About Chamunda Devi Mysore
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple crowns Chamundi Hills, about 1,000 metres above sea level, on the edge of Mysuru in Karnataka. It is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, a fierce form of Durga, who is the guardian deity of Mysuru and of the Wadiyar royal family. The city's name is linked to the buffalo demon Mahishasura, whom the goddess is said to have slain here. The temple is at the heart of the famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
According to legend, Mahishasura terrorised the region until Goddess Chamundeshwari fought and destroyed him, giving the area the name Mahishuru, which became Mysuru. A shrine is believed to have existed on the hill for many centuries. The Wadiyar kings of Mysore were devoted patrons; in the seventeenth century a stairway was built up the hill, and the temple's tall gopuram was added by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III in the nineteenth century.
The temple has a seven-tiered Dravidian-style gopuram with carved figures and a gold-plated finial. Inside, the goddess is richly adorned. On the hilltop stands a large statue of Mahishasura, and partway down the steps is a huge monolithic Nandi, one of the largest in India. The hilltop offers wide views of Mysuru city.
Chamunda Devi Mysore timings & aarti
Usually open about 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Abhisheka and Pooja | Early morning, before opening |
| Midday Pooja | Around noon |
| Evening Pooja | Around 6:00–7:30 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Chamunda Devi Mysore
By air
Mysuru Airport – about 15 km; Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru – about 185 km.
By train
Mysuru Junction – about 13 km.
By road
City buses and taxis go up the hill road to the temple. Many devotees climb the roughly 1,000 stone steps from the base of the hill.
Festivals at Chamunda Devi Mysore
- Mysuru Dasara (Navaratri)Sep/Oct
- Ashada FridaysJun/Jul
- Chamundeshwari VardhantiJun/Jul
- Theppotsava and RathotsavaOct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- General darshan is free and open to all devotees; paid special darshan queues are usually available, especially on busy days.
- Climb the steps early in the morning to avoid the heat; carry water.
- Stop at the giant Nandi statue on the way up or down.
- On Ashada Fridays and during Dasara, expect long queues and road restrictions.
- Watch out for monkeys on the hill.
- Combine your visit with Mysore Palace, best seen when lit up on Sunday evenings.
Places to visit near Chamunda Devi Mysore
- Nandi MonolithGiant stone Nandi on the Chamundi Hill steps, about 1 km below the temple
- Mysore PalaceGrand royal palace of the Wadiyars, about 12 km
- Mysuru ZooOne of India's oldest zoos, about 10 km
- Brindavan Gardens (KRS Dam)Terraced gardens with musical fountain, about 30 km
- SrirangapatnaHistoric island town with the Ranganathaswamy temple, about 20 km
Frequently asked questions
What are the Chamundeshwari temple timings?
It usually opens around 7:30 AM–2:00 PM, 3:30–6:00 PM and 7:30–9:00 PM, with longer hours on special days.
How many steps are there to Chamundi Hills?
There are roughly 1,000 steps from the base of the hill to the temple.
Why is Chamundeshwari Temple linked with Mysuru Dasara?
Chamundeshwari is the city's guardian goddess, and Dasara celebrates her victory over Mahishasura; her idol is carried in the Jamboo Savari procession.
How far is Chamundi Hills from Mysuru railway station?
About 13 km by road.
Which days are most auspicious at Chamundeshwari Temple?
Fridays, especially during the Ashada month, and the days of Dasara.
What is the aarti time at Chamunda Devi Mysore?
Morning Abhisheka and Pooja: Early morning, before opening; Midday Pooja: Around noon; Evening Pooja: Around 6:00–7:30 PM. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Chamunda Devi Mysore?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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