Chamundeshwari devi Mysore (Karnataka)
Chamundi Hills can be viewed at a distance of about 8 to 10 kilometers from many of the corners of Mysore City. Chamundeshwari temple is situated on the of Chamundi hill, and that is about 3,489 ft. higher than sea level and located at a distance of 13 kilometers from Mysore. The temple is dedicated to Sri Chamundeshwari, the titular deity of the Mysore Royal Family, also described as 'Mahishasura Mardini' for having killed the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura. The temple has a very attractive idol of the goddess wearing a garland of skulls. Goddess Chamundeshwari, also spelled Chamundeswari is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, Goddess Kali is also referred to as the Goddess Chamundi.
Foundation of Sri Chamundeswari Temple is considered to build in 12th century old while its tower is relatively new about 300 years old. The temple has a seven story tall and 40 metre high 'gopuram' adorned with intricate carvings. Major attraction of the temple is the idol of the Chamunda Devi which is said to be made of solid gold. Even the gates of the temple are made of silver. The temple also boasts of a jewel Nakshatra-Malike with 30 Sanskrit shlokas inscribed on it. A 16-foot-high statue of the demon Mahishasura near the temple is another significant feature of Sri Chamundeswari Temple. This is so because Mahishasura was slain by the goddess Chamundeswari (Durga or Parvati) to protect the area. Hence Chamundi Devi is also lovingly known as the Goddess of Mysore. The word 'Chamundi' means terrible, and this is another name for Parvati, who is in an angry mood to slay the demon.
The Mahishasura Statue - built in 1659 by Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar and Rajendra Vilas palace - was once a popular hotel earlier are few other attractions on the Chamundi hill.
A panoramic view of the city is viewed from the top of the Chamundi hills. Among other landmarks, you are able to see the race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes. At dusk, the view of the city is very beautiful, and on Sunday evenings and during the Dasara festival, the illuminated Mysore Palace glitters resembling gold!
Chamundi Hills can be viewed at a distance of about 8 to 10 kilometers from many of the corners of Mysore City. Chamundeshwari temple is situated on the of Chamundi hill, and that is about 3,489 ft. higher than sea level and located at a distance of 13 kilometers from Mysore. The temple is dedicated to Sri Chamundeshwari, the titular deity of the Mysore Royal Family, also described as 'Mahishasura Mardini' for having killed the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura. The temple has a very attractive idol of the goddess wearing a garland of skulls. Goddess Chamundeshwari, also spelled Chamundeswari is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, Goddess Kali is also referred to as the Goddess Chamundi. Mysore was ruled by the demon-king Mahishasura, he was a buffalo-headed monster. For this reason, came the name of this place - Mahishuru, the town of demon Mahisha. Hearing to the prayers of Gods and Goddess to save them from the monster, Goddess Parvathi, (consort of Lord Siva), took birth 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 goddess is also called Mahishasura Mardini meaning She who slew Mahishasura.
About the Temple
Foundation of Sri Chamundeswari Temple is considered to build in 12th century old while its tower is relatively new about 300 years old. The temple has a seven story tall and 40 metre high 'gopuram' adorned with intricate carvings. Major attraction of the temple is the idol of the Chamunda Devi which is said to be made of solid gold. Even the gates of the temple are made of silver. The temple also boasts of a jewel Nakshatra-Malike with 30 Sanskrit shlokas inscribed on it. A 16-foot-high statue of the demon Mahishasura near the temple is another significant feature of Sri Chamundeswari Temple. This is so because Mahishasura was slain by the goddess Chamundeswari (Durga or Parvati) to protect the area. Hence Chamundi Devi is also lovingly known as the Goddess of Mysore. The word 'Chamundi' means terrible, and this is another name for Parvati, who is in an angry mood to slay the demon.
The Chamundi temple has always been patronised by the rulers of Mysore. In 1659 Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar built 1,000 steps and big Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull. This gigantic Nandi is likely one of the largest within India, 16 ft. (4.8 meters) tall in the front and 25 ft. (7.5 meters) in length. The magnificent pendent bells around its neckline are exquisite. Nandi as well as the temple beside it can be found at the 700th step of the Chamundi Hill.
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III repaired the holy place in 1827 and built the current attractive forty-meter and seven storied Gopura (tower at the doorway) with gold finials, and set up statues of his and his 3 queens. In 1827, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III made arrangements for festivals and processions and gifted Simhavahana in 1843.
There are two other temples dedicated near to Chamundi temple, Lakshmi Narayana Swamy and Mahabaleswara temple. Sri Mahabaleswara temple - devoted to Lord Shiva in the shape of Linga, is a oldest temple at the hill. It was built prior to the beginning of the Hoysala rule. Epigraphical evidences point to this area as Mabhala or Mabbala theertha and states that Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana has given donations to the temple in 1128 A.D.
The Mahishasura Statue - built in 1659 by Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar and Rajendra Vilas palace - was once a popular hotel earlier are few other attractions on the Chamundi hill.
A panoramic view of the city is viewed from the top of the Chamundi hills. Among other landmarks, you are able to see the race course, the Lalitha Mahal palace, Mysore Palace, Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes. At dusk, the view of the city is very beautiful, and on Sunday evenings and during the Dasara festival, the illuminated Mysore Palace glitters resembling gold!
Facebook
0 comments:
Post a Comment