The earliest temple on the Chamundi Hill is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Hoysala rulers. The structure was later expanded by the Vijayanagara Empire. In 1659, Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar (the 13th Maharaja of Mysore) built a staircase of 1,000 stone steps leading to the summit. The Wodeyar dynasty adopted Chamundeshwari as their tutelary deity.
According to tradition, Yaduraya, a young prince from Dwarka, received a divine vision from Chamundeshwari urging him to head towards Mysore. With the goddess's blessings, in 1399 CE, he ascended the throne of Mysore as the first Wodeyar king. In 1827, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III made major enhancements to the temple, including the construction of the present seven-tier gopuram at the entrance.
He also endowed the temple with a Simha Vahana (lion vehicle), other chariots, and valuable jewellery that are still used during processions today. The temple was further renovated in the 20th century. The Wodeyar dynasty ruled Mysore for over 570 years, and their deep association with the temple continues to this day. The temple is currently maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board of the Government of Karnataka.
