Northeast corner of Mysore Palace complex houses the ancient Trinesvaraswamy Temple, where sage Trinabindu performed penance centuries ago until Lord Shiva appeared and consecrated the three-eyed lingam still worshipped today. This 13th-century marvel survived gopuram destruction in the 18th century and Wodeyar dynasty reconstruction efforts.
Quick Information for Trinesvaraswamy Temple
Location: Northeast corner, Mysore Palace complex
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free (accessible through palace grounds)
Contact: +91-821-2421051 (Palace administration)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning 6:30-8:00 AM
Average Time Needed: 30-40 minutes
Parking: Palace parking 10 two-wheeler, 30 car
Legend of Sage Trinabindu and Three-Eyed Shiva
Walk to the left of the mandapa entrance and you’ll find the idol of sage Trinabindu, who meditated at this exact spot for years. According to folklore, his intense penance pleased Lord Shiva, who appeared in his three-eyed form (Trinayanesvara) and blessed the location with a sacred lingam.
The temple gets its name from “Trinesvara” – literally meaning “Lord of Three Eyes” – referring to Shiva’s third eye of wisdom and destruction. This three-eyed aspect makes the deity particularly powerful for removing obstacles and granting wisdom.
13th Century Marvel – Architecture and Design
Original Construction: Built by Wodeyar kings in traditional Dravidian style during the 13th century. The temple originally stood outside Mysore Fort on the banks of Devaraya Sagar (Doddakere), facing the fortification.
Palace Integration: When Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar (1638-1659) and Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar (1659-1672) expanded the fort, the temple became part of the palace complex.
The Destroyed and Rebuilt Gopuram
The temple’s original tall gopuram (tower) was destroyed in the 18th century during political upheavals. However, the Mysore Maharajas later renovated the entrance, and today’s mahadwara (main entrance) showcases restored traditional architecture.
Two niches in the mahadwara display images of Bhairava and Ganapati, serving as protective deities for the temple entrance. These carvings survived the original destruction and remain excellent examples of medieval Kannada sculpture.
Temple Layout and Sacred Spaces
Prakara (Enclosure): The temple features a traditional prakara with several small shrines dedicated to Hindu deities including Suryanarayana, Parvati, Chamundeshwari, and Shankaracharya around the perimeter.
Main Sanctum: Houses the original Trinesvara lingam established by sage Trinabindu. The sanctum’s architecture follows traditional agama shastra principles with proper proportions and sacred geometry.
Multiple Deities and Shrine Complex
Primary Shrines: Beyond the main Trinesvara shrine, the temple complex includes dedicated spaces for Ganapathi, Virabhadra, and Dakshinamurthy – all important Shaiva deities.
Royal Additions: Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar constructed a verandah and consecrated 5 additional lingas along with statues of various deities including Kumara and Surya.
Royal Patronage and Historical Expansion
The temple received continuous support from Wodeyar rulers. Besides architectural additions, they donated valuable jewelry, ritual items, and established regular pujas. Two statues of Wodeyar kings within the temple premises commemorate their devotion.
During British period (1799-1950), the temple remained under royal family care, ensuring traditional rituals continued uninterrupted despite political changes.
Shivaratri Celebrations and Festivals
Maha Shivaratri (February-March): Biggest annual celebration with night-long prayers, abhisheka ceremonies, and cultural programs. Thousands of devotees participate in traditional rituals.
Monthly Pradosha: 13th day of each lunar month brings special celebrations. Evening aarti during pradosha kala (twilight) considered especially auspicious.
Shravan Month (July-August): Monday celebrations throughout this holy month attract regular devotees for special prayers and offerings.
Unique Features Among Palace Temples
Unlike other palace temples focused on Vishnu worship, Trinesvaraswamy represents the Shaiva tradition within the royal complex. This diversity reflects the Wodeyar dynasty’s inclusive religious approach.
The temple’s positioning facing the fort demonstrates ancient Hindu architectural principles where Shiva temples often guard important locations as protective deities.
Visiting Experience and Darshan
Morning Prayers (6:30-8:00 AM): Best time for peaceful darshan with traditional pujas performed by palace-appointed priests. Morning light beautifully illuminates the stone carvings.
Evening Aarti (7:00-7:30 PM): Daily evening prayers with lamp offerings create a mystical atmosphere. The sound of temple bells echoes across the palace courtyard.
Architectural Study and Preservation
Dravidian Elements: The temple showcases classic South Indian architectural features including pillar designs, roof structures, and proportional systems that influenced later temple construction.
Conservation Efforts: Archaeological Survey of India protection ensures preservation of ancient stonework, sculptures, and structural integrity for future generations.
Photography and Documentation Guidelines
Permitted Areas: External architecture, courtyard views, and general temple atmosphere. Photography allowed during non-prayer times with palace entry ticket.
Restricted Areas: No photography inside sanctum sanctorum during active worship. Flash photography prohibited near ancient sculptures and carvings.
Spiritual Significance and Devotee Practices
Obstacle Removal: Devotees particularly worship here for removing life obstacles, as three-eyed Shiva is considered powerful for overcoming difficulties and gaining clarity.
Wisdom Seekers: Students and professionals visit seeking Shiva’s blessing for knowledge, wisdom, and success in education or career pursuits.
Integration with Palace Visit
Most visitors combine temple darshan with palace tour. Allow 30-45 minutes for temple exploration, photography, and quiet contemplation. Audio guides cover temple history along with palace information.
Temple visit works well at the beginning or end of palace tour when crowds are lighter and photography conditions better.
Local Devotee Community
Regular Mysore devotees consider this their neighborhood Shiva temple, visiting for personal prayers, family ceremonies, and traditional observances. Many local families have generation-long connections with this shrine.
Palace employees and nearby residents often visit for quick daily prayers before or after work, maintaining the temple’s living spiritual tradition.
Research and Academic Value
Historians study this temple for understanding medieval Mysore urban planning, where religious structures were integrated into fortification systems. The temple’s evolution reflects changing political and architectural influences.
Art historians examine the surviving sculptures and architectural elements as examples of transitional Dravidian style between different royal periods.
Practical Visit Information
Footwear: Remove before entering temple premises. Safe storage available at palace shoe stands (5 charge).
Offerings: Traditional offerings include flowers, coconuts, and sacred ash (vibhuti). Temple shop sells prayer items at reasonable prices.
Dress Code: Conservative clothing required. Dhoti-kurta or saree preferred but clean western wear acceptable if modest.
Best Combined Visits
Visit Trinesvaraswamy along with Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple (5-minute walk within palace) for complete spiritual experience. Both temples together provide Shiva-Vishnu darshan significance.
Extend visit to include Chamundeshwari Temple (30-minute drive) for tri-deity worship covering Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti traditions in single day.
Local’s Honest Assessment
Among palace temples, Trinesvaraswamy offers the most authentic spiritual atmosphere with fewer tourist crowds. Regular devotees appreciate its peaceful environment and traditional ritual maintenance.
Worth visiting for spiritual seekers and architecture enthusiasts, though casual tourists might find other palace attractions more engaging. The temple’s historical significance outweighs its modest size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Trinesvaraswamy Temple special?
It’s dedicated to three-eyed Shiva (Trinayanesvara), built in 13th century with unique legend of sage Trinabindu. Only major Shaiva temple within Mysore Palace complex.
Can we visit without palace ticket?
Temple is accessible through palace grounds, so palace entry recommended. However, some local devotees access during early morning hours – check with guards.
What are the main festivals celebrated?
Maha Shivaratri (February-March) is biggest festival. Monthly Pradosha celebrations and Shravan month Mondays also significant for Shiva devotees.
How old is the temple?
Original structure dates to 13th century. Gopuram destroyed in 18th century, later rebuilt by Wodeyar kings. Current form reflects historical reconstruction.
Is there special significance of three-eyed aspect?
Three-eyed Shiva represents wisdom, destruction of ignorance, and protective power. Particularly worshipped for removing obstacles and gaining spiritual insight.
Last Updated: June 2025
Next Update: Before Maha Shivaratri 2026