Mysore Palace and Mysore Zoo are not the only popular destinations of Mysore, the heritage city of India. Chamundi hills, which is located at a distance of around 13 km from Mysore city is also a popular destination. The highlight of Chamundi hills might be the huge Nandi (bull) idol, Chamundeshwari temple, and the large statue of Mahisasura demon. There is another destination in Chamundi hills, which most of the people are not aware of, and easily miss out to visit. That beautiful destination is Mahabaleshwar temple.
The ancient Mahabaleshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Mahabaleshwar (Shiva) is located right next to the famous Chamundeshwari temple. This temple is much older than Chamundeshwari temple. In fact, this is the original temple of Chamundi hills. However, it is unfortunate to find that not even 1% of crowd that visit Chamundeshwari temple visit Mahabaleshwar temple. In one way, it is good to find not much crowd in this temple; we can calmly enjoy the beauty of this temple.
Mahabaleshwar temple was built in the 8th century AD by Ganga kings. Later the temple was renovated by Hoysala kings. The bronze idols that are found in this temple are believed to be of Chola period. Thus, this temple of Mahabaleshwar in Chamundi hills was popular in Ganga, Chola, and Hoysala period. Only during the period of Wodayar king, Chamundeshwari temple got importance and this temple got unnoticed.
Mahabaleshwar temple is architecturally beautiful. One can feel the blend of Hoysala and Ganga architecture in this temple. The main deity of the temple is Mahabaleshwar which is in the form of Shiv linga. The linga idol has Shiva’s face on it. There is Parvati’s idol on the left side of Shiv ling. As usual, Nandi’s idol is located in front of the main shrine of Mahabaleshwar. There are idols of Sapta Mata (seven mothers), Ganesha, another Ganesha, and Nataraj along with Sivakami. It is rare to find the stone idol of Nataraj, which is found here. In addition to that, there is a separate shrine for Nataraj along with Sivakami. In the corridor surrounding the shrine (prakara), there are idols of Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeshwara, and Lingothbava. In addition to that, there are 4-5 shrines for various forms of Shiv lingas.
When you visit Chamundi hills near Mysore, don’t miss this beautiful ancient temple.
Public Holidays: 08.00 AM - 08.00 PM
The ancient Mahabaleshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Mahabaleshwar (Shiva) is located right next to the famous Chamundeshwari temple. This temple is much older than Chamundeshwari temple. In fact, this is the original temple of Chamundi hills. However, it is unfortunate to find that not even 1% of crowd that visit Chamundeshwari temple visit Mahabaleshwar temple. In one way, it is good to find not much crowd in this temple; we can calmly enjoy the beauty of this temple.
Mahabaleshwar temple was built in the 8th century AD by Ganga kings. Later the temple was renovated by Hoysala kings. The bronze idols that are found in this temple are believed to be of Chola period. Thus, this temple of Mahabaleshwar in Chamundi hills was popular in Ganga, Chola, and Hoysala period. Only during the period of Wodayar king, Chamundeshwari temple got importance and this temple got unnoticed.
Mahabaleshwar temple is architecturally beautiful. One can feel the blend of Hoysala and Ganga architecture in this temple. The main deity of the temple is Mahabaleshwar which is in the form of Shiv linga. The linga idol has Shiva’s face on it. There is Parvati’s idol on the left side of Shiv ling. As usual, Nandi’s idol is located in front of the main shrine of Mahabaleshwar. There are idols of Sapta Mata (seven mothers), Ganesha, another Ganesha, and Nataraj along with Sivakami. It is rare to find the stone idol of Nataraj, which is found here. In addition to that, there is a separate shrine for Nataraj along with Sivakami. In the corridor surrounding the shrine (prakara), there are idols of Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeshwara, and Lingothbava. In addition to that, there are 4-5 shrines for various forms of Shiv lingas.
When you visit Chamundi hills near Mysore, don’t miss this beautiful ancient temple.
Temple Timings:
08:00 am - 09:30 am ; 07:00 pm – 08:00 pm.Public Holidays: 08.00 AM - 08.00 PM
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