Temples in Mysore for a Perfect Pilgrimage Experience

The Chamundeshwari Temple is a traditional Hindu temple located on the eastern edge of Mysore at the height of 1000ft on the Chamundi hills. Dedicated to and named after goddess Durga, the temple also has statues of Nandi and Mahishasura, the demon. Being one of the oldest temples in the palace city of Mysore, the temple is a must-visit attraction for the travellers. The Chamundeshwari Temple is considered as a Shakti Peetha and is one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.

On the banks of Holy river Kaveri is a tiny tranquil town of Somanathapura. Here stands the finest and most exemplary monument of Hoysala architecture known as the famous Prasanna Chennakesava Temple or simply the Kesava Temple. Consecrated in the year 1258 CE, it is a Vaishnav Hindu Temple dedicated to might and beauty of Lord Krishna (Chenna= Beautiful and Kesava= Krishna). Tourists from near and far come to visit the temple to get a view of the beautiful place.

An ancient temple dedicated to a lingam of Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Brahmaraambigai. One can also witness the footprints on the lingam which are believed to be belonging to Kaamadhenu. Veerabadrar, Sandhya Ganapathi sannadhis and Chamundeeswari are also housed within the complex. If you are visiting the temple during the months of January and February, you will get to attend a fascinating week-long agricultural air. Anaadhi Vaikuntha Nathar and Veera Anjaneya Koli are two temples located in the proximity of this temple.

One of the oldest temples constructed by the Ganga kings in the town, Pathaleshwara Temple is a temple with some uniqueness to it and one of the five lingams in the town. The Shivalingam installed in the temple changed its hue with a different time of day. The Lingam is red in the morning, black in the afternoon and white at night, adding a mysterious touch to this ancient temple.

This ancient temple is located outside the Mysore Fort, the main deity being Trinesvara i.e. the three eyed Shiva. The gopura of this temple was destroyed in the 18th century, but the beauty of the Dravidian architecture is still on display here.

Mysore is a temple town located on the banks of Kabini river. The temple is built in the Dravidian style. It houses three main deities, Lord Nanjundeshwara, Goddess Parvathi and Lord Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi. During the procession of the chariot festival, Shivalingam, mantapas and other idols are used. The temple built in 300-1000 CE during the reign of the Ganga dynasty. Later on, renovations were also done by the Hoysalas.

The two temples in Melukote are Tirunarayana temple and Yoga Narasimha, both located at the foothills and top respectively of the Yadavgiri hills.

This temple built in the Dravidian style is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to have healing powers. The 125 feet tall Gopura along with the 7 gold Kalash are a must-see on visiting this temple.

One of the most popular temples in Talakad, Vaidyanatheshwara Temple is a part of the five lingam pilgrim circuit. Constructed in 14th century by Chola Kings on the Granite stone, the temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex houses the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Manonmaniand Lord Murugan as well. Two imperial Dwarapalaks at the entrance welcome their visitors with all grace and poise.

One of the last lingam temples in Talakad, Maruleshwara Temple is adorned with a huge Shivalingam installed by Lord Brahma. The temple was constructed by Ganga kings and houses idols of Surya, Maheswara, Ganapathi, Navagrahams, Thirumul, Shanmugar, Ambugai and Veerabhadra. This ancient temple is situated quite close to the temple of Keerthi Narayana.

Another beautiful temple and one of the five lingams unearthed is Arkeshwara Temple located in a secluded area. It is a charming temple which is adorned with idols of Durgai and Bhairavar as well as of Abhayangara Lingam. A Vasstu Yantram along with a rock is there at the doorway of the temple. It is common belief that if a cow suffering from any disease is tied to that rock can be cured.

The Gayatri Devi Temple is located on the same premises as the Mysore Palace. The temple houses goddess Gayatri. As said in the Puranas the Gayatri Devi has several avatars or several forms. It is believed that in the morning that Gayatri appears as fire, then in the afternoon she appears as Savithari and in the evening she appears as a form of the Lord Vishnu. 
The temple houses 3 idols. The main idol being Gayatri Devi with 5 heads and 10 hands. On the right side of the main idol is an idol of Goddess Saraswathi who represents knowledge and on the left side is an idol of Goddess Savitri.  The interiors of the temple are widely known by the people for its beauty. On either side of the Gabhagrika, there are sculptures of Diyas. The temple also has a Sabha Mantapa which is also known as a meeting hall, the Sabha Mantapa has sculptures of several Gods and Goddess The temple also consists of 48 different types of sculptures related to ancient Hindu epics.

The Sri Kodi Someshwara Temple is a 2500-year-old ancient Hindu Temple located inside the Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore, Karnataka. The temple has Lord Shiva as the main deity while idols of various other deities can be found. The temple has Hoysala Architecture. The Someshwara temple is also associated with the foundations of the  Yadu dynasty. Built-in the year 1399 by  Sri Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar, the temple has three cells placed next to each other. The temple has thousands of devotees visiting the temple, especially during Mahashivaratri and Dussehra.

Located on the Northern side, inside the Mysore Palace, the Bhuvaneshwari Temple is a very popular Hindu temple in Mysore, Karnataka. The temple was built in the year 1951, hence it is still quite young in comparison to other temples in the Palace. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari while it also houses various other deities within itself. The temple also has the statues of Surya, Maha Vishnu, Maheswara, Rajarajeswari, Ganapathi and Chamundeswari. The temple is very famous for its Rathasapthami festival, celebrated in the month of February-March.

The Shree Sveta Varaha Swamy Temple, also known as the Varahaswamy temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Varaha. It is located near the Mysore Palace, Agrahara, Mysuru, Karnataka. The temple is known for its Hoysalas style architecture. The temple has various scriptures and paintings that depict stories of Ramayana around the 17th Century.  The main deity of the temple, Lord Varaha is made out of pure marble. The temple carries a lot of information about the kings during the time it was built, this can be seen in its architecture, walls, paintings and carvings.  Timings are 10 AM - 6 PM