(click me to enlarge)Ever since, I started traveling to Mysore from Chamarajanagar, which is 65 kms away from Mysore, I wondered with the morphology of Chamundi Hill. I do not know how many of noticed this illusion whoever traveled in this way. The combination of 2 to 3 small heaps of Chamundi Hill brings me a picture of a huge person lying flat on the earth, and on top of the stomach (though not exactly, again assumption:) the temple is situated. Ironically, the story of the Goddess Chamundi suits the condition. The history of Chamundi Hills (Chamundeeswari, or Durga is the fierce form of Shakti who vanquished the demon Mahishasura) may be the cause of this illusion, but whatever it may be whenever you get a chance, give a try.
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The below article was published in "Deccan Herald" on December 14, 2007.
http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Dec142007/state2007121441182.asp
Come, see sleeping Mahishasura
MYSORE ,DHNS :Legend has it that Mysore was namedafter Mahishasura. Mention of the name creates animagery of the Mahishasura atop Chamundi Hill in vibrant dhoti and flashy adornments,wide open eyes that can scare the hell out of anyone, holding an erect snake in his left hand and a hatchet in his right one -- in afit of rage.
Though, according to mythology he was a demon king and was destroyed byMahishasura Mardini -Goddess Durga, the nameMysore according to historians comes from Mahishasura himself. The heritage city has also been referred as Mahisha Mandala, Mahishapura, Mashisunadu,Mahisooru inthe past before finally arriving at Mysore or Mysooru.
But, if Dr R Gopal’s words are to be believed, Mahishasura is not present only atop Chamundi Hill, but the entire range of hillitself is Mahishasura personified. Only, here he is in deep slumber. During Dasara
Dr R Gopal, serving as the director at Directorateof Archaeology and Museums in the Palace Complex discovered this during the recent Dasara celebrations. The spot from where the hill range looks like sleeping Mahishasura is near Jai Marthanda gate, an entry point to the Amba Vilas Palace or Mysore Palace. It is better visible from any point bang opposite the Dasara Exhibition grounds. However,the task of finding it was not so easy.
Disclosing this at a pressconference here on Thursday, Gopal said: “I was sure that there has to be a Mahishasura somewhere since Mysore got its name from him. I have looked forsomething that could support his existence. I have gone around Mysore and many villages to see if there is something that can reveal the hidden image of Mahishasura.” Strange enough, Dr Gopal found it right within his office premises. Looking at the hill from atop the palace provided with a breathtaking view for sure, but also it gave him a feeling of Mahishasura sleeping with his hand neatly by the side. His chest, stomach, legs and knees too, are clearly visible from that particular angle.
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