Walk through the northern gate of Mysore Palace around 10 AM and you’ll spot the Bhuvaneshwari Temple Palace grounds with its distinctive Chola-style gateway tower. Built in 1951 by Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodiyar, this temple costs nothing extra beyond your 70 palace entry ticket.
Quick Information for Bhuvaneshwari Temple
Location: Northern side of Mysore Palace complex, near Balarama Gate
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (palace hours)
Entry Fee: Free with palace ticket (70 for adults)
Built: 1951 by Jayachamarajendra Wodiyar
Best Time to Visit: Early morning 10-11 AM or evening 4-5 PM
Average Time Needed: 15-20 minutes
Parking: Available at palace south gate parking 20 for cars
Architectural Symmetry at Bhuvaneshwari Temple Palace Grounds
The temple’s Chola-style tower creates perfect architectural balance with the Varahaswami Temple on the palace’s southern side. Sculptor Siddalingaswamy carved the main Bhuvaneshwari deity along with statues of Surya, Mahavishnu, Maheshwara, Rajarajeshwari, Ganapathi and Chamundeshwari.
The copper Surya Mandala displayed here was personally transferred from the palace by Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodiyar. During evening illumination (Sundays 7-8 PM), the temple tower glows beautifully alongside the palace’s 97,000 bulbs.
How to Reach Bhuvaneshwari Temple
By City Bus: Take bus number 1, 4, 8, 20 from City Bus Stand. Get down at Palace stop. Walk 2 minutes to north gate.
By Auto: From railway station costs 80 by meter, though drivers ask 100-120.
By Car: From Bengaluru via Mysuru Ring Road to Palace Road. Park at south gate for 20.
Temple Sculptures and Sacred Artifacts
Famous sculptor Siddalingaswamy’s work dominates the temple interior. The Bhuvaneshwari idol represents divine motherhood and cosmic power. Around the sanctum, bronze and stone sculptures depict various Hindu deities in traditional South Indian style.
- Main Bhuvaneshwari statue: Central sanctum – Divine mother form
- Surya sculpture: East wall – Solar deity with detailed crown
- Mahavishnu statue: North wall – Vishnu with four arms
- Chamundeshwari sculpture: South wall – Mysore’s patron goddess
Things Most Palace Visitors Miss
The temple’s henna plants flanking the flagpost bloom year-round but most tourists rush past without noticing. The copper Surya Mandala dates to the 18th century and originally belonged to the royal family’s private collection.
Local priests perform evening aarti around 6 PM during palace illumination days. The temple’s acoustics create beautiful echoes during prayers, but you’ll only experience this if you arrive during evening rituals rather than busy afternoon hours.
Money Saving Tips
Your palace ticket includes all twelve temples within the complex. Instead of paying 15-20 for individual temple visits elsewhere, explore all palace temples in one visit. Palace audio guides cost 50 but mention the temple briefly.
- Morning visits: Palace less crowded before 11 AM
- Combined tickets: Palace + Residential Museum saves 20
- Free photography: Allowed outside temples (not inside palace)
Best Time for Bhuvaneshwari Temple Palace Grounds
February to April offers pleasant weather for temple visits. Avoid Dasara season (September-October) when palace crowds make temple access difficult. Weekday mornings provide peaceful darshan compared to weekend rushes.
Nearby Palace Temples
Walk 100 meters south to reach Shweta Varahaswamy Temple beside the main gate. Gayatri Temple sits 150 meters east near Jayamarthanda Gate. Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple is 200 meters southeast with beautiful murals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t enter through the north gate expecting temple-only access – you need the full palace ticket. Photography inside the temple sanctum isn’t allowed, only in courtyards. Never touch the ancient sculptures as oils damage the stone carvings.
Local’s Verdict
Perfect for palace visitors wanting spiritual experience beyond royal history. Yes, it’s smaller than famous temples but the royal patronage and architectural harmony make it special. Worth 15 minutes if you’re already at the palace, skip if you’re temple-hopping independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact timings for Bhuvaneshwari Temple Palace grounds?
Temple access follows palace timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. Evening illumination viewing possible from outside 7-8 PM on Sundays and public holidays.
How much does Bhuvaneshwari Temple entry cost?
Free with palace ticket (70 adults, 30 children 10-18 years). No separate temple charges as it’s within palace complex.
Is Bhuvaneshwari Temple suitable for elderly visitors?
Yes, completely wheelchair accessible with ramp access. Marble floors can be slippery during monsoon. Seating available in temple courtyard.
What’s the best way to reach the temple?
Enter palace through south gate, buy ticket, then walk north along marked path. Clear signboards in English and Kannada guide you to all temples.
Can we perform special prayers at Bhuvaneshwari Temple?
Basic darshan included with palace visit. Special pujas require palace administration permission through Mysore Palace Board office at 500-1000 depending on ritual.
Last Updated: February 2025
Next Update: Post-Dasara season October 2025