Mysore, a city in the southern state of Karnataka, India, is famous for its rich culture, history and beautiful architecture. It is often called the “Cultural Capital of Karnataka.” But did you know that Mysore once had a different name? Let’s explore the history of its old name.
Old Name of Mysore
The old name of Mysore was Mahishapura. This name comes from the demon Mahishasura, a mythical figure in Hindu stories. The name later changed to Mahisuru, and over time, it became Mysore, an anglicized version of the original Kannada word.
The Legend of Mahishasura
According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura was a powerful demon who ruled the ancient parts of the Mysore Kingdom, then called Mahisaka.
- He could transform into both a human and a buffalo.
- His reign ended when Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Goddess Durga, killed him on the Chamondi Hills near Mysore.
The city’s name was inspired by this legend and even today, Chamundi Hills is a popular landmark.
Historical Names of Mysore
Initially, the city was called Mahishapura, which means “the city of Mahishasura.” Later, the name evolved into Mahisuru in Kannada. When the British came to India, they anglicized the name to Mysore for easier pronunciation.
In 2014, the city was officially renamed Mysuru to honor its Kannada origins. Interestingly, the royal family of Mysore still uses the name Mahisuru.
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