Devotees to famous Chamundeshwari to have yet another step way soon

Mysuru: The crowning glory of Mysuru, the Chamundi hills, which has historical and mythological significance, will soon have yet another full-fledged step way for devotees to climb the hills soon, to reach over 400 year old famous Chamundeshwari temple atop the hills. Chamundi hills temple administrative board, has decided to develop the step way from Uttanahalli (of Mysuru taluk, Mysuru district) to Chamundi hills which is dilapidated, covered with shrubs and remains unused since long.

Speaking to the Hans India, Chamundeshwari temple executive office, Mr Yatiraj Sampathkumar said that they have sought PWD (Public works department) to come up with the plan, detailed project report and estimated cost for developing these steps. They are doing a survey now. They are likely to come up with plan in one month. Later once they get the administrative approval for the plan from the Government, the works will be taken up, he said.

There are 650 steps in this step way from Uttanahalli. Besides developing steps, they also plan to have barricades and other basic infrastructure facilities including lights and others on this way. This step way is near the Mahabaleshwara temple atop Chamundi hills.

Existing step way near Suttur math of Mysuru, used by devotees and morning walkers Chamundi hills has 1000 steps. Beside road from Mysuru side, Chamundi hills also has a motorable road from its rear side towards Nanjangud. While Chamudeshwari temple is visited by atleast 20lakh to 25 lakh devotees every year, considering the increasing number of devotees every year, the temple authorities have decided to develop these steps from Uttanahalli side. To ensure serenity, sanctity of famous pilgrim centre, to retain natural beauty and enhance its aesthetics around Chamundeshwari temple, while Mysuru district administration has recently demolished over 250 shops at Chamundi hills the temple authorities have provided shops to 116 people at new commercial at the Chamundi hills. And according to Mr Yathiraj, they are building 196 more shops to accommodate rest of the shop keepers whose shops are being demolished. They are also planting one lakh saplings in Chamundi hills.

The rope way project to Chamundi hills announced in 2014-15 State budget is still pending, as several environmentalists have protested against it.

Normally Chamundeshwari temple saw 5000 people on any given day and more than 10,000 people during week days and week ends. But after the temple was opened on 8 June, after the lockdown relaxations, there were only 1000 people during week days and 2000 people on Tuesday, Friday, Sunday, festivals and on general holidays. But now they have 3000 devotees during week days and 8000 people on special days.

Chamundi hills of Mysuru is one of the the eighteen shakthi peetas, as per the south Indian version of Skanda purana according to noted Archaeology expert, Dr Shalvapille Iyengar. And the existing temple of Goddess Chamundeswari is over 400 year old and it is situated above 3489 feet mean sea level.