Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple crowns Chamundi Hill, 1,000 metres above Mysuru, and is one of the most celebrated Shakti temples in Karnataka. The original 12th-century shrine was significantly reconstructed by the Mysore Kingdom's Wadiyar dynasty, with the major stone reconstruction of the inner sanctum completed in 1827 CE. The towering 40-metre seven-storey Dravidian gopuram was added in the early 20th century.

The presiding deity Chamundeshwari (Durga) is said to have slain the buffalo-demon Mahishasura on this very hill — a legend that gives Mysuru its name (from Mahishooru). The temple is the dynastic deity of the Wadiyars of Mysore. A massive stone Nandi bull and the statue of Mahishasura at the hilltop are iconic landmarks. The 1,000-step stairway lined with stone lamps draws lakhs of pilgrims, especially during Dasara.