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Nandi, Chamundi Hill
(3 km from Mysore)
Photograph by T. S. Satyan
The 17th century carving of Nandi, Shiva's bull, has become a symbol of old Mysore. Standing 4.8 metres high, this monolithic granite statue was carved during the reign of Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar in 1659.
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Chamundeswari Temple Interior |
The Nandi, and the temple beside it, are located at the 800th step of the 335-metre high Chamundi Hill. This hill is linked to Mysore as much by geographical proximity, as by the remarkable bonds of legend and history. After all, Mysore owes its name to the legend of Mahishasura and Chamundeswari: the first being a demon king, the latter the Goddess who slew him. Chamundi Hill is the place she retired to after her victory. It has also been associated with Vishnuvardhana, a 12th century Hoysala ruler; the Vijayanagara rulers of the 16th century; and the Wodeyars, to whom Chamundeswari was a patron goddess for centuries. According to legend, Chamaraja Wodeyar IV worshipped at the temple in 1573 and was miraculously saved from being hit by a bolt of lightning.
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Chamundeswari Temple |
Chamundi Hill can be ascended by a modern 13-km road or by the 1,000 steps commissioned by the Maharaja in the 17th century. The climb is interesting with beautiful views and a number of minor shrines, dedicated to Chamundi, Hanuman, Shiva, Vishnu and other deities.
The 12th century temple of Chamundeswari, often cocooned in mist, is located at the top of the hill. The temple has doors made of silver and a 40-metre high gopuram, believed to have been built by Krishnaraja III in the late 18th century. An idol of the goddess, made of solid gold, is located in the temple's sanctum sanctorum. Krishnaraja III, who ruled over the area in the late 18th century, is believed to have constructed the temple tower and gifted the temple a Nakshatra Malike bearing inscriptions of 30 Sanskrit shlokas. A 4.9-metre high statue of the demon Mahishasura is located close to the temple.
The view from the top of the hill includes the Race Course, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Amba Vilas Palace, and Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes.
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