The Mahishasura statue stands near the entrance to Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill, about 13 km from Mysuru. It brings together the hill’s best-known temple and the story of Chamundeshwari, who is also called Mahishasura Mardini.
The statue is about a 33-minute drive from this hotel in Mysore.
- Location: Near the entrance to Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill.
- Hill elevation: About 3,489 ft above sea level.
- Bus service: KSRTC buses run from Mysuru city bus stand to the hill location every 20 minutes.
- Plastic: The authority designates the hill area a no-plastic zone.
Where to find the Mahishasura statue
The Mahishasura statue is near the entrance to Chamundeshwari Temple at the top of Chamundi Hill. The temple approach is the place to look for it.
The hill rises about 3,489 ft above sea level. At the summit, the statue and temple sit within a hilltop setting that is closely tied to Mysuru’s religious and civic identity.
The story associated with Mahishasura
Mahishasura’s connection to the hill is expressed through the name Mahishasura Mardini, meaning the form of Chamundeshwari associated with defeating him.
Chamundeshwari Temple is dedicated to the goddess, who is also described as the tutelary deity of the Mysuru Maharajas and the presiding deity of Mysuru. The statue’s place beside the temple entrance links the figure of Mahishasura with this account of the goddess.
Getting to Chamundi Hill
KSRTC buses run from Mysuru city bus stand to the Sri Chamundeshwari Development Authority’s hill location every 20 minutes. You can use the bus service to reach the hill before visiting the temple and statue.
The Sub Urban Bus Stand is 11.6 km from Chamundi Hill, the railway station is 13.2 km away and the airport is 14.6 km away. The authority designates its hill area a no-plastic zone and asks visitors not to bring plastic carry bags or leave plastic waste there.
Temple and darshan timings differ between the Mysuru district website and the Sri Chamundeshwari Development Authority. Check the official site before you go; the Development Authority is the operator to consult for current hill and temple information.
What else to see on the hill
Chamundi Hill has other temples and historic features beyond the Chamundeshwari Temple and Mahishasura statue. The hill also has temples dedicated to Narayana Swamy and Mahabaleswara; the Mahabaleswara Temple predates the beginning of Hoysala rule.
An inscription records a donation to the Mahabaleswara Temple by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana in 1128 A.D. The hill’s Nandi is 16 ft (4.8 metres) tall at the front and 25 ft (7.5 metres) long, and Doddadevaraja is credited with its creation.
The Chamundeshwari Temple’s gopura has gold finials. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III built it and arranged festivals and processions in 1827; he later gifted the Simhavahana in 1843. The temple’s festival history is useful context for planning around Mysuru Dasara.
FAQs
Where is the Mahishasura statue in Mysore?
It stands near the entrance to Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill, above Mysuru.
What does Mahishasura Mardini mean?
It is a name for Chamundeshwari associated with defeating Mahishasura, the buffalo-headed demon.
How often do buses go up Chamundi Hill?
KSRTC buses run from Mysuru city bus stand to the authority’s hill location every 20 minutes.
What else can you see on Chamundi Hill?
The hill also has temples dedicated to Narayana Swamy and Mahabaleswara, as well as a large Nandi credited to Doddadevaraja. A one-day Mysore itinerary can help place these hill sights in a wider city visit.