Mahabaleshwara Temple in Mysore is situated on top of the Chamundi hills. It is the oldest temple on top of the hill. The main deity of Mahabaleshwar Temple is Lord Shiva who is flanked by Parvati on his side. Then there is an idol of Nandi which is situated in front of the main idol. Mahabaleshwara Temple was a very significant temple in Mysore in the medieval period before the Chamundeshwari Temple gained prominence. Mahabaleshwara Temple is situated to the south of the Chamundeshwari Temple and attracts a small number of devotees. The records of the Western Ganga period show that the temple existed during their reign as well.
Mahabaleshwar Temple of Mysore is one among the most ancient and beautiful temples of the South. Situated atop the Chamundi Hills, Mahabaleshwara Temple is considered to be one among the most visited religious destinations in the South. The ancient temple of Mahabaleshwar is visited by pilgrims especially during festivals.
History of Mahabaleshwara Temple
The oldest record of Mahabaleshwara Temple dates back to 950 AD. Built by the Ganga kings, the architecture of this temple is a nice blend of the Ganga and Hoysala dynasty. The famous Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana is said to have expanded Mahabaleshwara temple. It is believed that the rulers of Hoysala Dynasty added the "Ardha Mantapa" and "Nava Ranga". Both of them have lathe-turned pillars typical of the other Hoysala temples.
Architecture of Mahabaleshwara Temple
People from all parts of India and the world come and visit the Mahabaleshwara temple, because of the art and architecture of Hoysala Dynasty. Inside Mahabaleshwara temple, there are attractive sculptures of "Sapta Matrikas", "Nataraja", "Parvati" and "Bhairava", all built in the style used by the Hoysalas. The sculpture of Lord Vishnu is also hailed from the Western Ganga periodical rule in Karnataka.
In the niches behind the Mahabaleshwara temple, there are the stone statues of "Dakshina Murthy" and "Mahishasurmardini", the latter statue is in the Western Ganga style of architecture. In the back of Mahabaleshwara temple, on the back corridor, there are a few sculptures of Hindu Gods like Lord Indra and Lord Bhikshatanar Shiva. The sculpture of the Hindu Gods indicates that the temple has the influence of Chola art and architecture as well. There is a stone statuette of Lord Brahma from the Western Ganga period. The front part of Mantapa was built during the 17th Century AD. Mahabaleshwara temple has the workmanship of more that three dynasties are worth visiting not only for the pilgrims but also the people who has an interest in art and sculpture.
