By B.N. Ramya

Chamundi Hill, the revered abode of the presiding deity of Mysuru, Goddess Sri Chamundeshwari, stands as a prominent attraction drawing visitors from far and wide. This iconic  landmark holds deep historical significance and religious reverence, captivating both the devout and nature enthusiasts alike with its enchanting environs.

Beyond its tourist allure and spiritual significance, Chamundi Hill is a source of inspiration for many residents of this Heritage City. For some, it doubles as a natural fitness centre, while others frequent it as a weekend retreat or simply to bask in the morning breeze or admire the sunset.

In a conversation with Star of Mysore, several individuals climbing the 1000+ steps regularly for fitness, communion with nature or rejuvenation shared their perspectives. Here is what they have to say…

A good weight loss mission

K.R. Vinay, a Safety Supervisor at Hitachi and a resident of J.P. Nagar, has been climbing the Hill for the past 6-8 years. “I used to be overweight, around 80-85 kg, which prompted me to start climbing regularly. Initially, I maintained a routine with occasional breaks. If I miss my morning climb, I make sure to go in the evening. Now, I’ve proudly shed weight and am down to 60+ kg,” the 33-year-old said.

Vinay pedals to Suttur Mutt, parks his cycle, and continues on foot. “Occasionally, my cousin Pavan Athreya, an engineering college student, joins me,” he added.

Starting point Lalitha Mahal Helipad

Rajendra, a retired Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) and a resident of Gururaja Layout, commenced his Hill-climbing regimen in 2013 alongside 7-8 friends. At 70 years old, he embarks on a brisk walk from his home at 5 am to ascend the Hill steps for fitness.

He explains, “I start from Lalitha Mahal Helipad, pass through Siddartha Layout, JSS Ayurveda Hospital, Pathanjali Arogya Centre, and the bus route connects to Khoday Guest House. This was the central meeting point earlier where our walking friends gathered for exercise and conversation. Later for a couple of years, we moved to the vicinity of Mahadeshwara Temple near Uttanahalli, which was and even now is an ideal place to do yoga and exercises. Since 2013, I have been climbing the Hill steps. On my descent, I walk down to Nandi by steps and then take the motorable road.”

Team Three climbing since 2010 

P.M. Manoj, a writer, H.S. Tejas, an employee at the Labour Department & Archaka at a Temple in Lakshmipuram, and K. Raghu Ram Bhat (RRB), an Advocate, all alumni of Maharaja’s College, have been climbing the Hill since 2010.

Manoj, a resident of Kalyanagiri, recounts, “We three were classmates during our degree days. It became a ritual for us to meet almost every evening at the temple where Tejas served as an Archaka. One evening, Bhat suggested we go to the Hill the next day, and so we did… That was a Sunday. I distinctly remember the date we started climbing the Hill: March 21, 2010. Initially, we went every Sunday. Then, in 2014, I began going every evening. After two years, I started going in the morning with a two-day break each week. While Tejas continues the weekend routine, Bhat, who inspired our Hill climb, joins us occasionally now. For me, the Hill has become an addiction.”

Raghu Ram Bhat, a resident of Treasury Layout, shares, “I was pursuing my LLB at the time and wanted to cultivate the habit of waking up early for a fresh start to the day. That’s why I suggested going to the Hill. Later, my friends continued the tradition. Due to leg injury sustained in a road accident, I had to pause, but now I occasionally join them to relive old memories.”

Tejas, residing in Krishnamurthypuram, adds, “Hill climbing offers a unique experience. It’s thrilling to work on improving your speed on the steps. After a hectic week, time spent on the Hill is a refreshing escape into nature. Having tea at the top and reminiscing about our college days is a cherished tradition.”

Holds a special allure

Krishna Prakash, a retired bank employee and a resident of Dattagalli, has faithfully ascended the Hill steps daily for the past 7-8 years. “It’s a passion of mine. I don’t come here solely for fitness; the Hill holds a special allure for me. I enjoy long walks and have ventured on numerous treks. Before retirement, I would visit whenever time permitted, but now it’s a routine. I take steps while climbing and explore different paths on my descent,” the 68-year-old said.

Bharath P. Gowda, a regular Hill climber since 2019, initiated his routine during his 3rd year of Engineering studies at MIT Belavadi.

“I began solo climbing for fitness purposes. I cycle to the foothills, spend time meditating in front of the Hill Temple and engage in exercise,” shares the 25-year-old, who hails from Shivamogga. Despite working for a private company in Bengaluru, Bharath resides in Vidyaranyapuram out of his deep affection for Mysuru and Chamundi Hill.

Prioritising health above all else

Kumar (Annaiah) from Ashokapuram, employed at the Fisheries Board, has been a dedicated Hill climber since 1988-89, prioritising his health above all else. “I used to actively participate in Kabaddi and football. It all began when all Kabaddi players from the Ashoka Sports Club were encouraged to climb the Hill, and I’ve continued the tradition ever since,” the 54-year-old says.

Accomplishing feat since 1992

H. Vittal, a 72-year-old builder (Civil Engineer) and a resident of V.V. Mohalla, reminisces about his Hill-climbing days, which began in 1992 with a group of 14 individuals, including doctors and businessmen, with notable figures like R.N. Murthy, R. Guru of Cycle Pure Agarbathis, and Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra K.B. Ganapathy among them.

Vittal shared, “I used to be a regular walker, then transitioned to climbing steps. Even during the COVID lockdown, I continued my ascent, albeit from the Thavarekatte entrance due to entry restrictions. Earlier, I would park my vehicle at Suttur Mutt and take steps from the foothill. Of late, I come in my four-wheeler, park it at Thavarekatte, walk by motorable road until the Nandi, and then climb the steps to reach Chamundi  Temple before returning.”

At least four days a week

L. Prajith, a 22-year-old pursuing his first year of M.Sc in Molecular Biology at the University of Mysore and a resident of J.P. Nagar, has made a habit of pedalling to the foothills and climbing steps at least four days a week.

“It all started with one of my school friends, Vishal (Kendriya Vidyalaya 2019), who was an athlete. Although he no longer joins, I’ve become a regular post-COVID and make it a point to climb steps at least four days a week,” Prajith, an avid trekker and adventure enthusiast, says.

Notably, Prajith has excelled in Hill step-climbing competitions, managing to ascend the 1000+ odd steps in just 10 minutes. A proud alumnus of Yuvaraja’s College, Prajith is the son of Narayanaswamy, a BEML employee, and Vatsala, a teacher.

Started as a schoolboy; continues at 50

Mahesh Pandit, an all-India level wrestling medallist and a resident of Ramanuja Road, can be seen scaling Chamundi Hill with his dog ‘Jimmy’ almost daily. His routine stems from childhood, as this 50-year-old has been climbing since he was 12. “I began the feat during my wrestling training which started when I was in the 4th standard. University Wrestling Coach L. Manjappa guided me,” Pandit recalls.

Pandit comes from a family of wrestlers, with his grandfather Siddappa and father Bhyrappa also being Pailwans. Pandit has a track record of medals in various events at local, University, State and National levels. In 1993, he joined the Police Department through sports quota and currently serves as a Head Constable at Narasimharaja Traffic Police Station.

Pandit says, “I had won a competition during my school days, finishing the climb in just 11 minutes and that motivated me to work on my speed and even recently, a few months back, I won the second place by clocking 13 minutes.”

“As kids, our wrestling coach would bring us to the Hill steps. Now, I prefer going alone. While I welcome company, I don’t wait for anyone. Waiting can lead to laziness and the tendency to opt for easier exercise, so I prefer the solitude of exercising alone,” he reveals.

“My brother, Pailwan Shankar Chakravarty, often cautions me against frequent climbs, expressing concerns about potential bone density loss. However, maintaining a balanced diet, including foods like ragi malt and ample fruits, has kept me free from any discomfort. I ascend the Hill steps daily and two or three days in a week, I climb twice. On one notable occasion, I pushed myself further, completing eight rounds of climbing from 4.30 am to 9.20 am, inspired by a Forest Department personnel who achieved ten rounds in a single session during Dasara,” he adds.

Talking about his workout companion, Pandit says, “Jimmy came into my life when a litter was found at our Police Station. I brought one puppy home and named him Jimmy. Since then, he’s been my Hill-climbing companion. During cold weather, Jimmy joins me for two rounds, while in hot seasons, I take him for a single round. Jimmy, a Desi breed dog, has also won a couple of dog shows,” he says.

“My Hill-climbing schedule adjusts according to my duty. Even if work starts at 6.30 am, I ensure to begin my ritual by 4.30 am. Like we never skip breakfast or lunch, I never skip Hill climbing,” he concludes.

Vows and occasions for climbers

When it comes to devotion, individuals undertake various rituals and vows, such as applying kumkum and turmeric to all 1000+ steps, lighting camphor, placing flowers along the steps, and some even climbing the Hill on their knees. The climbing of steps sees a significant surge during Ashada Fridays and Rathotsava annually, as well as on auspicious days like Tuesdays and Fridays, when devotees seek blessings.

Furthermore, weekends and general holidays witness a large influx of people, including tech professionals seeking stress relief, regular walkers, gym-goers looking to incorporate cardio exercises, and enthusiasts using the foothills as a backdrop for photoshoots.

Chamundi Hill also serves as a training ground for athletes, trekkers, trainee Police officers and gym enthusiasts, who utilise the steps to gauge their endurance levels before undertaking more rigorous activities.

In addition to step climbing, many individuals engage in exercises, meditation or yoga at the foothill regularly, occasionally incorporating stair climbing into their routine. The foothill also serves as a favourite gathering spot for elderly individuals, who convene with friends to spend their morning hours in camaraderie.

[Pics. by B.N. Ramya]