Chamundeshwari Temple

Chamundeshwari Temple sits atop the 1,000-step Chamundi Hills at 1,065 meters in Mysuru. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga), the fierce form who slew the demon Mahishasura — from whom Mysore (Mahishuru) derives its name. The Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore were ardent devotees, and the temple is central to the world-famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations when the Goddess's idol is carried in a grand procession on a golden howdah atop an elephant. The Nandi Bull midway on the hill steps is a 15-foot monolith carved in 1659.