Shri Bhuvaneshwari Temple is situated inside the Mysore Palace complex in the cultural city of Mysuru, Karnataka. Built in 1951 by Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, the Divine Mother of Karnataka and the personification of Kannada culture and language.
She is lovingly called Taayi Bhuvaneshwari or Kannada Maate, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and protection.
The presiding deity is Goddess Bhuvaneshwari Devi, a benevolent form of Parvati Devi.
is depicted seated gracefully on a lotus, holding a rosary, scripture, goad, and noose, symbolizing knowledge, guidance, and universal compassion.
Devotees believe that worshipping her brings blessings in art, learning, peace, and prosperity.
The temple showcases fine Dravidian architecture that harmonizes with the royal surroundings of the palace.
A five-tiered vimana with beautifully carved floral and goddess motifs.
Pillared mandapa and sanctum adorned with stone carvings of Durga, Saraswati, and Lakshmi.A simple prakara (enclosure) housing smaller shrines for Lord Ganesha and Navagrahas.
The interiors glow with lamps and sandalwood fragrance, creating a calm and royal devotional atmosphere.
Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wodeyar built this temple in 1951 within the palace complex to honour Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, whom he regarded as the guardian deity of Kannada Nadu (Karnataka).
He wished to dedicate a shrine symbolizing the spiritual and cultural unity of the Kannada-speaking people.
Since then, the temple has become a symbol of Kannada pride and plays a central role in the state’s cultural celebrations.
According to local legends and palace records, the worship of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari in Mysore dates back to the Wodeyar dynasty, who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore. The Wodeyars were great devotees of Shakti, and they considered Goddess Bhuvaneshwari as the divine guardian of their land and people.
It is said that in ancient times, the rulers of Mysore faced a period of unrest and misfortune in the kingdom. The royal astrologers and sages advised the king that only the blessings of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, the Mother of the Universe, could restore peace and prosperity. Acting on this divine advice, the king performed intense penance and rituals seeking her grace.
During his meditation, the king had a vision of the Goddess, shining in radiant golden light, holding the chakra, conch, lotus, and sword in her four hands. She blessed him, saying that she would reside within the royal palace itself to protect the dynasty and the land of Karnataka.
Obeying her command, the king built a shrine for Goddess Bhuvaneshwari within the palace complex. From that time, the goddess became the royal deity of the Mysore Wodeyars, and every coronation, royal function, and state ceremony began only after offering prayers to her. The idol was beautifully carved from black stone, symbolizing her eternal and protective presence over the kingdom.
In due course, the goddess came to be known as “Taayi Bhuvaneshwari”, meaning Mother Bhuvaneshwari, and was regarded as the spiritual embodiment of Karnataka itself. Devotees believed that her blessings gave rise to the strength, pride, and prosperity of the Kannada land and its people.
Over the centuries, saints and poets like Kuvempu and other Kannada scholars praised her as “Kannada Taayi”, the Divine Mother of the Kannada language. Her temple inside the palace became a symbol of cultural unity and divine protection for the state.
Thus, the Mysore Bhuvaneshwari Temple stands as a living testimony to the spiritual heart of Karnataka, where the divine mother blesses her children — the people of the state — with wisdom, courage, and devotion.
The main celebration at the Shri Bhuvaneshwari Temple inside the Mysore Palace complex is Kannada Rajyotsava on November 1st, when the goddess is worshipped as the Mother of Karnataka (Kannada Taayi).
The day begins with a Maha Abhisheka and special alankara using red and yellow silk, symbolizing the state’s pride. Devotees, officials, and artists gather to offer flowers, lamps, and prayers seeking the goddess’s blessings for peace and prosperity of Karnataka.
The state anthem “Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate” is sung after the morning puja, followed by cultural performances like folk dances and devotional songs in the palace premises. Apart from Rajyotsava, Navaratri and Dasara are also celebrated with grandeur, as the goddess is considered the royal protector of the Wodeyar dynasty, and special pujas are performed during the ten days of Dasara festival.
