Introduction:
The Land of Karnataka is blessed with mystical forces of the cosmos and a salubrious environment by nature. Sanctified with lush green trees, plants, and great vegetation, the trip to Chamundeshwari Temple is a bliss. The town of Mysuru is iconic, with palaces, old monuments, and temples which reverberates the rich history.
Fact 1: Shakthi Peetam:
It is one of the Sakthi Peetams, situated in Karnataka. It is the same location, where the hair of Goddess Sati fell on earth. Shakthi Peetam is referred to as the powerhouses of the Goddess. The Goddess is revered as the “Naada Devathe”, aka “Goddess of the State”. The presiding deity is Goddess Chamundeshwari, who is the incarnation of Goddess Parvathi, in her stern form.
Fact 2: Incredible Steps:
To reach the top of the temple, which is located on a small hillock which is 3000 feet tall. The devotee has to climb almost 1000 steps, which was built in the year 1659. There are several other arrangements to reach the temple through busses, and cars.
Fact 3: Arts and Architecture:
The temple has a quadrangular structure, built in the Dravidian style architecture. There are several halls, Sanctum Sanctorum, which are highly artistic. There is a seven-tier pyramidal tower or Gopuram which is located at the entrance. and a Vimana or small tower can be seen on top of the sanctum sanctorum.
Fact 4: Legend of Goddess Chamundeshwari:
Once there were demon brothers called Sumba and Nimba, who gained their boon through severe austerities from God. They disturbing the lives of the people, and their mayhems were immense. To put an end to the atrocities, Sage Narada approached Lord Shiva. Goddess also destroyed Demon Mahishasura and was called as Mahishaamardini.
Fact 5: No live Sacrifices:
Since the 18th Century, the temple has restrained killing any birds or small animals as a sacrifice. The worship and even the Prasadas submitted to the Goddess is in a Satvik way.
Fact 6: Royal Patronage:
Originally, the Chamundeshwari temple was small. Later, it was rebuilt by the lineage of Mysore kings. It is believed that the original temple was built in the 12th Century, by Hoysala rulers. Later, Vijayanagar rulers of the 17th century have added more walls and halls.
Fact 7: Shires in the Temple Complex:
There are separate shrines for Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Bhairava in this temple. The sanctum sanctorum has the idol of Goddess Chamundi, who is portrayed with eight hands. Her idol is installed in a sitting posture. The statue of Nandi has been installed before the Sanctum Sanctorum. The temple also has a statue of Lord Hanuman.
Fact 8: Nandhi Statue:
On the way to the Shrine, there is a massive statue of Nandhi, which is almost 15 feet high, 24 feet long. It is adorned with garlands and looks magnificent. It is also the tallest statue of Nandhi in the whole of South Asia.
Fact 9: Mahishasura Statue:
Before the temple, there is a huge statue of Demon Mahishasura, with sword and serpent. The statue is huge and highly appreciated by people across the globe. The Goddess Chamundi is Known as Mahishasura Mardini, which translates to the slayer of Demon Mahishasura
Fact 10: Festivals
There are several festivals celebrated in this temple. Aashada Shukravara, Navaratri is highly celebrated for all ten days, where the royal family of Mysore would partake in the festivals. Ammanavara Vardhanthi is a festival to worship the Goddess, where special Puja and celebrations take place. Chamundi Jayanthi, is highly revered here, where millions of believers gather here. The idol of the goddess is taken as a procession in the city of Mysore. Apart from that Fridays are very auspicious.
