Revered as the presiding guardian deity (Kula Devatha) of the royal Wadiyar dynasty and the sacred patron of the state of Karnataka, Goddess Chamundeshwari reigns supreme atop the granite crest of Chamundi Hill, towering 1,003 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level and 13 kilometers east of Mysuru city center.

According to ancient Puranic mythology, this holy hill was formerly known as Mahabaladri. It was here that Goddess Durga assumed the fearsome warrior form of Chamundeshwari (the slayer of demons Chanda and Munda) and vanquished the buffalo-headed demon king Mahishasura after a fierce nine-day battle, liberating the universe and bestowing the city its historical name: Mahishuru, which later evolved into Mysore and modern Mysuru.

The hill is one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas (Krouncha Peetha), where Mother Sati’s hair is believed to have fallen. The temple showcases a soaring seven-tiered Dravidian gopuram constructed in 1827 under Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, flanked by the 17th-century monolithic Nandi Bull and the historic Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple dating back to the 10th-century Ganga Dynasty.

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Sri Chamundeshwari Temple & Sacred Sanctum

7:30 AM – 9:00 PM (3 Shifts)General Free / Special Rs 100 / VIP Rs 300Chamundi Hill Summit, Mysuru

The central sanctum sanctorum enshrines an ancient eight-armed granite idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari seated upon a lion, slaying Mahishasura with a golden trident (Trishula). The sanctum door frame is covered in solid silver repousse sheets depicting the avatars of the Divine Mother, flanked by monolithic statues of guardian gatekeepers (Dvarapalakas). A dedicated shrine inside houses the golden festival murti (Utsava Murti) carried on the golden palanquin during Dasara.

Local Insider Tip: To bypass the massive general pilgrim queue which can take 2 to 3 hours on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, purchase the Rs 100 or Rs 300 VIP Darshan counter ticket directly at the northern temple entrance. Dress modestly (dhoti/pant for men, saree/salwar for women).

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Monolithic Nandi Bull & The 1,008 Heritage Steps

Located at Step #700 / Mid-HillOpen 24/7 / Free AccessCarved in 1659 CE by Dodda Devaraja

Perched at the 700th step along the historic pilgrim staircase sits the magnificent monolithic Nandi Bull, sculpted out of a single continuous boulder of dark granite in 1659 CE under Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar. Measuring 16 feet in height and 24 feet in length, this peaceful Nandi is adorned with intricately carved stone bells, heavy chains, floral garlands, and delicate ear ornaments.

Local Insider Tip: If driving up the hill, take the dedicated bypass road that loops directly to the Nandi parking pavilion. Morning sunrise from the Nandi platform offers a breathtaking golden view overlooking Lalitha Mahal Palace and the Mysore Race Course.

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Mahishasura Statue & Chamundi Viewpoint Promenades

Near Summit Bus Terminus24 Hours Open / Free Photo SpotBuilt by Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar

Greeting visitors as they reach the top bus circle stands the vibrant, larger-than-life statue of the demon king Mahishasura holding a bared sword in his right hand and a coiled cobra in his left. Nearby viewpoint decks provide sweeping 180-degree vistas of Mysuru city, the oval Mysore Race Course, the glittering waters of Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes, and the sprawling Amba Vilas Palace.

Local Insider Tip: Visit the Viewpoint Promenade during twilight (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM). Watching the street lights of Mysuru illuminate in a grid pattern across the plains below is a beloved local ritual.

Daily Darshan Timings & Special Seva Schedule (2026)

The temple operates on a strict three-shift puja schedule managed by the Muzrai Department of Karnataka:

Climbing the 1,008 Steps: Fitness, Routes & Trek Guide

For fitness enthusiasts, pilgrims, and early-morning walkers, climbing the 1,008 stone steps from the base of Chamundi Hill is the ultimate Mysuru ritual. The staircase was constructed in 1659 by Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar and remains in pristine condition.

Starting Point: The base of the steps is located near the Chamundi Foothills parking lot (near the Pinjrapole animal shelter). Free parking is available for two-wheelers and cars at the base.

Duration & Difficulty: The climb covers a vertical gain of 300 meters over approximately 1.5 kilometers. Average climbers take 30 to 45 minutes; seasoned runners finish in 18 to 22 minutes. The first 400 steps are steep, followed by a gentle plateau near the Nandi Bull at step 700, and a final push to the temple archway at step 1,008.

Essential Advice: Begin your climb between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM to catch the morning breeze and avoid the intense afternoon sun. Carry a reusable water bottle. Beware of local bonnet macaque monkeys along the stairs—keep all snacks, fruits, and plastic carry bags safely zipped inside your backpack.

Getting to Chamundi Hill: Bus, Auto & Driving

• City Bus (KSRTC City Bus Stand): Bus Route #201 and #201A run continuously every 10 minutes from Mysore City Bus Stand (K.R. Circle) directly to the Chamundi Hill summit bus stand. Fare is Rs 20 (free for women under the Shakti Scheme).
• Auto-Rickshaw & Cabs: Auto-rickshaws from Mysore Palace or Railway Station charge between Rs 250 to Rs 350 for a one-way drop, or Rs 500 to Rs 650 for a round trip with 1 hour waiting time at the summit.
• Private Car / Self-Drive: A smooth, well-lit two-lane ghat road with 14 sweeping hairpin curves ascends from the city (approx. 20 minutes drive). Ample multi-level paid parking is available at the summit complex (Rs 50 for cars).

Frequently Asked Questions