Abodes of Goddess Shakthi • Curated by Padmani
"Chamunda Krouncha pattane"
Perched atop the majestic Chamundi Hills in Mysore, Karnataka, the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple represents the fourth Shakti Peetham, known as Krouncha Peedam. Here, Devi Sati’s hair (Kesha) fell upon the sacred hill.
Devi Chamunda is worshipped as the fierce warrior aspect of Durga who destroyed the demon Mahishasura and protected cosmic dharma.
The temple boasts a towering Dravidian gopuram with intricate golden finials. A flight of 1,000 steps leads up the hill, passing the colossal monolithic statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva's divine bull.
According to the Devi Mahatmya, the ferocious demon king Mahishasura terrorized the heavens and earth from Mahishamandala (Mysore). The gods joined their effulgences to manifest the eight-armed Mother Durga, who fought a fierce ten-day battle atop Krouncha hill, culminating in Vijayadashami when she slew the demon.