Shree Chamundeshwari Temple
Why in News?
The Shree Chamundeshwari Temple, located atop the Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, Karnataka, is recently due to the "Hundi" (collection box) counting held in April 2026, which recorded a massive surge in donations, and ongoing discussions regarding the Chamundi Hill Development Authority Bill.
About
- Record Collections: The temple’s latest hundi counting in early April 2026 revealed a record-breaking collection of over ₹4.5 crore in a single month, attributed to the heavy influx of devotees during the summer holidays and the "Shakti" scheme (free bus travel for women).
- Development Authority Bill: There is an ongoing legal and political debate regarding the Chamundi Hill Temple Development Authority, as the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru has expressed concerns over government intervention in temple administration.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: The Karnataka government recently approved a ₹50 crore project for the "Integrated Development of Chamundi Hills" under the PRASHAD scheme to improve pilgrim amenities and eco-tourism.
- Environmental Concerns: Environmentalists are currently protesting proposed ropeway projects at the hill, citing the fragile ecology and potential for landslides during the upcoming monsoon.
Religious Significance
- The Deity: Dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari (a fierce form of Shakti), the patron deity of the Mysuru Royal Family and the "Nada Devate" (State Deity) of Karnataka.
- Shakti Peetha: It is considered one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, where the hair of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen.
- Legend: The temple marks the spot where the Goddess killed the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura, giving the city of Mysuru its name (from Mahishuru).
Architecture & History
- Origin: The original shrine is over 1,000 years old, initially built by the Hoysala rulers.
- Gopuram: The magnificent 7-tier tall tower (Gopuram) was built by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III in 1827.
- Statue of Nandi: Halfway up the hill sits a massive monolithic Nandi (Lord Shiva’s bull), carved out of a single boulder in 1659. It is one of the largest in India.
- The Steps: There are 1,008 ancient stone steps leading to the summit, built by Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar.
Festivals & Traditions
- Mysuru Dasara: The temple is the focal point of the world-famous 10-day Dasara festival. On "Vijayadashami," the idol is placed in a 750-kg golden howdah on an elephant.
- Ashada Shukravara: The Fridays of the Hindu month of Ashada (July-August) are the most auspicious days, attracting lakhs of devotees.
- Chamundi Jayanti: Celebrates the birthday of the Goddess with special rituals and a golden palanquin procession.
Visitor Information
- Location: 13 km from Mysuru city, Karnataka.
- Timing: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM; 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM; 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred; modest clothing is mandatory for entry into the inner sanctum.
Significance for Karnataka
- Cultural Icon: The temple is the primary symbol of Mysuru's heritage and the Wadiyar dynasty's legacy.
- Economy: It is one of the highest revenue-generating temples for the Karnataka Muzrai Department.
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