddess Durga was considered as the Family Deity of the Mysore Kings. Historians assert that the temple was established in the 12the Century by the Hoysala Kings, but the temple tower was built in the 17^th Century by the Vijaynagar Royals. Evidences state that Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana had given donations to this temple in 1128 A.D. During those days, the Chamnudeshwari hill was known as Mahabaladri in the respect of Mahabaleshwar (Shiva). The temple was a small shrine initially but gaining importance over 1000 years, it became a big temple as seen today. The temple gained more significance after the Mysore Maharajas, the Wodeyars, came into power in 1399 A.D. Later the Wodeyar kings started treating Goddess Chamundeshwari as the guardian deity of the family. The hill was renamed as Chamundi Betta (Chamundi Hills) during the 17th century.