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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…
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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
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St Philomena’s Church
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.
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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.
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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.
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| Masjid-e-Ala
in Srirangapatna
Situated
near the Bangalore Gate of the fort in Srirangapatna, 14
kms from Mysore is the Masjid-e-Ala. Built in 1784 by Tipu
Sultan after his ascension to the throne and it is said
that he performed its first imamath himself. It stands proudly
with its lofty minarets osculating the sky on a high basement
with an open court in the front and a covered verandah.
A spacious prayer hall, the Mihrab is on the west. There
is an inscription mentioning the ninety-nine names of Allah.
A flight of about 200 steps leads to the top of the minaret
from where one can have an all-pervading vista of the historical
town and its environs. Persian scriptures in fine calligraphy
and profuse ornamentation adorn the walls and ceilings of
this Juma Masjid.
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Sravanabelagola-
Jain temples and the statue of Gommateshwara
One
of the most important of Jain pilgrim centers in India
is located in the small town of Sravanabelagola, atop
the Indragiri hills about 84 kms from Mysore. There are
14 basadis or temples and several monasteries here. Of
the basadis, the Chamundaraya basadi, built in 982 is
the most popular. However the best attaction for tourists
here is the colossal statue of Bahubali or Gommateshwara
who renounced his kingdom and left to lead a life of penance
and meditation, attaining Nirvana. The statue is naked,
and 58ft high and 26 ft wide with 10ft long feet and was
carved out of the hill’s black granite and exudes
serene charm. Thousands of devotees congregate here to
perform the Mahamastakabhisheka or sacred anointment,
a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years. Hundreds
of pots containing curds, milk, honey, vermilion, coconut
water, turmeric paste and even gold and precious jewels
are poured over the statue's head by priests. The next
Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2006 AD.
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