Mysore

:This article is about Mysore City. For information about Mysore District and Division, see Mysore District.

Origin of name

According to Hindu legend, the area around Mysore city was once the domain of the demon king Mahisha Asura (Mahisha meaning Buffalo), who grew almost invincible and wreaked havoc on the world. The Goddess Chamundeshwari, vanquished the demon Mahisha in a humungous struggle waged over a period of 10 days thus, Goddess Chamundeshwari is also known by the name Mahisha Mardhini (slayer of Mahisha).The battle became a festive event which the annual 10-day Navaratri festival commemorates to this day. The region retains the name of the slain demon; the name Mysore is the anglicized version of Mahisuru which is derived from the words "Mahisha" (the demon) + "Ooru" (town). Thus "Mahisha + Ooru = Mahishuru", the "Abode of Mahisha" which word became, with repeated usage, "Mysooru" in Indian languages, and was later anglicized to "Mysore".

Related Topics:
Hindu - Goddess Chamundeshwari - Navaratri - India

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This legend is among the one of the most important in Hindu mythology, and renders the temple of the Goddess Chamundeshwari, located atop Chamundi hills in Mysore, an important place of pilgrimage. The legend is commemorated by several monuments in Mysore, including the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari on Chamundi Hills and an imposing statue of Mahishasura located nearby.

Related Topics:
Hindu mythology - Goddess Chamundeshwari - Pilgrimage - Goddess Chamundeshwari - Chamundi Hills

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