On 11^th November 2019, FSL India, Mysore’s coordinator organised a Cultural Event (CE) for our regular LTV volunteer. Every month, we organise a cultural event for our regular volunteers and we take them to any cultural and historical places which are located in and around Mysore. This month, the Cultural Event was focused on Religion.

Chamundeshwari Temple, named after the goddess Chamundi, sits atop the main hill. The main hill itself features an ancient stone stairway of 1,008 steps leading to its summit. Approximately halfway to the summit is a statue of bull Nandi, the vahana, or “vehicle” of Lord Shiva, which is 4.9 m tall, 7.6 m long, and carved out of a single piece of black granite. Around this point, the steps become significantly less steep and eventually the climber is rewarded with a panoramic view of the city. The Temple has a quadrangular structure. A key feature is the statue of the demon king, Mahishasura bearing a sword in his right hand and a cobra in the left.

Within the temple’s sanctum stands a sculpted depiction of the goddess Chamundeshwari. She is seated with her right heel pressed against the lowest of the seven chakras. This cross-legged yogic posture echoes the posture of Lord Shiva. Worshipers believe that this powerful yogic posture, if mastered, provides an added dimensional view of the universe. Since the early days of the Maharajahs of Mysore, the idol of the goddess Chamundeshwari has been carried on a decorated elephant as part of the celebrations in the annual Dussehera festival.

In the morning, FSL-India’s coordinator and our volunteer started their travel from the meeting point to the place of the cultural event.  In the beginning, the Coordinator explained about the activities. Then, he took her to Chamundeshwari Temple. FSL India’s Coordinator explained the history of each place to her. After the visit, our Coordinator and volunteer had lunch together, and discussed about her experience in the host family and project.

Some feedback:

• I am very happy about the cultural visit to Chamundi hill and the place where it is based, the view from the mountain is very good.