Karnataka • 4 monuments
Dedicated to the presiding deity of Mysore, Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga (a form of Goddess Sati or Shakti), Chamundi Temple (or Chamundeshwari Temple) is a world-famous Hindu shrine. Located atop Chamundi Hills, where Goddess Chamundeshwari is believed to have killed the demon king Mahishasura, the temple is also a popular Shakti Peetha (among the 51 Shakti Peethas). It is believed that the hair of Goddess Sati fell here and it became one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum accommodates a stone image of the goddess and has a small tower at the top. However, the highlight of the temple is its 7-storey high Gopura (or temple gateway tower) which flaunts intricate carvings and is visible from a distance. Another attraction is the huge statue of Nandi Bull (mount of Lord Shiva) made in granite and located alongside the steps leading to the temple. The temple car (chariot) used during festivals is another highlight of the temple. Silver temple doors and Dravidian style construction add to the beauty of the temple. Originally built by the Hoysala Rulers in the 12th century, the temple was improved by the Vijayanagara Empire Rulers and Mysore’s Wodeyar Dynasty Rulers over centuries.
A perfect example of Indian architectural beauty, Mysore Palace resembles the Mughal and French culture through its design and decor. The magnificent building, Mysore Palace is also popular as Amba Vilas Palace. Enhancing the value, beauty and image of Mysore, this palace is located in the heart of the city and introduces tourists to the grandeur of a bygone era. An ideal amalgamation of Oriental, Roman, Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian architectural styles, Mysore Palace spells magic. Now the most renowned and most visited tourist attraction in India, Mysore Palace has two durbar halls that are embellished with beautiful gardens and courtyards. The palace is lighted from 07:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. which enhances its beauty further. The palace has three unique rooms - Ambavilasa (one of the most beautiful rooms), Gombe Thotti (a gallery of traditional dolls) and Kalyana Mantapa (the marriage hall). Mysore Palace complex houses twelve spectacular Hindu temples like Someshvara Temple, Shwetha Varahaswamy Temple and Lakshmiramana Temple etc. Other attractions in Mysore include Lalitha Mahal Palace, the Railway Museum, Mysore Zoo and Chamundi Hills.
The garden city of Mysore is home to many stunning churches, St. Philomena Church being one of them. Considered as the second largest Catholic Church in the entire Asia, it flaunts the spectacular Neo Gothic architecture, borrowing a lot from Cologne Cathedral located in Germany and also from St. Patrick’s Church in New York. It is dedicated to Saint Philomena, who was a teenage Green Princess believed to have martyred in the 4th century. The present day church was built between 1933 and 1936 at the location where an old church of 1843 stood. Apart from the twin spires (each measuring about 175 ft.), it is the floor plan of the church in the shape of a cross which attracts the visitors. With the longer part serving as nave and the arms of the shorter as transepts, the crossing accommodates the altar and the choir. Scenes depicting Christ’s birth, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ on the stained glass windows add to the church’s grandeur. Daily Holy Mass is performed in three languages - English, Kannada and Tamil. It is interesting to see some of the statues clad in the traditional Indian sarees inside the church. The relic of Saint Philomena, preserved in a catacomb below the altar and the crypt with the saint’s statue are the other highlights.
The second largest palace in Mysore, Lalitha Mahal lies very close to the Chamundi Hills. It is built in the lines of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Originally built by the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV as an exclusive residence for Viceroy of India, it was later converted into a royal guesthouse where the king used to entertain European guests. The architectural style of this imposing structure is a subtle blend of that of an Italian palazzo and an English manor house highlighted by the ionic double columns, extended porch and the spherical domes. The interiors of this double storied palace are regal with stained glass windows, ceilings and doors. Belgian crystal chandeliers and the Italian marble floors and staircases add up to the elegance of its sprawling interiors. The dance room, banquet hall and the viceroy's room of the palace still retain their original glory. The palace offers great views of the Chamundi Hills and the Mysore city. The palace was converted into a 5-star heritage hotel in 1974 by Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and has been used as the backdrop for many Indian movies.
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