Chamundeshwari Temple: Located just 12 km from Mysuru, Chamundi Hills enshrines the 17th-century Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the patron deity of the Mysuru Royal Family, Goddess Chamundeshwari. The temple, exemplifying Dravidian architecture, features a grand statue of Mahishasura at its entrance and is neighbored by the ancient Ganga-era Mahabaleshwara Temple. Legends recall the goddess's victory over the demon king Mahishasura here. Visitors to the hill can witness the monumental Nandi statue, one of India's largest, which stands 15 ft tall and 25 ft wide. This pristine white statue often takes on a black hue due to oil deposits from devotees. Additionally, the viewpoint on Chamundi Hill provides a sweeping overview of Mysuru below.
St. Philomena’s Church: Designed after the Neo-Gothic architectural model of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, Saint Philomena Church stands as one of Asia's largest churches. Its majestic stained glass windows depict pivotal moments from Christ's life, such as his birth, the Last Supper, and the Resurrection. Towering at 53 meters, the church's spires resemble those of St. Patrick’s Church in New York City, each adorned with a 12-foot cross. Intricate flower carvings embellish the pillars, while a statue of St. Philomena, imported from France, graces the marble altar. Built to initially serve the European settlers in Mysore around 1840, its significance grew under Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. As the European community expanded, so did the need for a more spacious church, leading to its enlargement. A French artist named Daly is credited with the church's design.
Bylakuppe & Namdroling Monastery: A little outside of Mysore lies Bylakuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. The Namdroling Monastery located here, often called the 'Golden Temple,' founded by His Holiness the 3rd Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche, is adorned with beautiful golden statues of Buddha, intricate paintings, and vibrant prayer flags. The chanting of monks and the serene ambiance transports visitors to a different world, offering a slice of Tibetan culture in the heart of South India.
Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud
Nanjangud lies along the right side of the Kapila or Kabini River, a tributary of the Cauvery. Often referred to as Garalapuri, its claim to fame is the grand Nanjundeswara or Srikanteswara temple. The deity's name, Nanjunda, stems from the legend of Shiva consuming the Halahala poison, later becoming Vishakanta or Shrikanta as he neutralized it. Hence, he is known both as Nanjundeswara and Srikanteshwara, a healer of devotees' ailments. Hyder Ali Khan, a Muslim ruler, held deep reverence for God Nanjunda, dubbing him 'Hakim Nanjunda' after the temple's holy water miraculously cured his cherished elephant's eye condition. The locale is often equated to the famed Varanasi, earning the moniker "Dakshina Kashi." Both Hyder Ali and his son, Tippu Sultan, shared profound ties with this temple.
Talacauvery, perched at 1276 meters above sea level on the Brahmagiri Hills in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, is revered as the origin of the Cauvery River. Nestled amidst Bhagamandala town, it's a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and lies in proximity to the Kasargod district of Kerala. A 48 km journey from the district's main town, through scenic coffee plantations, leads to this sacred location. The temple is dedicated primarily to Goddess Kaveramma, with Lord Agasthiswara also worshipped. Legend binds the river Cauvery and Sage Agasthya, highlighting their profound connection. A rectangular reservoir, known as Cauvery or Brahma Kundike, signifies the river's birthplace, adorned with a delicate silver Shivalinga shrine. Here, the Cauvery emerges as a spring, diving underground, only to reappear near Bhagamandala and merge with the rivers Kannike and Sujyoti at the Triveni Sangam. Local faith holds that the waters of Talacauvery possess healing properties, believed to alleviate various ailments and sorrows.
Melukote: Saint Ramanujam is believed to have traversed the lands of Melukote, a significant pilgrimage site for the Vaishnava community in the Mandya district. This place, easily reached via the Bengaluru-Mysore highway, draws vast crowds during the Vauramudi festival. The ancient Yaganarasimha Swamy and Cheluvanarayan Swamy temples stand here, with the latter, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, boasting a splendid assortment of jewels. During the Vauramudi festival, a diamond-studded crown adorns the deity in a grand procession. Additionally, Melukote houses the Academy of Sanskrit Research and was once renowned for its handlooms.
The Nimishambha Temple, sometimes spelled as Nimishamba, stands as a notable temple in Karnataka, situated along the banks of the Cauvery River. Just 2km from Srirangapatna towards Sangam, it enshrines Goddess Parvati, Lord Siva's consort. With a history spanning over three centuries, the temple houses idols of Sri Nimishambadevi, accompanied by Sri Moukthikeshwara Swamy and Sri Lakshminarayana Swamy. It also features representations of gods such as Surya Deva, Lord Ganapati, and Lord Hanuman. Goddess Nimishamba, seen as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, is revered for her believed power to eliminate hurdles swiftly.
Ranganatha Swamy Temple
In the culturally vibrant town of Srirangapatna, close to Mysore, stands the majestic Ranganatha Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The town's very name is inspired by this temple. The temple's architecture showcases the splendor of both Vijayanagar and Hoysala styles. Within its walls, the main deity, Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, is depicted reclining on the seven-headed serpent Aadi Sesha. This representation of Lord Vishnu is among the grandest of its kind. Beside the Lord's feet, an idol of Goddess Lakshmi is present, while Goddess Ranganayaki is hailed as the temple's chief deity. The temple complex also houses shrines of Srinivasa, Ranganayaki, Rama, Narasimha, Sudarshana, Panchamukha Anjaneya, and Gopalakrishna. Initially erected by the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple underwent modifications under the reigns of Hyder Ali, the Hoysala dynasty, and contributions from the Mysore Maharajas further expanded it.
Mysore, with its mix of temples, churches, monasteries, and serene spots, offers a unique spiritual tapestry for visitors. Each site, has a tale to tell, a history to share, and a spiritual essence to experience. A journey through Mysore’s spiritual sites is not just about sightseeing; it's an inner journey of self-discovery and connection to the divine.
