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Navratri Festival's moto is 'celebrating the good over evil'! Myth has it that Goddess Kali (Durga) killed the demon Mahishasura after fighting for 9-long days. It is these nine days which is observed as Navratri or Dasara in India. Interestingly, Navratri is celebrated in most parts of India along with various native traditions. Mysore Dasara is a (nadahabba) grand festival which was started by the Kings of Mysore. People from across the world come here to witness Dasara festivities every year. The 10- day extravaganza includes many events along with the special worship of Goddess Durga. As Navratri 2016 is nearer, let us make a religious tour around the three main Devi temples in and around Mysore!
Chamundeshwari Temple
Photo Courtesy: Sanjay Acharya
Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore
The connection between Mysore and Chamundeshwari Temple takes us back in time! The Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) lords over the city and the people of Mysore. She is also the prime deity of Maharajas of Mysore (Royal Family of Mysore). Chamundi Hills will be crowded during Navratri as several devotees come here to offer prayers during this auspicious time. Special Poojas and Abhishekas (holy bath to the Goddess) is performed during these days. The whole city of Mysore and Chamundi Hills will be dressed like a bride.
Chamundeshwari Temple is situated on top of Chamundi Hills in Mysore. This age-old Hoysala architecture became famous after the Wodeyars became the rulers of Mysore. Even to this day, the Wodeyars are the royal family of Mysore and the tradition remains intact.
Other Attractions in Chamundi Hills
A monolithic Nandi Statue and the effigy of the demon Mahishasura are the other main attractions in Chamundi Hills.
How to Reach Chamundi Hills
There are several state-run buses and private buses from Mysore to reach Chamundi Hills. Tourists can also hire private cabs or taxis to visit Chamundeshwari Temple.
Nimishamba Temple
Photo Courtesy: Sudeepi
Nimishamba Temple
'Nimisha' in the Kannada language means minute. According to the legend, the King named Muktharaja was given a boon that the Goddess will appear in a minute to help him defeat the demons. Hence, this goddess came to be known as Nimishamba Devi. Another belief is that this Goddess will give solutions to all her devotees' problems within a minute. The Nimishamba Temple is located on the banks of Kaveri River in Srirangapatna.
Goddess Nimishamba is said to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Hence, there is also a shrine of Lord Shiva adjacent to the sanctum of Nimishamba in this shrine. The temple was built by Raja Wodeyar when Srirangapatna was the capital of Mysore Kingdom. This shrine has a history of 400 years which is amazing to explore today. Sri Nimishamba is placed here along with the Sri Chakra (Sacred Wheel). This temple is one of the important devi temples around Mysore.
Other Attractions in Srirangapatna
Srirangapatna is one of the famous tourist places in Karnataka. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Bailey Dungeon, Tipu Summer Palace and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary are some of the main attractions in Srirangapatna.
How to Reach Nimishamba Temple
Nimishamba Temple is around 2km from Srirangapatna Bus stand. It is situated at Ganjam Srirangapatna. Auto rickshaws are available from main bus stand and Srirangapatna railway station to reach the temple.
Jwalamukhi Tripurasundari Temple
Sri Jwalamukhi Tripurasundari temple
Sri Jwalamukhi Tripurasundari is believed to be the sister of Chamundeshwari. The temple of Jwalamukhi Tripurasundari is located in Uthanahalli at the foot of Chamundi Hills in Mysore. Jwalamukhi means the 'energy of fire' and Tripurasundari means 'Beauty Queen of Three Worlds'. The angelic beauty of this goddess is much talked in the mythology. This temple was built during the rule of the Wodeyars and hence it is also one of the prominent devi temples in Mysore.
How to Reach Jwalamukhi Tripurasundari Temple
Jwalamukhi Tripurasundari Temple is around 5km from the city of Mysore and it is well-connected by road. Travellers can hire local transports like autos or private taxis to reach this temple.
It is truly divine to visit the most prominent devi shrines during the time of Navratri. Mysore looks electrifying with all the decorations and people during the Dasara festival. It is also wonderful to see the procession of Elephants and numerous cultural events at Mysore Palace during this time. Don't miss out on Navratri 2016 travel to Mysore!
