Location |
Mysore,
Karnataka |
Altitude |
1046
meters above the sea level |
Description Chamundi
hills are located about 13kms from the city of Mysore. The hill
gets is name from Goddess Chamundeshwari, who is the patron deity
of the Mysore royal family. The Goddess is enshrined in a temple
located on the hill top, which can be reached either by road or
by climbing 1000 steps from the base. Half-way up the hill is a
gigantic 4.8 meters tall statue of Nandi, the divine bull of Lord
Shiva. Also, close to the temple is a gigantic and colourful statue
of Mahishasura, the demon King vanquished by the Goddess.
|
Statue of Mahishasura on the Hill
|
Legends
and Mythology
According to a legend in Devi Purana, Mysore was rule by the buffalo-demon
Mahishasura. Hence, the place was called Mahishuru (now Mysore),
the city of the demon king Mahisha. Goddess Parvati, the consort
of Lord Shiva incarnated as Chamundi (also known as Mahishasuramardini)
and killed the demon King on top of the hill. After killing Mahishasura,
the Goddess resided on the hill top where she is worshipped even
today with reverence and devotion.
|
Ecological
attributes
Chamundi hill has a prominent influence on the ecology and the local
climate of the city of Mysore. The hill also acts as a repository
of biodiversity and serves as a watershed. The role of the hill in
groundwater recharging was well recognized by the Maharajas of Mysore,
who developed lakes (including Karanji Lake, Devikere Lake, Dalvoy
lake and Lingambudhi Lake), tanks and ponds around the hill. These
water bodies once served as the main water source to most of the
villages around Chamundi.
But in recent times, the hill and its ecosystem have come under
extreme pressure due to rapid urbanization and land encroachment.
Many unauthorized structures, including large residential layouts
have developed around the hill. This has greatly deteriorated the
general environment of the city.
|
|