Chamundi hill, Mysore, Karnataka, India - Info by Sundar Palaniappan
The name Mysore is derived from Mahishasura
Chamundi hill, which is located at the outskirts of Mysore, is another important landmark of Mysore.
Chamundi Hill is located 3km ( by road it could be more than 6km from the Mysore city bus stand ) southeast of Mysore and topped with a temple to the chosen deity of the Mysore Maharajas, the goddess Chamundi who slayed the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. The temple dates back to 11th century and the steps, which lead to the temple, are said to be constructed by the Mysore king Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar who ruled Mysore from 1659 to 1673.
Chamundi is also known as Mahishasuramardini
Chamundi hill can be approached either by road or by climbing through the steps. Half way up the hills is a huge monolith statue of Nandi, the bull and vehicle of Lord Shiva. Apart from the numerous temples, the hill also boasts the statue of Mahishasura.
Bus services from city bus stand, Mysore
There are plenty of buses from the city bus stand of Mysore and among them; there are plenty of Volvo a/c buses too. The bus ride on a/c bus costs a meager INR 15 ( as on March 2009 ) and INR 6 by the normal services.