Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari Temple

Introduction to the Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari Temple

Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari Temple is at the base of the Chamundi Hills in Uthanahalli, Mysuru, Karnataka. She is believed to be the sibling of Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. It is also known as Uthanahalli Maramma Temple.
'Jwalamukhi' means a person with fire energy,' and 'Tripura Sundari' denotes 'the beauty of the three worlds'.

Legend of the Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari Temple

Goddess Tripura Sundari has many names and legends related to her creation.

According to legend, when the demon Mahishasura created chaos in heaven and on earth, deities from all three worlds approached Shiva and Vishnu to save them. Accepting their request, Shiva and Vishnu combined their powers and created Chamundeshwari, assigning her the task of killing the demon Mahishasura.

The battle continued for over 10,000 years. Mahishasura had a unique boon that a new demon would emerge from every drop of his blood that fell on earth. Learning this, Chamundeshwari created Tripura Sundari from the sweat of her own body.

Tripura Sundari played a significant role in ensuring victory over the demon. She extended her tongue and drank the demon's blood before it fell on earth. So, the demon was stopped from regenerating. Finally, Chamundeshwari defeated Mahishasura successfully with the help of Tripura Sundari.

Appreciating Tripura Sundari's significant contribution, it is believed Chamundeshwari herself built a hill around Tripura Sundari in Uthanahalli village, showcasing the sacred Chamundi Hills where Chamundeshwari dwells. This gesture was planned to keep her sister close by, ensuring she would remain a guardian and protector along with Chamundeshwari on the hill.

The Architecture of the Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari Temple

The Wodeyar dynasty installed the idol of Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari in the temple. Visitors climb over a hundred steps to reach the main shrine. It is in the South Indian architectural style. The entrance is flat with no gopuram. The temple has wooden doors. The sub-shrines for other deities are also here.

The Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari Temple enshrines Jwalamukhi, a fierce form of Parvati, worshipped as Tripura Sundari, an incarnation of the divine feminine power.

The Panchaloha idol of Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari graces the temple's sanctum. She carries divine weapons in her hands and sits with her left leg folded. Flowers and jewels adorn her pedestal. A courtyard surrounds the sanctum. A gopuram is above the sanctum.

Ganesha and Shiva have separate shrines. The Shiva Lingam is covered in silver kavas, and a Prabhavali is behind it. A small Nandi is before the Shiva Lingam. A beautiful wooden Mandapam surrounds this shrine. A small hall is where priests perform Homas and devotees meditate peacefully. There is a vast place for vehicle parking. No restaurants are available on the hilltop.

Festivals in the Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari Temple

The Jatra Mahotsav of Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari Temple, also known as Marisaru Uthanahalli Jatra, is held annually from February 16 to 18. The temple conducts Kanyakannadi Utsava on February 16 and performs special Poojas and rituals on February 17 and 18.