Chamundi Hill, Mysore


Atop the Gopura

The Temple of Chamundeeshwari is located on top of a hill near Mysore at a height of 3000 feet.


From the Hill-top

Chamundeeshwari is a fierce form of Shakti who defeated Mahishasura. A statue of this demon welcomes the visitors, at the summit.


Mahishasura

It is believed that kings used to worship Shakti Devi at Chamundi hill, from the early 12th century. The temple tower was completed in the 18th century by Krishnaraja III.


Temple Tower - Sculpt Work


Temple Tower - Sculpt Work

There are frequent bus services to the temple from Mysore. If you love an adventurous trip through the forest, you can take the 1000 steps which were built by the Maharaja Dodda Devaraja in the 17th century.

At the 800th step, there is a huge statuette of the Bull, Nandi. This is over 15 feet tall and 25 feet long. (Unfortunately, I do not have the picture.)


Directions

There is also a temple dedicated to Siva on this hill.


Siva Temple

The Tea Maker



Filtered water boiled over the flame which was dancing in the breeze. As the bubbles rose, he emptied a measured serve of baked and powdered leaves.

Stirring to the tune of his neighbor’s chat, he waited for aroma to fill the air. Tiny glasses with broken edges, longed for the flavor to gush through the sieve.

With hot milk, beaten to foam, he dilutes the brew to true color. A gentle smile adorned his face when he came down to serve us tea.

The Flower Seller



At dawn she paced a thousand steps
Gathering pinks, yellows and roses.
With skilled practice she laced
All whites close and tidy.

In baskets of dried jute
She laid the bananas spaced.
With coconuts fresh and cleaned
She made the offering speak.

In the morning chill, she placed it all
Staring at infrequent nods.
Few stopped, few passed by. But she remained
Gazing to earn her day.

Dancing in the early morning breeze...



Dancing in the early morning breeze,
the bloom celebrates joie de vivre.
Eager to shower in the first heat of sun,
the flower spread it wings.

Rocking, on the thin branches of the garden shrub,
it smiled at all hearts awake.
I, witnessing the sport all alone,
clicked many a times for a still.

It swayed and swayed,
challenging me every time.
I clicked and clicked
in timely response.

And here is the reward -
A full bloomed Rosemallow
in its entire splendor,
shining in the dark backdrop.