Top 8 Famous Temples in Mysore to Visit
Numerous temples in Mysore, a city steeped in spiritual significance and rich history, provide a very enlightening experience. These Mysore temples will undoubtedly make a lasting impression on your soul, regardless of whether you are a devoted pilgrim or are just looking for peace and reflection.
List of Temples in Mysore
Following is the list of renowned temples in Mysore that are conveniently accessible via the nearby Mysore Railway Stations, Mandakalli Airport, Mysore KSRTC Bus Stand ( Mofussil), and the Mysore City Bus Stand (city services) Bus Station:
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8 Best Temples to Visit in Mysore
Explore the list of 8 famous temples in Mysore that guide you through the spiritual heartland of India; here are those 8 temples:
1. Chamundeshwari Temple | Chamundi Hills
The temple is named after the goddess Durga and is dedicated to her. Nandi and the monster Mahishasura are also depicted there. The temple is a must-see destination for tourists since it is among the oldest in the Mysore palace city.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February.
- Temple Timings: 7:30 am to 2 pm, 3:30 pm to 6 pm, 7:30 pm to 9 pm Every day.
- Nearby Places: Mysore Zoo, Krishnaraja Sagara, and Bird Sanctuary.
2. Chennakesava Temple | Somanathapura
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a real treasure of the spiritual landscape of Mysore. This temple's alluring beauty and extensive history entice you in. The temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu, is a magnificent example of Hoysala architecture.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Shivanasamudra Falls, Bandipur National Park, Shravanabelagola, and Nagarhole National Park.
3. Srikanteshwara Temple | Nanjangud
Located on the tranquil banks of the Kaveri River, the Srikanteshwara Temple welcomes you to a sanctuary of calm devotion and spiritual comfort. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is reached after 300 steps of climbing.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February.
- Temple Timings: 6 am to 8:30 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Mysore Place, Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, and Lingambudhi Lake.
4. Mallikarjuna Temple | Talakad
The Mallikarjuna Temple holds immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be a place of divine presence and spiritual energy, where worshippers can seek blessings, offer prayers, and participate in religious rituals.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: 24 hrs - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary, Shivanasamudra Falls, Bandipur National Park, and Nagarhole National Park.
5. Pathaleshwara Temple | Talakad
Pathaleshwara Temple, one of the town's five lingams and one of the earliest temples built by the Ganga rulers, has a certain something special about it. Depending on the time of day, the Shivalingam inside the temple had a varied colour.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Temple Timings: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm - Everyday.
- Nearby Places: Gokarneshwara Pushkarni, and Mudukutore Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Sannidhi.
6. Trineswaraswamy Temple | Mysore Fort
The primary deity of this historic temple, Trinesvara, or the three-eyed Shiva, is situated outside of the Mysore Fort. This temple's gopura was destroyed in the eighteenth century, but the exquisite Dravidian architecture is still visible today.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 6 am to 7 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Sri Nandi Temple, and Avadhoota Datta Peetham.
7. Melukote Temple | Yadavgiri Hills
The Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, located in Melukote, houses an assemblage of gems and crowns that are brought to the temple for the yearly festival. There is a temple dedicated to Yoganarasimha atop the hill.
- Best Time to Visit: June to November.
- Temple Timings: 7:30 am to 8 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Kalyani, Thonnur Lake, Raya Gopura, and Pushkarni.
8. Vaidyanatheshwara Temple | Pushkarni
This temple is situated next to Maddur Town on the banks of the River Shimsha, a tributary of the Cauvery River. The Hoysala Kingdom is whence the temple got its start in history. Here, Lord Shiva is referred to as Vaidyanatheswara and is shown as a serpent.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February.
- Temple Timings: 8 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Balamuri Falls, Brindavana Gardens, and Bandipur National Park.
In essence, the temples in Mysore, along with its vibrant cultural heritage and scenic beauty, create a unique tapestry of spirituality and tradition, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and devotees alike. Each temple holds its significance, offering devotees and visitors a spiritual haven and a glimpse into the region's traditions and beliefs.
FAQs about Temples to Visit in Mysore, India
What is the significance of Chamundeshwari Temple?
The Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari (an incarnation of Goddess Durga), holds immense religious significance. It's believed that the goddess killed the demon Mahishasura at this very site, hence the name 'Chamundi Hill.'
Can tourists visit the Mysore Palace for religious purposes?
Yes, tourists can visit the Mysore Palace for religious purposes. The palace conducts special pujas and rituals on certain occasions, allowing visitors to experience the spiritual ambience of the royal abode.
What festivals are celebrated in Mysore's temples?
Various festivals are celebrated in Mysore's temples, such as Navaratri at the Chamundeshwari Temple, Dussehra festivities at the Mysore Palace, and Vaikunta Ekadashi at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, attracting a large number of devotees and tourists.
Which temple is famous in Mysore?
Temple of Chennakesava, This temple, one of the most well-known in Mysore, entices you with its alluring beauty and extensive past.
Which goddess is Worshipped in Mysore?
A temple dedicated to Chamundeshwari has been constructed atop Chamundi Hill. She presided over the Mysore Rulers as their Diety. She is Shakthi's inspiration.
Who built the Mysore temple?
The Hoysala kings initially constructed the shrine in the twelfth century. The temple's tower was constructed in the seventeenth century by the Vijayanagara dynasty.
Which temple town is near to Mysore?
Situated in the Mysuru district, Nanjanagudu is a temple town situated along the banks of the Kapila River. Cross the Kabini River via India's oldest bridge to arrive at the 9th-century AD Nanjanagudu temple.
Which temple is surrounded by water in Mysore?
Situated around one km from Brindavan Gardens in Hosa Kanambadi, on the backwaters of KRS waters, is the Venugopal Swamy temple.
Which temple is inside Mysore Palace?
Within the vast grounds of Mysore Palace sits the Shweta Varahaswamy temple, one of the many temples.
What is the history of Mysore temple?
The Hoysala kings constructed the modest Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore over a millennium ago; the Vijayanagara dynasty constructed the towers in the 17th century.
What is the architectural style of Chamundeshwari Temple?
The Chamundeshwari Temple is a striking example of Dravidian architecture, including a soaring "gopuram" (gateway tower) and well-carved pillars and statues.