9 Most Charming Temples in Mysore
Mysore is famous for its delicious South Indian curries, dosas and sandalwood. This is a city full of magnificent monuments and palaces rich in history. Culturally rich and giving you a glimpse into the rich heritage of the country’s past, this city will inspire and enrich you. However, one of the most beautiful aspects of this palace city is its exquisite list of Mysore temples. These are old as well as recent, and each temple around Mysore is actually unique in its own way. Want to explore Dravidian architecture? Mysore’s famous temples are a great way. Start your spiritual journey with a visit to 9 of the best temples around Mysore and we guarantee you will go back with a lighter mind and a happier soul. Mysore Temple List: Top 9 in the city and visit valuable temples near Mysore:
1. Nandrolin Nyingmapa Monastery:
Nandrolin Nyingmapa Monastery is one of the largest Tibetan Nyingmapa Buddhist teaching centers in the country. The place has a peaceful setting and offers the teachings that people seek. The place is also of architectural importance due to the splendid structure and colour. People of all religions, cultures and denominations often visit the monastery. It is said that the Dalai Lama himself consecrated the place and gave it its name. Currently, it houses 5,000 monks and nuns who practice and promote Buddhism.
- address: Arlikumari, PO, Bylakuppe, Karnataka 571104
- Timing: . 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Dress Code: There is no such dress code, but moderate attire is recommended
- About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: You can go to Bangalore first. From there you can take a bus through Mysore to Namdroling (5 hours drive). You can also take a train from Bangalore to Mysore and then a bus to Kusharnagar (nearest town). A rickshaw can take you from here to the monastery (10 minutes drive).
- Temple website: http://www.namdroling.org/
- Best time to visit: If you’re really into Losar time, the annual retreat hosted by the monastery is a great experience.
- Other attractions: They have their own university – Ngagyur Nyingma Institute – which studies and promotes Buddhist studies. Dubare Elephant Camp is 9.4 km away and is a must visit.
2. Basilica of Santa Philomena:
The Church of St. Philomena was built in 1856 and was inspired by the design of a church in Germany. The most interesting part about the church is that its graphic design is in the form of a cross. It is dedicated to the Roman Catholic martyr Saint Philomena, and the church can hold nearly eight hundred people. Mass events are held regularly here and it is also a major tourist attraction in the city. It is actually one of the largest churches in India, built in a beautiful Gothic style.
- address: Lourdes Nagar, Ashoka Road, Lashkar Mohalla, Mysore, Karnataka 570001
- time: 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Dress Code: There is no such dress code, but proper and appropriate temple attire should be worn
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: The church is 3 km from Mysore bus station on Ashoka Road. You can get to the church from anywhere in Mysore by taxi or car.
- Temple website: http://www.philomena.org/mysore.asp
- Best time to visit: September to February (best weather) and at night, the church is lit up and looks beautiful. Annual Feast (August 11). Special masses on Sundays and holidays.
- Other attractions: 1.4 km from Devaraja Market, known for its local shopping
3. Talakade Temple:
The history of Talakad Temple can be traced back to the Ganges and Woody dynasty. About 45 kilometers from Mysore, Talakad is home to these ancient Hindu places of worship, built by different South Indian rulers and dynasties. These temples are located in Talakade, which is believed to have been cursed but survived. Every year, sand was used to cover and submerge the city until and unless the temple was discovered in the early 20th century. There are five temples dedicated to the five incarnations of Lord Shiva. These temples are centers of folklore, myths, myths and legends.
- address: alakadu – Malavalli Rd, Talakadu, Karnataka 571122
- time: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
- Dress Code: Wear comfortable, decent clothing
- About. Visiting time: 3-4 hours
- how can I get there: Talakadu is 45 km from Mysore and 185 km from Bangalore. You can either drive down or take a regular bus from Mysore to and from closer.
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Dashera
- Other attractions: Dubare is 152 km from the location and is a great place for a weekend getaway
4. Shrikanteshwara Temple:
Shrikanteshwara Temple worships the Lord who extracted poison from the sea and drank it in order to save mankind from the danger that is about to befall them, this is Lord Shrikanteshwara. The temple is magnificent in design and construction and is a famous pilgrimage site. The water and soil around the banks of the river near the temple are considered miracles for curing pain and disease.
- address: Rastrapathi Road, Nanjanagudu, Karnataka 571301
- time: 6am to 1pm and 4pm to 8:30pm
- Dress Code: decent clothing
- About.access: Duration: 3-4 hours
- how can I get there: The temple is just 1 km or a 10-minute walk from the Nanjangud bus/train station. You can take a bus from Mysore (about 26 km from Mysore) to Coimbatore and ask them to stop near the temple.
- Temple website: http://nanjangudtemple.kar.nic.in/
- Best time to visit: Dodda Jaathre festival where 5 colorful chariots are pulled into yatra. Maha Shivarathri and Kalyana time.
- Other attractions: Sri Lakshmikanthaswamy Temple is 9 km from the hotel.
5. Chamundeshwari Temple:
As the name suggests, Chamundeshwari Temple is located on Chamundi Hill, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The goddess was enshrined by the Woedyar dynasty who built the temple. It is about 13 kilometers from Mysore and is famous not only in India but also abroad. The temple has a thousand steps, and you have to climb the shrine to reach the shrine, otherwise you can choose to take the winding road by vehicle. The temple was built in the eleventh century and has historical significance. The beautiful location and typical South Indian architecture attract tourists and pilgrims.
- address: Chamundi Hill Rd, Mysore, Karnataka, 570010, India
- time: 7:30am – 2:00pm, 3:30pm – 6:00pm and 7:30pm – 9:00pm
- Dress Code: There is no such dress code, but proper and appropriate temple attire should be worn
- About. Visiting time: at least two hours
- how can I get there: Chamundeshwari Temple is 13 km from Mysore Junction Railway Station. There is a nominal fee for auto rickshaws. It takes about 30 minutes to drive to Chamondi Hill from the station.
- Temple website: http://chamundeshwaritemple.in/
- Best time to visit: The views are stunning between October and December, one of the best times. Navaratri festival time.
- Other attractions: The Chamundi Hill Bull statue is there. Sri Chamarajendra Zoo is 4.8 km away.
6. Mahabaleshwar Temple:
Mahabaleshwar Temple is not only one of the most popular temples in Kanpur, but also one of the most popular in India. The temple is a shrine to Lord Shiva, who enshrines an idol of Shiva along with Goddess Parvati and the Nandi Bull, a follower of Lord Shiva. The construction of this temple dates back to the eighth century and was built by the Ganges kings. It is located in one of the holiest places in India – Gokarna. The waterfront location adds to the charm of it all. It displays artworks from the Ganges and Khoisala dynasties. The temple is the main tourist attraction of the city. Maha Shiva Ratri is widely celebrated here and people from all over the world visit the temple to pray.
- address: Koti Teertha Road, Kotiteertha, Gokarna, Karnataka 581326
- time: 5:00am – 12:00pm, 4:00pm – 9:00pm
- Dress Code: Decent, temple outfit should do
- About. Visiting time: Minimum 30 minutes
- how can I get there: The nearest train station is 10 km away. It is connected by road with Bangalore (480 km), Mangalore (250 km) and Kawar (60 km). There are regular buses from Kumata, Karwar, Goa and Mangalore.
- Temple website: http://www.srigokarna.org/en
- Best time to visit: The best time is from October to June. From October to May, the climate is moderate to cool and ideal for sightseeing in Mahabaleshwar.
- Other attractions: Tamra Gowri Shrine and Ganapathi Temple
7. Someshwara Temple:
Someshwara Temple was built in the 13th century by Shri Kanteevera Narasaraja Wadiyar in the city of Mysore. The temple is hailed as one of the best works depicting the amazing architectural skills of the Khoisala dynasty. It has great historical significance and grand architectural design. The temple is said to have been built by the rulers of the Arupa dynasty in the 10th century AD. It is also important as one of the main pilgrimage centers of the Pitrakrayas, where the last rites of the dead are performed.
- address: Somanathapura, Mysore, Karnataka, 571120, India
- timing: 9am to 5.30pm
- Dress Code: Temple fair, dress respectfully
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: The temple is located on Ulsoor Road, Someshwarpura. The distance from Someshwara Temple to Bangalore Railway Station is approximately 8.5 km. You can reach the temple in about 30 minutes by car or taxi via Cubbon Road. 1 hour by road from Mysore.
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Shivratri celebrates pomp and performance
- Other attractions: Lake Ursur, Liberty Park, Government Aquarium and Lal Bagh Gardens are worth a visit
8. Shweta Varahaswamy Temple:
The main attraction of Shweta Varahaswamy Temple in Mysore is the image of the idol Shweta Varahaswamy made of stone. It is located near Mysore Fort inside Mysore Palace. This Mysore palace temple is dedicated to Lord Valaha (a form of Lord Vishnu). The temple walls depict the story of the Mahabharata and are a good structure in terms of architecture. Built in the Hoysala style, it depicts an insight into antiquity. You can see beautiful carvings on the pillars and doorways. The temple is popular with tourists and locals alike.
- address: Chamundi Hills near Mysore Fort, Mysore Karnataka 560059 India
- time: 8:00am – 8:00pm
- Dress Code: No such dress code but decent, temple a.pt attire should doo
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: It is 3 km from Mysore Railway Station and 2 km from KSRTC Bus Station.Tour Mysore by taxi to the temple
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Da Sera Festival
- Other attractions: Explore the adjoining palace grounds and fort
9. ISKCON Temple:
The International Society of Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON Temple is also located in Mysore. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has a beautiful deity Radamadav. The temple conducts various ceremonies, prayers and kirtans. On Sundays, the temple offers prasad to all present. The temple is very popular during festivals such as Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, Gaur Purnima or Holi and Ekadashi.
- address: NO.213, 18th Cross Rd, Jayanagar East, Jaya Nagar 1st Block, Jayanagar, Mysuru, Karnataka 570014
- timing: 6:00am to 8:30pm
- Dress Code: No such dress code, but decent, temple attire should do
- About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: Take a taxi/rickshaw to the temple from anywhere in the city.
- Temple website: http://www.iskconmysore.org/
- Best time to visit: Janmashtami
- Other attractions: They also offer youth mentoring programs, cultural outreach and spiritual talks.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. Mysore is a city of great achievements and statues. Are there statues that are considered sacred and worshipped?
Yes, the Nandi statue made of a huge rock is not only…