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Mysore is the second biggest city in the State of Karnataka. It lies 130 km's from the State Headquarters, Bangalore. It is the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled Mysore State from this royal city. It is now the headquarters of Mysore District with a population of over seven lakhs. The chief language of the people, as in the State of Karnataka, is Kannada and original Kannada is spoken in this part of the area. It covers an area of more than 40 sq.km. and is administered by the Mysore City Corporation. Situated 763 meters above sea level surrounded by hill ranges from north to south, it is known as the 'Garden City' and the 'City of Palaces'. The famous Chamundi Hill, which is mythologically associated with the name of the city, is to its southeast.
Mysore is associated with the Pouranic story that is found in the Devi Bhagavatha. According to this story in the mythological Devi Purana, Mysore was ruled by the demon-king Mahishasura. He was called Mahishasura, because he was a buffalo-headed monster. Hearing to the prayers of Gods and Goddess to save them from the monster, Goddess Parvathi, wife of Lord Siva, took birth as Chamundi or Chamundeswari and killed the monster. Hence, this place came to be known as Mahishuru, the city of demon Mahisha. After killing the demon, the Goddess resided atop the Chamundi Hills where she is worshipped with reverence and devotion even today. However, the original name of the hill is 'Mahabaladri Hills' and it derived the name Chamundi Hills at a later period, after 17th century.
The earliest mention of Mysore or Mahishur historically is referred to the time of King Ashoka in 245 B.C. On the conclusion of the third Buddhist convocation, Ashoka is said to have despatched a monk to Mahishamandala for the purpose of spreading Buddhism. However, some historians have viewed that this Mahishamandala does not relate to Mysore or Mahishur. Some edicts of Ashoka have been found in the northern parts of the present Karnataka State. Similar reference is also found in the epic work, Mahabharata. According to this legend, King Yudhishtira is said to have sent an expedition and Sahadeva made an attack on Mahishmati. However, experts are of the opinion that the reference made in this epic, one of the oldest legends of an historical character, is not related to Mysore.
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