Stand at the Devaraja Market around 6 AM any Tuesday and you’ll hear temple bells echoing from twelve different directions across Mysore. Temples in Mysore aren’t just tourist spots – they’re the beating heart of this 600-year-old royal city, where the Wodeyar dynasty built their spiritual legacy one shrine at a time.
Major Temples in Mysore You Must Visit
Chamundeshwari Temple sits 3,489 feet above sea level on Chamundi Hills, exactly 13 km from Mysore Palace. The goddess statue inside is made of pure gold, and darshan costs 30 for special entry or 100 for VIP access. KSRTC buses run every 20 minutes from the city bus stand.
Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple inside Mysore Palace complex houses a 4-foot Lord Vishnu idol holding discus and conch. This 700-year-old temple received grants in 1499 from Vijayanagara King Narasa Nayaka. Entry is free with palace ticket (70 for Indians).
Timings for All Mysore Temples
Chamundeshwari Temple: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM daily. Abhisheka timings: 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (Fridays: 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM)
Trinesvaraswamy Temple: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Located inside Mysore Palace grounds, dedicated to three-eyed Shiva.
Mahabaleshwara Temple: Same as Chamundeshwari (located behind it on Chamundi Hills). This Lord Shiva temple predates Chamundeshwari – records go back to 950 AD.
How to Reach Mysore Temples
From Mysore Railway Station: Platform 1 has auto-rickshaw stand. Chamundi Hills costs 300-400, palace temples 50-80. Regular city buses available.
From KSRTC Bus Stand: Walk 5 minutes to palace temples. For Chamundi Hills, take Route 20 or 22 buses (25 per person, every 20 minutes).
Temple Entry Fees and Special Services
- Chamundeshwari Temple: Free general entry, 30 special darshan, 100 VIP darshan
- Palace Temples: Included in palace entry (70 Indians, 200 foreigners)
- Special Poojas: Abhisheka 150-500, book online at chamundeshwaritemple.in
- Free Meals: Available at Chamundeshwari daily 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Temples in Mysore by Historical Period
Ancient Period (950-1200 AD): Mahabaleshwara Temple predates all others. Hill was originally called Mahabaladri after this Shiva shrine.
Hoysala Era (1200-1400 AD): Chamundeshwari Temple foundations laid by Hoysala rulers. Lakshmiramana Swamy expanded during this time.
Vijayanagara Period (1400-1600 AD): Temple towers (gopurams) added. Trinesvaraswamy Temple gained current structure.
Festival Calendar for Mysore Temples
Navaratri (September-October): Biggest festival at Chamundeshwari. Special jewelry worth crores displayed on 7th day. Book accommodation 3 months ahead.
Shivaratri (February-March): Trinesvaraswamy and Mahabaleshwara temples see massive crowds. Night-long celebrations with cultural programs.
Ashada Shukravara (July-August): Fridays in Ashada month are special at Chamundeshwari. Lakhs visit every Friday.
Transportation Options to Temples
KSRTC City Buses: Routes 20, 22, 25 go to Chamundi Hills (25). Routes 1, 3, 5 cover palace area temples (15).
Auto-rickshaw Rates: City center to Chamundi Hills 300-400, to palace 50-80. Shared autos available for 30 per person to hills.
Private Vehicles: Parking at Chamundi Hills 20 for two-wheelers, 50 for cars. Palace parking 10 for two-wheelers, 30 for cars.
Things Most Visitors Miss About Mysore Temples
The 1000 steps to Chamundeshwari built in 1659 have a giant Nandi statue at step 700. At 15 feet high and 24 feet long, it’s among India’s largest Nandi sculptures.
Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple was where 5-year-old Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was coronated in 1799 after Tipu Sultan’s death. The temple has a 2-foot statue of a Wodeyar king with folded hands.
Contact Information and Bookings
Chamundeshwari Temple Online Booking: chamundeshwaritemple.in for special poojas and darshan
Mysore Palace Information: Contact +91-821-2421051 for temple timings inside palace complex
KSRTC Bus Enquiry: +91-821-2520853 for temple route buses and timings
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most famous temple in Mysore?
Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills is the most famous, being the family deity of Mysore royals and one of 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in India.
What are the entry fees for Mysore temples?
Most temples are free. Chamundeshwari charges 30 for special darshan, 100 for VIP. Palace temples included in 70 palace ticket.
Can we visit all temples in one day?
Yes, palace temples can be covered in 2-3 hours. Add 4-5 hours for Chamundi Hills including travel time and proper darshan.
Are there dress codes for temples?
Traditional Indian wear preferred. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops. Most temples provide free cloth if needed. Remove footwear before entering.
What’s the best time to visit Mysore temples?
Early morning (7-9 AM) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Avoid afternoon (2-4 PM) when most temples close. Evening darshan (7-8 PM) has beautiful lighting.
Last Updated: January 2025
Next Update: Before Navaratri 2025