Hindu Temples in Mysore

 Chamundi Temple :-
The Chamundi Temple on top of the Chamundi hills is the most famous temple in Mysore, since Goddess Chamundi or Chamundeshwari is the presiding deity of Msyore. Initially the temple was a small one, but over the past few centuries, as a result of the patronage and expansions made by the Mysore Maharajas it has become a big temple. 





Nandi Temple:-


Originally this was a colossal boulder. The image of the Nandi was carved out of this boulder in situ. When you visit this Nandi just look around to see similar boulders around this site. In fact right behind the Nandi image is small cave temple under an overhanging boulder dedicated to Shiva. These boulders are painted with white and ochre stripes.
Nandi image atop Chamundi Hill, Mysore.

The Nandi is portrayed in sitting position with its left foreleg folded in an about to get up posture. While the image is in great proportions, the finer details are executed equally brilliant. You can see many sequences of bells and garlands dexterously carved over the Nandi. With his ears pointed in rapt attention, the expression on the face is something not to be missed. The whole image sits on a 4 feet or so heigh platform.Cave temple at chamundi hills near the Nandi
cave temple at chamundi hills.This Nandi is in active worship possibly ever since from its creation. This is an open shrine exposed to the elements. During special days scaffolding are erected to do the abhisheka (anointing). Otherwise on regular days the priest stands at the front and do pooja.


Mahabaleshwara temple:-


The Mahabaleshwara temple on top of the Chamundi hills is the oldest temple on top of the hill. The Mahabaleshwara temple was a very important before the Chamundeshwari temple gained prominence. The Mahabaleshwara temple lost its importance after the Mysore Kings started patronizing the Chamundi temple. In the earlier days the hill was called Mahabaladri or Mahabala Thirtha after the Lord of the temple. The

name Chamundi Hills is of recent origin. This temple is situated to the south of the Chamundeswari Temple and attracts a small number of devotees. Records of the Ganga period show that the temple existed during their reign as well.
In the niches behind are the statues of Dakshina Murthy and Mahishamardhini, the latter statue is in the Ganga style. In the back of the temple, on the back corridor, there are a few images of Gods like Indra and Bhiikshatana Shiva that indicate that the temple has Chola workmanship as well. There is an image of Brahma from the Ganga period. The front Mantapa was built during the 17th century. This ancient temple that has the workmanship of more that three dynasties is worth visiting.



Prasanna Krishnaswamy temple:-

Krishnaraja Wodeyar III built the Prasanna Krishnaswamy temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna the founder of the Yadu dynasty. Construction of temple began 1825 and was completed in 1829. He presented the temple with about 40 bronze statues of Gods, Goddesses and saints.

In the prakara or the enclosure of the temple is a small cell enshrining the figure of the sage Atri. The figure of the sage was installed, as he was the gotra-rishi of the Maharaja. In the shrine of Ramanujacharya in the temple, there are three small stone figures of Paravasudeva, Anathasayana and Rajamannar (a form of Lord Krishna). The Navaranga (the central pillared hall) of Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple has beautiful murals on its walls. The murals represent stories from Bhagavat the epic relating to Krishna.


Lakshmiramana Swamy temple:-

The Lakshmiramana Swamy temple in Mysore is one of the oldest temples in the city. In an inscription found at the Banni Mantapa in Mysore there is a mention of a grant for God Lakshminarayana in 1499 by the Vijayanagara King Narasa Nayaka, the father of the famous Vijayanagar emperor Krishnadevaraya. There is an inscription in the temple dated November 30, 1851, recording that Krishnaraja Wodeyar III renovated the tower built over the Mahaswara (the main entrance) Raja Wodeyar built the original tower.


Trinesvaraswamy Temple:-

Trinesvaraswamy Temple is dedicated to the three-eyed Lord Shiva and is located in the northeast corner of the fort, facing the Palace. This enormous temple has been built in the Dravidian style. This old temple existed even before the reign of Raja Wodeyar (1578-1617). Originally the temple

was located on the bank of the Devaraya Sagar or Doddakere. The fort was enlarged during the reign of Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar (1638-1659) and his successor Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar (1659-1672) and as a result the temple came within the fort enclosure.

Shiva appeared to the sage and he consecrated the Lingam on that spot. Therefore the Lingam is Trinesvara or Trinayanesvara, the three-eyed Shiva. In a cell that faces the south entrance there is a metallic statue of the God. On either side in the two niches are statues of Ganapathi. On the south outer wall of the Navaranga are two niches that enshrine the figure of Virabhadra and Dakshinamurthy. The statue of Dakshinamurthy is seated under a tree in the posture of meditation.

Shweta Varahaswamy temple:-

The Shweta Varahaswamy temple is also known as the Varahaswamy temple. This temple is located at the southern entrance of the Fort. The temple is built in the architectural style followed by the Hoysalas. The shrine of the Goddess has an elegantly carved doorway and intricately carved pillars and to

wer. The Navaranga has stucco niches at the sides of the entrance. The Navaranga has beautiful mural paintings on its walls. These paintings depict incidents from the Ramayana and the Bhagavata. These paintings especially pay attention to the exploits of Lord Krishna.
There is an inscription Maya Bhadra in characters if the 12th or 13th century on the southern outer wall of the shrine of the goddess. It is not clear what the expression means and whether it refers to the artist or to the niche itself. The temple is enclosed within high walls. The southeastern wall has a mural representing Rama Pattabhisheka or the coronation of Lord Rama. The painted inscription under the painted panel states that the painting was made on Monday the second of the bright half of the month Magaha in the cyclic year Bhava of Saka era 1797.


Transportation to Chamundeswari Devi Temple in Mysore
How to reach:-

By air:-
Mysore has a small domestic airport which is connected to Bangalore. Bangalore is also the nearest international airport which is at a distance of 140 km away from Mysore. There are regular flights to Bangalore from all the major cities in India. Bangalore is connected to many international cities as well.

By Bus:-
There is an excellent bus service provided by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. Vanities of tourist buses are available from Bangalore to Mysore and fare is about Rs 4 to 5 per km.

By train:-
Mysore railway station is connected to Bangalore, which is 140 km away. Bangalore is well connected to all the other cities in India.