With its innumerable temples, churches and mosques, Mysore, it seems is veritably the abode of the Gods. A healthy mix of Hindu, Christian , Jain and Muslim cultures, the city pervades you with a divine aura and leaves no one untouched. A glimpse of the most popular places of worship…

Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill

3 kms from Mysore city, atop the Chamundi hill is the huge Chamundeshwari temple- the most famous of Mysore temples. A flight of 1000 stone steps from the foothills takes you to the temple at a height of 3000 ft. which is preferred by pilgrims although it is accessible by a motorable road. The temple is a fine quadrangular structure of Dravidian style with a splendid 40 mt high gopura or tower at the entrance. The silver-plated doorway has the images of the Goddess in different forms. In the sanctum sanctorum is the solid gold idol of the goddess Chamundeshwari, the tutelary deity of the Mysore maharajas and has been held in reverence for centuries. In fact the city itself owes its name to the goddess who vanquished the legendery demon Mahishasura. Special pujas or worhip-services and the rathotsava or car festival that are held here during Dasara attract big crowds.
Timings : Open all 7 days a week.
Archane - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Special Aarti - 7 30 a.m.
Abhisheka - 6 a.m. to 7 30 p.m. @ 6 p.m. to 7 30 p.m.
Anna Dasoha and Special Pooja on Tuesdays and Fridays
Ph : 0821-2590027

Located about 3 kms from the city center is the imposing St. Philomena's church, a miniature replica of the Cologne cathedral in Italy. Built in the early 1930’s in the Gothic style, it is the tallest cathedral in India. Colorful stained glass panels depict the birth, the last supper, the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ. Light filtering in through these panels imparts an ethereal ambience to the inside of the church. The catacomb houses the statue and relics of the 3rd century saint Philomena. Twin spires rise up about 175 mts to the skies and can be seen for miles around. Visiting hours are from 8 am to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm. Don’t miss to see the illuminated church in the evenings.

SOMANATHPUR TEMPLE About 48 kms from Mysore is Somanathpur, a small village like any other on the banks of the river Cauvery but it is the magnificent Keshava temple here that attracts tourists from far and wide. A first class example of of Hoysala architecture, it unfolds the past in all its glory. Built in the 13th century, it is enclosed within a walled courtyard and rests on an elevated star-shaped platform and is carved out of soapstone. The mahadwara or main entrance lies to the east with a 30-foot granite pillar, the deepa sthamba or pillar of light in front of it. The temple has 3 shrines, of which the one facing north bears the image of Janarhana; the south sanctum that of VenuGopala and the main hall is dedicated to Keshava but the image is sadly missing. The sub shrines are connected to one another by the navaranga, a pillared wall. Each pillar is a specimen of outstanding workmanship and no two pillars are alike.

The highly ornamental outer walls of the shrines are the biggest attraction, depicting pictures of intricate artistry. The pictures of people and their activities apart from those of the royal family portrayed here testify to the affluence of the people of their generation. Also found are paintings depicting scenes from the epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata.

What is remarkable about this shrine is its compact structure, and perfect proportions. The wealth of sculptured images is simply unbelievable, since from the base to the projected eaves, every inch of available wall surface is covered with the most exquisitely sculptured images.