Here’s Why These 7 Magnificent Temples in Mysore Are Perfect for Your Next Spiritual Sojourn
The rich heritage of Mysore, a beautiful city nestled in the heart of Karnataka, is exquisitely reflected in its temples. From intricate carvings to breathtaking sculptures, each of Mysore’s temples tells a unique story offering a glimpse into the city’s remarkable culture and traditions.
So, today, we will dive into the seven most famous temples in Mysore and learn a bit about their history, architecture, and of course, aesthetics! With Thomas Cook’s special Bangalore tour packages, the journey through these Mysore temples will be unforgettable, we promise!
Temples in Mysore
Embark on a spiritual journey through the most popular temples in Mysore are as follows:
- The Somanathapura Temple
- Chamundeshwari Temple
- The Venugopala Swamy Temple
- Shree Bhuvaneshwari Temple
- Mudukuthore Mallikarjuna Temple
- The Vaidyanatheshwara Temple
- Nanjangud Mysore
1. The Somanathapura Temple
Somanathapura Temple, located on the banks of the Kaveri River in Mysore, is one of the most beautiful temples in the region. Built in the 13th century by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III, the temple is dedicated to Lord Keshava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture, and its intricate carvings and sculptures are a testament to the skill of the Hoysala craftsmen.
The temple, also known as Prasanna Chennakesava Temple, follows the traditional Hoysala architectural style, known for its intricate detailing and geometric precision.
The temple’s exterior is adorned with exquisite sculptures depicting mythological tales and intricate detailing that leaves visitors in awe.
The beautifully carved pillars lead the gaze to the stunning ceilings, adorned with detailed motifs that define the interior walls. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed several times in the past, during the military expedition and religious wars. The essence of the temples though still remains, and speaks of a deeper connection with ancient traditions and culture.
You can take a bus or hire a cab from Mysore and Srirangapatna to Somanathapura to reach the temple.
Timings: 9 AM to 5.30 PM.
Entry Fee: INR 20-25 for Indians; INR 250 – 300 for foreigners (INR 25 extra for videography).
Things to do: Do parikrama of the main temple, sit in its open garden, get a certified guide for INR 300 for a 30-minute temple tour, etc.
Best time to visit: October to March.
2. Chamundeshwari Temple
Built atop the Chamundi Hills, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Its origins can be traced back to the 12th century when the Hoysala rulers commissioned it.
According to mythology, Goddess Chamundeshwari vanquished the demon Mahishasura on these hills, earning the name Chamundi. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and enhancements, with the Wodeyar dynasty playing a prominent role in its development. The architecture of the Chamundeshwari Temple showcases a blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagara styles. The towering Gopuram (gateway) welcomes visitors with intricate carvings and vibrant paintings depicting mythological stories. As one enters the temple complex, the massive Mahadwara (main entrance) adorned with ornate carvings is a sight.
The sanctum sanctorum houses the sacred idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, embellished with gold ornaments and adorned with flowers and jewels. The intricate craftsmanship of the pillars and ceilings within the temple adds to its architectural splendour.
The Chamundeshwari Temple not only serves as a revered religious site but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mysore city attracting thousands of devotees to seek blessings of the Goddess.
You can take an auto or cab from the railway station or get on a bus from the bus station to reach the temple. It will take around 30 minutes via bus or auto to arrive at your destination.
Timings: 7:30 AM – 2 PM, 3:30 PM – 6 PM, 7:30 PM – 9 PM.
Entry fee: None but INR 100 for a special tour.
Things to do: Admire the grand architecture, soak in the beauty of nature, climb 1008 steps to the temple, and visit the Nandi statue.
Best time to visit: September and October.
3. The Venugopala Swamy Temple
Located at Hosa Kannambadi, near Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, Mysore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Venugopala, a form of Lord Krishna.
One of the most revered temples to visit in Mysore, its history goes back to the 18th century when it was built by the Wodeyar kings of Mysore standing as a testament to their patronage of art, culture, and religious practices despite a lot of renovations.
The architecture of the Venugopala Temple reflects the South Indian Dravidian style featuring a prominent gopuram (gateway) adorned with carvings of mythological figures and deities. As visitors step inside, they are greeted by a spacious courtyard surrounded by pillared halls, and a sanctum that houses the idol of Lord Venugopala, decorated with flowers and ornaments.
The architectural details and aesthetic appeal make the Venugopala Temple a noteworthy attraction for devotees and art enthusiasts alike and the spiritual ambience adds more elegance to it. It is advisable to drive to the temple or hire a cab from the main city as there are few modes of transport near the temple.
Timings: 7 AM to 12 PM and 6 PM to 8.30 PM.
Entry fee: None.
Things to do: Embrace the natural beauty surrounding the temple, meditate, practice yoga, etc.
Best time to visit: October.
4. Shree Bhuvaneshwari Temple
With its captivating history and impressive architecture, the Bhuvaneshwari temple is in the Mysore Palace. It is one of the most visited Mysore temples. The temple’s sanctum houses the idol of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, carved by the beloved Mysore sculptor, Shilpi Siddalingaswamy, which alone. You will also find statues of Surya, Maha Vishnu, Maheswara, Rajarajeswari, Ganapathi, and Chamundeswari in one of the most beautiful temples in Mysore.
The highlight of this temple is its Surya Mandal where a special prayer is performed in the first two months of the year, and thus, attracts a lot of devotees seeking spiritual solace to participate in its annual Rathasapthami festival. It is said that King Jayachamaraja Wodeyar offered the Surya Mandal as a gift to the temple. Bhuvaneshwari temple is thus a paradise for spiritual people, architect lovers, and history enthusiasts.
You can reach the temple easily from the railway station or bus stand as they are within walking distance. You can also get in an auto to arrive at the temple.
Timings: 10 AM to 5.30 PM.
Entry Fee: INR 40 for adults, INR 20 for children, INR 10 for students, and INR 200 for foreigners.
Things to do: Participate in the Rathasapthami festival, witness the prayers at the Surya Mandal, soak in the calm vibes of the temple, etc.
Best time to visit: January to March.
5. Mudukuthore Mallikarjuna Temple
The Mallikarjuna Temple is an ancient shrine located in the serene surroundings of Talakadu. It is dedicated to Swamy Mallikarjuna, a form of Lord Shiva, and Devi Brahmaraambigai. The temple exudes an aura of divine energy, and its history and architecture are captivating.
One of the many famous Mysore temples, Mallikarjuna’s architecture is a magnificent blend of Dravidian and Hoysala styles, characterized by maze-like carvings, towering gopurams, and a spiritual environment. Inside, the sanctum sanctorum houses the revered Lingam with footprints that are believed to be representing Lord Kaamdhenu.
The temple holds great significance during the annual 10-day Panchalinga Darshana festival, celebrated during the year-end when devotees flock to Talakadu to seek the blessings of the five sacred Shiva temples, which are part of the Panchalingadarshana control at Talakd once every twelve years. Stepping into the Mallikarjuna Temple is a spiritual journey, where you can immerse in the deep-rooted traditions and sacred atmosphere.
You can visit this temple after seeking blessings from the Somanathapura Temple since the two are located close. Take a bus or hire a cab to the temple. The nearest airport is in Bangalore.
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM.
Entry fee: INR 10 for a boat ride on the Kaveri River.
Things to do: Take boat rides, explore the spiritual and agricultural town of Talakadu, and attend the Panchalinga Darshana festival.
Best time to visit: October to March.
6. The Vaidyanatheshwara Temple
The Vaidyanatheshwara Temple of Talakadu, Mysore, is a splendorous blend of history, architectural splendour, and spiritual vibes. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple holds a significant place in the religious landscape of the city and is one of the five Shiva lingams sthal. One of the top temples in Mysore, Vaidyanatheshwara’s architecture showcases a fusion of Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles as it was built in the 14th century by Chola Kings.
The temple is adorned with two stunning dwarpalakas or gatekeepers giving way to the entrance and the stunning wall carvings depict various mythological scenes and deities, bringing the stories from ancient scriptures to life. The towering gopuram (gateway) at the entrance is adorned with elaborate sculptures, capturing visitors’ attention with its grandeur.
Inside, the sanctum sanctorum houses the Lingam, the sacred symbol of Lord Shiva, creating an atmosphere of divine energy and tranquillity. You will also come across the statues of Lord Ganesha, Lord Nataraja, Goddess Durga, Goddess Bhadrakali, Goddess Sharda, Ma Kaali, and Goddess Manonmani. The Vaidyanatheshwara Temple has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, serving as a spiritual refuge for countless devotees throughout the ages.
You can hire a can from the main city to visit the temple. It might cost you around INR 200 -500.
Timings: 5.30 AM – 9. 30 PM.
Entry fee: None.
Things to do: Perform puja in the temple, soak in the spiritual vibes of the place, etc.
Best time to visit: October to March.
7. Nanjangud Mysore
The Nanjangud Temple is a divine abode beautifully settled on the banks of River Kabini and houses three main deities, namely, Lord Nanjundeshwara, Goddess Parvathi, and Lord Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi.
One of the revered temples in Mysore, Nanjangud was built in 300-1000 CE during the Ganga Dynasty, when the deity was referred to as Hakim Nanjuda, after prayers offered to God healed Tipu Sultan’s elephant.
Since then, it is believed that taking a dip in the Kapila or Kabini river heals the devotee from any illness, so, if you ever visit this temple, also known as Srikanteshwara Temple, remember to perform the rituals before entering the holy river to heal yourself.
Like many famous Mysore temples, Nanjangud also showcases a harmonious blend of architecture, history, and art. Each of its pillars tells a story, and each sculpture reflects divine beauty as the towering gopuram at the entrance beckons you to enter, its intricate details unfolding as you draw closer.
Inside the temple complex, the sanctum sanctorum awaits, housing the sacred Lingam of Lord Nanjundeshwara. The serenity enveloping the space fills you with a profound sense of spirituality. Devotees offer prayers, their voices blending with the scent of incense, creating an atmosphere of devotion and surrender.
As you delve into the history of the Nanjangud Temple, you discover its roots reaching back centuries. Built by the ancient Ganga dynasty in the 9th century and later renovated by the Vijayanagara rulers, this temple has witnessed the passage of time and the rise and fall of empires.
Visiting Nanjangud Temple is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one. It allows you to connect with the divine, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Mysore, and witness the magnificence of ancient architecture.
The temple is well-connected via roads and buses are available from the main city to the location. You can also hire cabs to reach your destination.
Timings: 6 AM to 1.30 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM (Weekdays) and 6 AM to 10 PM (Sundays).
Entry fee: None.
Things to do: Perform rituals at the temple, dip into the holy River Kabini, soak in the scenery surrounding the temple, etc.
Best time to visit: September to February.
The Takeaway
These seven Mysore temples are sanctuaries where you find solace, inspiration, and a deeper connection with the divine. So, wait no more and book your Thomas Cook Mysore tour package today. Get the best and the most memorable experiences by visiting the best temples in Mysore.
