At exactly 7:30 PM every evening, the Chamundeshwari Temple lights up the entire Chamundi Hills, visible from Mysore Palace 13 km away. The golden statue of Goddess Chamundeshwari inside this ancient shrine has been the guardian deity of Mysore royals for over 400 years.
Quick Information for Chamundeshwari Temple
Location: Chamundi Hills, 13 km from Mysore city
Timings: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free general, 30 special darshan, 100 VIP darshan
Contact: Book online at chamundeshwaritemple.in
Best Time to Visit: Early morning 7:30-9:00 AM
Average Time Needed: 3-4 hours including travel
Parking: 20 two-wheeler, 50 car at hilltop
Legend of Goddess Chamundeshwari
Walk past the Mahishasura statue halfway up Chamundi Hills and you’ll understand why Mysore got its name. The demon Mahishasura (buffalo-headed monster) terrorized this region until Goddess Durga incarnated as Chamundeshwari to destroy him at this exact spot.
The name “Mysuru” comes from “Mahishasurana Ooru” – town of Mahishasura. After killing the demon, the goddess settled on the hilltop where devotees have worshipped her for over 800 years.
How to Reach Chamundeshwari Temple
By KSRTC Bus: Routes 20, 22, 25 from Mysore city bus stand. Frequency every 20 minutes, fare 25 per person. Last bus down at 9:30 PM.
By Auto-rickshaw: From palace area 300-400 by meter, though drivers usually ask 500. Shared autos available for 30 per person.
By Car: Take Chamundi Hills Road past KR Hospital. 13 km drive, well-maintained road with several viewpoints.
The Famous 1000 Steps Climb
Start climbing the stone steps built in 1659 by Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar around 6 AM for the best experience. At step 700, you’ll reach the massive Nandi statue – 15 feet high and 24 feet long with beautiful bells around its neck.
Local pilgrims believe each step washes away past sins. The complete climb takes 45-60 minutes depending on your fitness. Elderly visitors can take the motorable road and battery-operated cars available for 30 per person.
Temple Architecture and Special Features
The seven-tier gopuram (tower) stands 40 meters high, painted in gold and visible from all corners of Mysore. Built in Dravidian style, the temple has a quadrangular structure with the main deity carved in pure gold.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum, Goddess Chamundeshwari sits in yogic posture with 20 hands, holding various weapons. Most devotees get darshan from the main hall; only special pooja performers enter the inner chambers.
Timings and Darshan Details
Regular Timings: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM daily
Abhisheka (Special Bath) Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM morning, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM evening. Fridays: 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM
Free Meals (Dasoha): Daily 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM for all devotees
Entry Fees and Special Services
- General Darshan: Free entry, queue can be 30-45 minutes
- Special Darshan: 30 per person, shorter queue, better view
- VIP Darshan: 100 per person, immediate entry, front-row view
- Online Booking: Available at chamundeshwaritemple.in with printed confirmation required
Festivals and Special Celebrations
Navaratri (September-October): Biggest celebration with different decorations for 9 days. On Kalaratri (7th day), jewelry worth crores from District Treasury decorates the goddess.
Ashada Shukravara: Every Friday in Ashada month (July-August) brings lakhs of devotees. Special arrangements with extra buses and food distribution.
Chamundi Jayanti: Anniversary celebration when the golden palanquin carries the goddess around the temple with traditional music.
Other Temples on Chamundi Hills
Behind Chamundeshwari Temple sits the ancient Mahabaleshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This predates Chamundeshwari with records from 950 AD. The hill was originally called Mahabaladri after this temple.
Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple also shares the hilltop with beautiful Hoysala-style architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Plastic-Free Zone: Entire Chamundi Hills declared plastic-free. Carry cloth or paper bags. Heavy fines for plastic items.
Monkey Alert: Monkeys snatch food items. Don’t carry eatables in open bags. Keep offerings covered until reaching the temple.
Photography: Not allowed inside temple premises. External views and hilltop panorama permitted.
Best Viewpoints and Photo Spots
The viewpoint near temple parking offers stunning 360-degree views of Mysore city, Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal, and KRS Dam on clear days. Early morning and late evening provide the best lighting.
Lalithadri Palace, built during Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV’s reign, sits on the hilltop and offers royal-perspective city views. The palace is occasionally open for special events.
Transportation Back to City
Last Bus Timings: Final KSRTC bus leaves at 9:30 PM. Don’t miss it as auto-rickshaws charge double rates after 9 PM.
Evening Rates: Auto-rickshaws charge 600-800 after sunset. Pre-book return transport or use app-based cabs for fixed rates.
Nearby Attractions
Mysore Zoo (10 km), Mysore Palace (13 km), Lalitha Mahal Palace (8 km) can be combined in a single day. Brindavan Gardens (25 km) makes a good evening addition with musical fountain show.
Money-Saving Tips
Visit on weekdays for faster darshan and better parking availability. Combine with palace visit using the same transportation. Carry water bottles as hilltop shops charge 25 for 10 water.
Book special darshan online to avoid queues, especially during festivals and weekends. Group bookings of 10+ people get slight discounts on transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chamundeshwari Temple timings?
7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM daily. Abhisheka at 6:00-7:30 AM and 6:00-7:30 PM (Fridays 5:00-6:30 AM).
How much does Chamundeshwari Temple darshan cost?
Free general darshan, 30 special darshan with shorter queue, 100 VIP darshan with immediate entry. Online booking available.
Can we climb 1000 steps to temple?
Yes, well-maintained stone steps built in 1659. Takes 45-60 minutes. Alternatively, motorable road available with buses and private vehicles.
What’s the best time to visit Chamundeshwari Temple?
Early morning 7:30-9:00 AM for pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Avoid 2:00-3:30 PM closure time. Evening 7:30-8:30 PM for illuminated temple views.
Is parking available at Chamundi Hills?
Yes, dedicated parking near temple. 20 for two-wheelers, 50 for cars. Gets crowded on weekends and festivals – arrive early.
Last Updated: February 2025
Next Update: Before Ashada Shukravara 2025