The Trinesvaraswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located inside the Mysore Palace complex in Mysore, Karnataka, India. It is estimated to be over 450 years old, believed to have existed even during the rule of Raja Wodeyar (1578-1617).
The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style, but unlike other Dravidian temples, the gopura (gateway tower) was destroyed sometime in the 18th century. Despite that, the temple's beauty is still very much evident.
How to Get There
The Trinesvaraswamy Temple is located within the Mysore Palace grounds. If you're coming from Mysore Junction, it's about 3 kilometers away. From the KSRTC Bus Stand, it's around 2 kilometers. You can easily walk or take an auto rickshaw to the palace complex.
Temple Hours
The temple is typically open from dawn to dusk, although it's best to check specific timings before you visit. You can find the updated timings on the Mysore Palace website.
What to Expect
The Trinesvaraswamy Temple is a relatively small temple, but it's an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially during the festival of Shivaratri. When you enter the temple, you'll be greeted by the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful Dravidian architecture.
Inside the temple sanctum, you'll find the enshrined deity, the three-eyed Shiva, known as Trinesvara. There are also smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, including Ganesha, Virabhadra, and Dakshinamurthy.
You can also see the statues of Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar and Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar, two of the Wodeyar kings who ruled Mysore.
Tips
- Since the temple is located within the Mysore Palace complex, you can combine your visit to the temple with your exploration of the palace.
- Dress modestly when visiting the temple. While there's no strict dress code, it's respectful to cover your shoulders and knees.
- Photography is usually allowed inside the temple, but it's always a good idea to ask permission from the temple authorities before taking any pictures.
- There are shoe racks outside the temple where you can leave your footwear before entering.