History of Sri Chamundeshwari Temple

Historically, Chamundi hill was earlier known as Marbbala Betta (Thirtha) or Maabala Betta because of an earlier temple situated on the hill next to the Chamundeswari Temple. The temple is dedicated to God Mahabala (one of the forms of God Shiva) and the hill was already a holy place even as early as 10th century. It is said that the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana had given funds for the maintenance of the temple and for the worship of the God. However later, when Mysore became a capital of the then Mysore state under Wodeyar rulers, the Chamundi temple started gaining importance. It is said that Chamaraja Wodeyar IV one of the Kings who was in power was once struck by lightning when he visited the hill. Miraculously he survived, but lost his hair completely and became known as Bola Chamaraja Wodeyar (Chamaraja Wodeyar – the Bald). He was convinced that his life was saved by the grace of the Goddess and so the ruler adopted the Goddess as the family deity and so he and later his successors started improving the temple and thus the hill became known as Chamundi Hill.

Later the King Dodda Devaraja (1659-1673) got one thousand steps constructed (1664) for the benefit of pilgrims and these are being still used. He also got the monolithic statue of the Bull God (Nandi) carved midway and this has become quite a popular tourist attraction. Of course, there is also another path of steps from the southern side of the hill (known as Uttanahalli road) which not many people use.

Though not much is known about the original temple the present Chamundi Temple is built in Dravidian style and is fairly large. Periodical improvements have been made from time to time by the later rulers of Mysore. The present seven-storied tower (Gopura) at the main entrance was got constructed by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III who ruled the Mysore from 1799-1831. There is also an equally ancient holy pond called Devikere, very close to the temple. This not only provides water for the worship of the Goddess but also caters to the needs of the local people. Situated at a higher elevation very close to the temple is a majestic palace called Rajendra Vilas, which was used exclusively by the Maharajas and was converted into a grand hotel for a brief period.

On the eastern edge of the hill, on the motorable road is a small side-hill called Lalitadri which also houses a small palace, now under private holding.

Source Copied : https://www.mysorenature.org/inside-mysore/chamundi

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