Most Beautiful Temples in Mysore



Mysore is famous for South Indian cuisine, dosas and sandalwood. It is home to many historical buildings and palaces. This city is rich in culture and will leave you feeling inspired and enriched. One of the most striking aspects of this palace city is its many magnificently constructed Mysore temples. Every temple in Mysore, be it old or recent has its own uniqueness. Are you interested in Dravidian architectural discoveries? You can also do it by visiting the famous temples of Mysore.



Top Temples to Visit in Mysore



1. Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery:

Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, the Buddhist teaching center of the Tibetan Nyingma lineage, is the largest. It provides peaceful surroundings and essential teachings. The magnificent structures and vibrant colors make this place an architectural landmark. People of all religions, cultures and communities frequent the ashram. The place was consecrated by the Dalai Lama, after which it was named. It currently has over 5000 monks, nuns and others who practice and propagate Buddhism.

Address : Arlikumari P.O. Bailakuppe Karnataka 571104

Timings : 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Dress Code : There is no dress code, but modest dress is recommended.

Approximate Visit Duration : About 1-2 hours

How to reach there : First you can go to Bangalore. You can reach Namdroling (5 hours journey) by bus from Bangalore. Bangalore to Mysore can be traveled by train and then you can reach Kushalnagar (nearest city) by bus. You can also take a motor rickshaw from here (10 minutes journey).

Temple Website : http://www.namdroling.org/

Best time to visit : The month-long annual retreat organized by the monastery is a wonderful experience, especially if you are interested in the Losar festival.

Additional attractions : Ngagyur Nyingma Institute is their university for research and propagation of Buddhism. A must-see is the Dubare Elephant Camp at a distance of 9.4 km.



2. St. Philomena's Cathedral:

St. Philomena's Church was inspired by a German church design in 1856. Its floor plan is in the shape of a cross, which is very interesting. The church is dedicated to Saint Philomena, a Roman Catholic martyr. It can hold about eight hundred people. It is a popular tourist attraction and hosts regular masses. This church is one of the most beautiful in Mysore and is one of the largest churches in India.

Address : Lourdes Nagar, Ashoka Road, Lashkar Mohalla, Mysore, Karnataka 570001

Timings : 8:30AM - 5:00PM

Dress Code : There is no dress code, but you must wear appropriate and respectable temple attire.

Approximate Visit Duration : Approx 1 hour

How to reach : The church can be reached from Mysore Ashoka Road bus stop. To reach the church, you can use cabs and autos from any part of Mysore.

Temple Website : http://www.philomena.org/mysore.asp

Best time to visit : September-February (best weather), and in the evening when the church is lit up. It is beautiful. Annual feast (August 11). Special Masses for Sundays and Festivals

Other attractions : Devaraja Market is 1.4 km away and is popular for local shopping




3. Talakad Temples :

The history of Talakad temples dates back to at least the Ganga dynasty or the Wodeyar dynasty. Talakad, 45 km from Mysore, has these ancient Hindu places of worship. Built by various South Indian rulers. There are temples in Talakad. They are believed to have survived despite being cursed. Every year, the sand was used as cover for the city and sank until the temples were discovered in the early 20th century. The five temples are dedicated to the five incarnations of Lord Shiva. These temples are the focus of folklore and mythology, as well as legends.

Address: Alakadu - Malavalli Road, Talakadu, Karnataka 571122

Timings: 8.00 am - 06.30 pm

Dress Code : Please wear comfortable and dignified clothing.

Approximate Visit Duration: 3 - 4 hours.

How to reach: Talakadu is 45 km from Mysore and 185 km from Bangalore. From Mysore you can drive down to nearby areas or regular buses are available.

Best time to visit : Dasher Festival

Other Attractions : Dubare, 152 km from the location, is a beautiful place for a weekend getaway.




4. Srikantheswara Swamy Temple:

   
Lord Srikantheswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Srikantheswara, who took poison from the sea and drank it to save mankind from danger. It is known for its great design and construction. The water and mud near the temple are believed to have amazing healing properties

Address : Rastrapati Road, Nanjanagudu, Karnataka 571301

Timings : 6 AM to 1 PM, and 4 – 8. 30 PM

Dress respectfully

How To Reach : Nanjangood Bus Stop/Railway Station is just 1 km away. You can also take a bus from Mysore to Coimbatore (about 26 km from Mysore). Tell them to stop by the temple.

Temple Website: http://nanjangudtemple.kar.nic.in/

  Best time to visit: Dodda Jatre festival. 5 colored chariots are pulled in a yatra. Kalyana and Maha Shivratri.

Other attractions: Sri Lakshmikanthaswamy Temple is 9 km away.



5. Chamundeshwari Temple:

Chamundeshwari Temple is a historic temple in Karnataka. It is situated on Chamundi Hill. In this temple there is a statue of Goddess Durga. The temple was built by the Wodayar dynasty who worshiped the deity. It is about 13 km from Mysore. This temple is famous not only in India but also internationally. To reach the shrine, one has to climb more than a thousand steps to the temple. Or come on the roads in a vehicle. This 11th century temple is historic. Tourists and pilgrims are attracted to this beautiful place with typical South Indian architecture.

Address: Chamundi Hill Road, Mysore, Karnataka, 570010, India

Timings : 7:30 - 10:00 a.m., 3:30 - 6 p.m. and 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Dress Code: There is no dress code, but you must wear appropriate and respectable temple attire.

Approximate Visit Duration: Minimum 2 hours

How to reach: Chamundeshwari Temple is 13 km from Mysore Junction railway station. There are no charges for auto rickshaws. It takes about 30 minutes to drive towards Chamundi Hills from the station.

Temple Website : http://chamundeshwaritemple.in/

Best time to visit: October-December is the best time to see the views. Navratri festival time.

Chamundi hill bull statue is found there. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is 4.8 km away.


6. Temple Mahabaleshwar:

Mahabaleshwar Temple, also known as Lord Shiva's Temple, is one of the most famous temples in India. The temple has idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Nandi (Shiva's follower). The temple was built by the Ganga kings in the eighth century. It is found in Gokarna, one of the holiest places in India. Its location on the seashore adds to its charm. It has artefacts from the Ganga and Hoysala dynasties. It is a popular tourist attraction in the city. Every kind of person comes to this temple to celebrate Maha Shiva's night and make prayers.

Address : Koti Theertha Road Koti Theertha Gokarna, Karnataka, 581326

Timings : 5:00 am - 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Dress Code: Dress appropriate for the temple.

Approximate Visit Duration : Minimum 30 minutes

How to reach : The nearest railway station is about 10 km away. It is easily accessible by road from Bangalore (480 km), Mangalore (253 km), or Karwar (60 km). Regular buses ply from Kumata to Karwar, Goa, Mangalore and Mangalore.

Website for the temple: http://www.srigokarna.org/en

The best months to go are October through June. The ideal months to explore Mahabaleshwar are October through May, when the weather is pleasant and temperate to moderate.

Additional Attractions: Ganapati Temple and Tamra Gauri Mandir



7. Temple of Someswara:

The Someswara Temple, constructed in the thirteenth century by Sri Kantivira Narasimha Wadiyar, is located in the city of Mysore. The Hoysala dynasty's tremendous architectural talent is demonstrated by this temple. It boasts outstanding architectural designs and is a historically significant landmark. The Alupa dynasty's monarchs constructed the temple in the tenth century AD. In addition, it is a significant pitrakriya pilgrimage site, where the last rituals of the deceased are carried out.

Address: 571120, India, Somanathapura, Mysore, Karnataka

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Dress Code: Respectable attire is required.

Approximate time to visit : 1 hour

How to reach: The temple can be found on Ulsoor Road in Someswarapura. 8.5 km separates Someswara Temple from Bangalore Railway Station. Cubbon Road is the best way to get an auto or taxi to the temple. It takes about 30 minutes. By road, it takes around 1 hour to reach Mysore.

Best time to visit: Shivratri is celebrated with pomp and pageantry.

Other attractions: Ulsoor Lake and Freedom Park, Government Aquarium, Lal Bagh Gardens and Government Aquarium are worth a visit.



8. White Varahaswamy Temple:

Shweta Varahaswamy Temple is located in Mysore. It's main attraction is the white stone idol of Varahaswamy. It is located near the Mysore Fort, in the grounds of the Mysore Palace. This temple in the Mysore Palace is dedicated to Varaha, an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple walls depict beautiful architecture and stories from the Mahabharata. It is built in the Hoysala style and gives an insight into the ancient times. Beautiful carvings are found all over the pillars, doors and windows. Tourists and locals love this temple.

Address : Chamundi Hills Near Mysore Fort, Mysore Karnataka 560059 India

Timings : 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Dress Code : There is no dress code, but you should wear good temple attire.

Approximate Visit Duration: About 1 hour

How to reach : It is 3 km from Mysore railway station and 2 km from KSRTC bus station. To travel around Mysore and reach the temple, take a taxi

Temple Website - N/A

Best time to visit : Dussehra festival

Other attractions : Explore the adjacent palace grounds and fort


9. ISKCON Temple:

There is also an International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKAN) temple in Mysore. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has a beautiful deity called Radha Madhav. It is home to many rituals, prayers and hymns. On Sundays, the temple offers prasad to all who attend. The temple is frequently visited during festivals like Sri Krishna Janmashtami or Radha Ashtami, Gaur Purnima, Holi, Holi and Ekadashi.

Address : No.213, 18th Cross Ord, Jayanagar East, Jayanagar 1st Block, Jayanagar, Mysore, Karnataka 570014

Timings: 6 AM to 8:30 PM

Dress Code : You should wear temple appropriate clothes.

Approximate Visit Duration : Approx 1-2 hours

How to reach: To reach the temple, take a taxi/rickshaw from any part of the city.

Temple Website: http://www.iskconmysore.org/

Best time to visit : Janmashtami

Other attractions : They also offer youth mentoring programs, cultural promotions and spiritual discourses.