Chamundi

Chamundi refers to Chamundeshwari, a Hindu goddess worshipped primarily in Karnataka. She is a form of Durga, associated with power, protection, and the defeat of evil. The name is used for temples and sacred sites dedicated to her, as well as for nearby religious landmarks in southern India.

The most prominent site associated with Chamundi is Chamundi Hill, a conspicuous rise overlooking the city of Mysore in Karnataka. Atop the hill sits the Chamundeshwari Temple, a major pilgrimage destination for devotees and a popular attraction for visitors. The site is accessible by a paved road and a long set of steps, and it offers views over Mysore and the surrounding countryside. The temple complex features shrines and devotional imagery dedicated to Chamundeshwari.

Cultural and religious significance is closely tied to Mysore’s Dasara festival, during which Chamundeshwari is honored as the royal patron deity and central to celebrations surrounding the city’s historic heritage. The Chamundi site thus functions as both a religious center and a symbol of regional identity.

Beyond the Mysore location, Chamundi is used as a general reference for other temples and shrines devoted to Chamundeshwari in Karnataka, and the name occasionally appears in local place names and cultural traditions.