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MY DIARY DATED 2-3-04—ABOUT OUR VISIT TO THE HILL TOP TEMPLE OF THE GREAT GODDESS SRI CHAMUNDESWARI
It was only 6pm(2-3-04) and was not yet dark. We had still the most important( fixed) program of visit to the famed Sri Chamundeswari Temple on the hill. We immediately took an auto to the bus stand. Luckily there was a bus about to leave for Sri Chamundeswari hill and we entered it . We all could get seats . It has to be noted that all through the day and also in the evenings there are sufficient vehicles, government buses and private cabs, for taking people to the hill top every 15 minutes.The bus moved speedily through the wide roads. After travelling for a time through the outskirts the bus started climbing the hill and entered the forest area . Quickly it was gaining height. The grand royal palace (the main royal palace complex) and the famous and the most beautiful majestic Lalith Mahal palace (shining like a dazzling precious gem and now an international luxury hotel) became smaller in size and more distant and looked like toy palaces . Hundreds of buildings in a large residential areas where houses were closely packed were visible far down below like toy houses.There is a thick parapet wall all along the kilometers long road which circled many times round the vast forested hill. Buses ,cars and two wheelers were going up and coming down carefully at a steady speed. In some sections long stretches of forest trees obstructed our view .
Our bus climbed up and up the big hill on the winding road. After about 20 minutes the road entered the very vast flat table-like area at the top where the temple and a old royal palace( the Rajendra Vilas palace now under extensive repair) were situated.It is said that the goddess Chamundeswari is family goddess of kings of Wadiar dynasty and it is said that the Wadiar kings considered all their kingdom and wealth a gift from the goddess. The temple tower is directly visible from the main royal palace and it is said that the royal family could offer their prayers to the goddess daily from their palace. The Rajendra Vilas palace on the hill was said to have been used as summer resort by the royal family but is now closed for major repairs.
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Just before we entered the vast flat temple area, we saw at a little distance down, the huge statue. It was said to be of an ancient demon king named Mahishasura who ruled the area thousands of years ago. In his upraised hand the demon king carries a sword. The area was perhaps a forest kingdom thousands years back. Mythology says goddess Chamundeswari( a form of mother goddess Parvathi) killed Mahishasura after a fierce fight.
By the time we arrived there were hundreds of devotees. There were huge crowds . There was also a busy bazar on the hill selling flowers, fruits, coconuts, incense sticks etc necessary for the the puja of the mother goddess. There were also shops selling little metal statues of gods and little bells and toys for children and there were also a few sweet shops . There was a quite a big rush of devotees .
The hill temple is a famed spiritual place inspiring people of surrounding towns and cities. The goddess is especially greatly venerated by people of Mysore city. The temple with its majestic location on a high hill acts like a magnet and attracts traditional people visiting Mysore city . In the temple bazar colourful photos of temple and the goddess and photos of Mahishasura’s statue etc are sold. We saw even shops selling gadgets like binoculars, pocket radios and small audio cassette players etc.We secured the shoes in designated place and joined the Q line .
The priests had not yet opened the gates for evening prayers. All were waiting. We heard that the family of a prince of the royal household was to visit at 7-30 pm .Luckily we got tickets early and there was no difficulty for us . The temple premises were soon brightly lighted and dazzled in the electric lights. There was continuous bustle and noise .
We had darshan of the mighty goddess and we made our offerings. We felt immensely happy having darshan of the goddess and seeing the majestic statues. The scent of incense filled atmosphere inside the temple. The holy sight of the goddess in the dull light of big oil lamps was a sight that could not be never be forgotten. There was melodious sound of ringing of holy bells by the priests and the chanting of holy hymns.. We had Prasadam and holy Theertham. There was heavy scent of incense. We sat for a few minutes,took the coconut prasadam and finally got up to leave. The return bus was also ready . What a wonderful ride down hill.
It was already completely dark. In our return journey We had a glimpse of the giant monolithic Nandi statue ,built 300,400 years ago under orders and inspiration of a the then maharaja of Mysuru. it was well lighted by the bright electric lights and many devotees stopped and offered prayers to Nandiswara who is vehicle of Lord Shiva. While the Mahishasura statue appears beside the road when we were going up ,the giant sized and awe inspiring Nandi statue appears in another section of the winding road while the vehicles are on the downward journey.
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In the darkness the city down below appeared like a vast black carpet on which thousands of dazzling diaminds were stitched. The beautiful sight mesmerises every person travelling on the temple road in night hours. The city below truly became a diamond studded carpet. The sight was most unforgettable.
Soon after the bus arrived at bus station we proceeded in a auto to our hotel and after freshening up went down to the dining hall of hotel to have food. The food was good. Both my daughters ordered special dishes . All of us had fruit salad . In the room we discussed next day’s program i.e. the trip to ooty. I phoned to the tourist guide(who was managing all our tour) to remind him of our next program . We should reach the bus stand by 7-30 am next morning. We set the alarm to 4am next morning and slipped into sleep.
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