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👑 Maha Shakti Peetha · Krouncha Peetha · Nada Devate of Karnataka

Chamundeshwari
Devi

Chamundi Hills · Mysore · Karnataka · 3,489 ft

Where the hair of Goddess Sati fell upon the Chamundi Hills above the palace city of Mysore — one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, the patron goddess of the Mysore Maharajas for centuries, the State Goddess (Nada Devate) of Karnataka, the 8-armed slayer of Mahishasura whose demon's name became the name of the city itself. 1008 stone steps, a Hoysala-Vijayanagara gopuram, and the world's most famous Dussehra celebration at her feet.

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Plan Your DarshanThe Sacred Legend
Kesh
Sacred Body Part
Hair of Goddess Sati
1,008 Steps
Sacred Climb
Built in 1659 · 3,489 ft summit
Nada Devate
State Goddess
Patron deity of Karnataka
Dussehra
Supreme Festival
World-famous Mysore Dasara
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The City That Was Named for the Demon She Killed
Chamundeshwari's story is written into the very name of Mysore. The demon king Mahishasura terrorised this region — so the divine goddess took the form of Durga, fought him on Chamundi Hill, and slew him. The hill took her name: Chamundi Hills. The demon's name became the city's: Mahishasura's city became Mahisuru, which the British recorded as Mysore. Then she slew two more demons — Chanda and Munda — and took the name Chamundeshwari. Every visit to Mysore is, in the oldest possible sense, a visit to the site of her victory. The famous Mahishasura statue near the hill entrance marks the site where she stood triumphant.

Background & Mythology

About Chamundeshwari Shaktipeeth

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple stands at the summit of Chamundi Hills, approximately 13 km from Mysore city in Karnataka, at an elevation of 3,489 feet (1,063 metres) above sea level. The temple is visible from throughout Mysore — a golden gopuram on the hilltop silhouette, one of the most recognisable religious landmarks in South India.

According to Shakta tradition, the hair (kesh) of Goddess Sati fell upon these hills when Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra dismembered her body. The site was known in Puranic times as Krouncha Puri — the city of the Krouncha bird — and this Peetha is accordingly called Krouncha Peetha. It is explicitly mentioned in the Ashta-Dasha Shakti Peetha Stotram composed by Adi Shankaracharya.

The temple history spans over a millennium. The original shrine is believed to have been built in the 12th century by Hoysala rulers. The tower (gopuram) was added by the Vijayanagara Empire in the 17th century. In 1659, a flight of 1,008 stone steps was carved into the hillside — a sacred number, 1008 being an auspicious count in Hindu tradition. Near the 800th step stands a massive granite Nandi, Shiva's vehicle, before a small Shiva shrine — a mid-climb sacred pause point that has been part of the pilgrimage since 1659.

The Mysore Wodeyar dynasty adopted Chamundeshwari as their royal tutelary goddess. Her image was carried on the royal palanquin, her blessing was sought before every major state decision, and her annual festival — Dasara/Dussehra — became the most elaborate royal celebration in all of South India. Every year at Dussehra, the Goddess is taken out in a spectacular procession on a caparisoned royal elephant (Jambu Savari) — a tradition the Mysore royal family continues to this day, making Mysore Dussehra one of the most famous festivals in India.

Hair Falls on Krouncha Puri
Sati's kesh — her sacred hair — fell upon the hills above what was then called Krouncha Puri. The hair of the Goddess, representing her flowing vitality and natural power, consecrated this southern hill range permanently as a seat of Shakti energy. Adi Shankaracharya himself mentioned this Peetha in his composition of the Ashta-Dasha Shakti Peetha Stotram.
Mahishasura and the Goddess's Victory
The demon king Mahishasura, terror of the three worlds, was slain by the 8-armed Chamundeshwari on this very hill. Her victory named the hills (Chamundi) and the city (Mahisuru/Mysore). The large Mahishasura statue near the hill entrance commemorates this eternal triumph — the demon frozen in stone at the feet of the goddess who defeated him.
Chamunda Defeats Chanda and Munda
After defeating Mahishasura, the Goddess slew two further demons — Chanda and Munda — who served the demon general Shumbha. In slaying them, she earned the name Chamunda (from Chanda + Munda). The name Chamundeshwari combines Chamunda with Ishwari — "the Goddess who is Chamunda."
Royal Patronage — Mysore Wodeyars
The Mysore Wodeyar dynasty's adoption of Chamundeshwari as their tutelary goddess elevated this hilltop temple from regional importance to national prominence. The Wodeyars' patronage funded the current temple structure, the golden roof, and the elaborate Dussehra procession tradition that continues today as the world-famous Mysore Dasara.
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Shakti Peetha Profile
Chamundeshwari — Nada Devate of Karnataka, Mysore's Hilltop Goddess
Where Sati's hair fell on the 3,489-ft Chamundi Hills — the State Goddess of Karnataka, patron of the Mysore Maharajas, the Mahishasuramardini who named the city, celebrated every year at the world-famous Dussehra.
Goddess Name
Chamundeshwari (Chamundi / Nada Devate)
Body Part
Kesh — hair of Goddess Sati
Peetha Name
Krouncha Peetha (Krouncha Puri)
Temple History
12th c. Hoysala · 17th c. Vijayanagara gopuram
Steps
1,008 stone steps built 1659
Elevation
3,489 feet (1,063 m) above sea level
Temple Hours
7:30 AM–2 PM · 3:30–6 PM · 7:30–9 PM
Best Time
Oct (Dussehra) · Navratri · Year-round

Why People Visit

Significance of Chamundeshwari

Karnataka's State Goddess on a golden hilltop above the palace city — one of the most complete pilgrimage and cultural experiences in South India, where sacred history, royal tradition, and natural grandeur converge at a summit visible from across Mysore.

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Nada Devate — The State Goddess
Chamundeshwari holds the unique distinction of being the Nada Devate — the official State Goddess — of Karnataka. No other Indian state has formally designated a Shakti Peetha as its state deity. This status reflects the depth of Chamundeshwari's hold on Karnataka's cultural and spiritual identity — she is not merely a temple goddess but the presiding divine power of an entire state.
State Goddess · Nada Devate · Karnataka
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Mysore Dasara — The World's Most Famous Dussehra
Every year during the ten days of Vijayadashami/Dussehra, Mysore's Dasara transforms the entire palace city. The climax is the Jambu Savari — the royal procession in which the Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on the royal Mysore elephant through illuminated streets, accompanied by tableaux, bands, and a million spectators. The Mysore Dasara has been celebrated for over 400 years and is listed among UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage traditions.
Dasara · Jambu Savari · Royal Procession
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1,008 Steps & the 800th-Step Nandi
The 1,008 stone steps built in 1659 are themselves a pilgrimage — a sacred count, built into the hill's body, each step representing an act of devotion. At the 800th step, a magnificent granite Nandi bull (Shiva's vehicle) stands before a small Shiva shrine — a natural rest and worship point that transforms the climb into a structured progression from the world below to the Goddess above.
1008 Steps · Nandi · Sacred Climb
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The 8-Armed Mahishasuramardini
The central idol shows Chamundeshwari in her 8-armed Mahishasuramardini form — seated on a lion, driving her trident into Mahishasura, who writhes beneath her. Each of the eight arms holds a divine weapon given to her by a different god. The Mysore Maharajas for centuries brought the Goddess out of the temple for procession in this form — a living royal emblem of divine authority over every demon that opposes righteousness.
8 Arms · Lion Vehicle · Mahishasuramardini
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Panoramic Views of Mysore City
The Chamundi Hills summit offers one of the most sweeping urban panoramas in Karnataka — the Mysore Palace complex, the city grid, the surrounding plains, and on clear days the Nilgiris in the distance. At dawn and dusk, when the palace's 97,000 light bulbs illuminate the city below and the golden gopuram glows above, the Chamundi Hills experience is among the most spectacular visual moments of any South Indian pilgrimage.
Mysore Panorama · Palace View · Golden Gopuram
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Hoysala-Vijayanagara Architecture
The Chamundeshwari Temple represents a confluence of two great South Indian temple-building traditions. The original 12th-century Hoysala shrine exhibits the star-shaped plan and detailed sculptural work that defines Hoysala architecture. The 17th-century Vijayanagara gopuram — the towering gateway — brings the grand Dravidian tower tradition of Tamil Nadu into the Mysore hills, creating an architectural dialogue spanning 500 years.
Hoysala · Vijayanagara · Karnataka Architecture

Getting There

How to Reach Chamundeshwari Temple

The temple is 13 km from Mysore city on Chamundi Hills. Mysore is well connected to Bangalore (~140 km, 3 hrs), Chennai (~500 km), and other South Indian cities. The nearest airport is Mysore Airport (~10 km from city) or Bengaluru's Kempegowda International (~150 km).

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By Air
Mysore Airport (~10 km) · Bengaluru KIA (~150 km)
Mysore Airport (Mandakalli) has limited connectivity — primarily from Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport is the most practical hub, approximately 150 km (~3 hours) from Mysore. From Bengaluru airport, hire a taxi directly to Mysore or take the KSRTC express bus to Mysore city, then local transport to the Chamundi Hills.
✈️ Mysore Airport ~10 km · Bengaluru KIA ~150 km
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By Train
Mysore Junction Railway Station (~13 km from hills)
Mysore Junction is well connected to Bengaluru (3 hrs by Shatabdi Express), Chennai, Mangalore, and other cities. From Mysore station, hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Chamundi Hills (~13 km, 25–30 minutes). KSRTC local buses also run to the hill base from Mysore city bus stand. The Shatabdi Express from Bengaluru City to Mysore is the most convenient train for day pilgrims from Bengaluru.
🚂 Mysore Junction ~13 km · Bengaluru ~3 hrs Shatabdi
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By Road
Via Bengaluru — Mysore Road (NH 275)
Bengaluru to Mysore is approximately 140 km, about 2.5–3 hours via NH 275 — one of India's best-maintained National Highways. KSRTC Airavat Club Class and Volvo buses run every 30 minutes from Bengaluru's Kempegowda Bus Terminal. From Mysore city, vehicles may drive directly up the Chamundi Hills road. Paid parking is available at the summit near the temple. The hill road is narrow but well-surfaced.
🛣️ Bengaluru ~140 km · NH 275 · ~2.5 hrs
🗺️ Getting Around Mysore & Chamundi Hills
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1008 Steps
The traditional pilgrimage approach — 1,008 stone steps carved into the hill, with the 800th-step Nandi as a sacred midpoint. The climb takes 45–60 minutes at a leisurely pace and is the most complete approach to the Goddess.
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Hill Road
A paved road winds up Chamundi Hills. Taxis, autos, and private vehicles may drive to the summit. Most convenient for families and elderly pilgrims. Paid parking at the temple entrance.
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Auto from Mysore
Auto-rickshaws from Mysore city or station to the hill base or summit. Fixed rates are usually available from the Mysore Palace auto stand. Negotiate the rate for a round trip including waiting time (~₹300–500).
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KSRTC City Bus
KSRTC city buses run from Mysore city bus stand to the Chamundi Hills area regularly. Most economical option for solo pilgrims. Alight at the hill base and climb the steps or take a local auto to the summit.

Visitor Guidelines

Dos and Don'ts

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Dos
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Arrive during the break-free morning session (7:30–2 PM) for the fullest darshan. The temple closes for a break from 2–3:30 PM. The morning session, particularly around 8–10 AM on weekdays, offers relatively shorter queues and the best light for the panoramic view from the summit.
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Climb the 1,008 steps as a pilgrimage act. Even if you drive up for the darshan, consider walking down the steps — the 800th-step Nandi is a significant sacred stop not to be missed. The view of Mysore city expanding below as you descend is extraordinary.
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Visit during Mysore Dasara (October, Vijayadashami period) for the most spectacular experience. The Jambu Savari procession, the illuminated palace below, and the festival atmosphere at the temple are collectively one of the most magnificent experiences in Karnataka's cultural calendar.
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Combine with Mysore Palace — the Ambavilas Palace, just 13 km from the hills, is one of India's most spectacular royal residences, particularly when illuminated on Sunday evenings (7–7:45 PM) and during Dasara. A Chamundeshwari pilgrimage and Mysore Palace visit make the most complete Mysore day.
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Don'ts
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Do not carry leather items inside the temple. Remove leather footwear, belts, and bags at the designated area. The Chamundeshwari Temple enforces this standard protocol strictly, particularly during festival periods.
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Do not photograph inside the sanctum. The inner shrine photography restriction is enforced. The paid darshan ticket (₹30 upwards) covers priority queue access but not photography permission. Experience the 8-armed Mahishasuramardini idol with full attention before reaching for cameras.
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Do not attempt the climb in midday summer heat (April–May). Mysore's summer temperatures can reach 35–38°C. The 1,008 steps in direct afternoon sun are demanding. Plan your climb for early morning (before 9 AM) or after 4 PM.
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Do not expect a quick visit during Dasara. The Dasara crowds at Chamundeshwari are enormous — queue times of 2–4 hours are common during peak Dasara days. Plan accordingly or visit on the days before the main Vijayadashami procession for a more manageable experience.
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Ascend to the Goddess of Karnataka

From the palace city of Mysore, 3,489 feet up through 1,008 sacred steps, past the granite Nandi at the 800th step, past the thousand years of royal devotion in the carved stone — to the golden gopuram summit where Chamundeshwari stands in her 8-armed glory, the State Goddess of Karnataka, gazing out over the city her victory named.

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