Mysore --> A unique blend of tradition and modern

Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty which ruled Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. The kings, great patrons of art and culture, developed Mysore as an important centre of religion, education and culture. It was the Wodeyars who instituted the tradition of the grand celebration of Dasara festival, the 10-day festivities that celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2010. Today, Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world while stepping into modernity with enthusiasm.

Sights to See

Mysore Maharaja’s Palace

Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace is an imposing structure standing in the heart of the city. This palace was constructed on the foundations of an old palace which was partially destroyed in a fire in 1897 and was completed in 1907. Only the Gombi Totti, the Kalyana Mandapam containing life size paintings and murals of the Dasara Procession, Durbar Hall and the Amba Vilas used for private functions of the royal family, are open to visitors. The palace is illuminated every Sunday and on public holidays. It is closed only one day of the year, i.e., on the day of the Dussehra Procession.

Saint Philomena's Church 

Built in the Gothic style, it has some beautiful stain glass windows. The only one of its kind in this part of the world, the imposing building of the church brings to mind the architectural styles of the medieval times.

Mysore Zoo

Started in 1892, the Mysore Zoo is spread over an area of 37.25 hectares. Laid out in beautiful gardens, efforts have been made to create a natural habitat for a variety of birds and beasts. It also contains several rare species of birds and animals, some of which have been successfully bred in captivity.

Chamundeshwari Temple

The Chamundeshwari Temple is located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the palace city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka in India. The temple was named after Chamundeshwari or Durga, the fierce form of Shakti, a tutelary deity held in reverence for centuries by Mysore Maharajas.

The original shrine is thought to have been built in the 12th century by Hoysala rulers while its tower was probably built by the Vijayanagar rulers of the 17th century. In 1659, a flight of one thousand steps was built leading up to the 3000 foot summit of the hill. At the temple are several images of Nandi (the bull mount of Shiva). There is a huge granite Nandi on the 800th step on the hill in front of a small Shiva temple a short distance away. This Nandi is over 15 feet high, and 24 feet long and around its neck are exquisite bells.

The temple has a seven storey tall Gopura decorated with intricate carvings. The deity of the goddess is said to be made of gold and the temple doors of silver.

Brindavan Gardens

The Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir across the legendary Cauvery River is round 18km north-west of Mysore. The Brindavan Gardens are located just a level below the dam. Often described as the best example of illuminated terrace gardens in the country, the idea was brainchild of Sir M.Visveshwaraiah and Sir Mirza M ismail, former Devans of Mysore. The overall design here displays an orientation of Mughal patterns-with garden paths and a shimmering necklace of fountains.On the South bank there is a pavilion, where visitors can get a breathtaking view of the gardens. Other highlights at the gardens include a children’s park, a fisheries station and a hydraulic research station. Adding a touch of sanctity to the place is a beautiful sculpture of Goddess Cauvery at the foot of the dam.

Jaganmohan Palace

Jaganmohan Palace is a palace in the princely city of Mysore, India. Its construction was completed in 1861 and was initially used by the Wodeyars, kings of Mysore as their home. It is now converted into an art gallery and a function hall. The palace is one of the seven palaces of the royal city of Mysore and one of the most beautiful contributions of the Wodeyar Kings of the city during their regime. The royal family has innumerable contributions not only to Mysore but also to some of the most important present metropolitans like Bangalore, Jaipur (the Jaipur Palace) etc.

The main door of this Museum is it self a master piece of Art with intricate carvings which is said to have been made in just 70 days. The museum was officially started in 1915, and has since been expended adding many artifacts. This Art Gallery was linded to the famous Mysore style of painting of rare original paintings and artiacts and entrusted the Administration of this Museum to a committee. The museum was named after sri Jayachamrajendra Wodeyar in 1955 as Jaganmohn Palace Art Gallery.

Festivals

Mysore Dasara

The origin of Mysore Dasara dates back to the 15th century Vijayanagara dynasty. The Wadiyars of Mysore continued this colourful and religious celebration under the aegis of Raja Wadiyar in the year 1610. Dasara is also known as the 'Navarathri', where days of worship and celebration culminate on Vijaydashami day. Mysore Dasara has been declared as ‘Naada Habba’ or the State festival.

Legend has it that the resident demon of Mysore, known as 'Mahishasura', was slain by the goddess Chamundeshwari, the family deity of the Wadiyars. For that reason, 'Vijaydashami' is celebrated representatively as the win of good over evil.

During Dasara, the brightly illuminated Mysore Palace and the entire city is a sight to behold. In September 1805, the Wadiyars started holding a special durbar or a royal assembly, similar to that of the Mughal emperors for members of the royal family, Europeans, palace officials, royal priests and key citizens. Commoners also participated in the durbar. The festival became a tradition of the royal household and reached its zenith during the rule of Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar (1902-1940).

Recently the ceremonies are largely a private affair of the royal family, attended only by a select audience. Clothed in royal outfit and traditional head-dress, His Highness Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, the scion of the royal family, climbs the seven steps to the golden throne, which is assembled according to religious instructions, at a predetermined hour and receives obeisance from the public. Palace musicians then play the signature tune to celebrate the assumption of power by the Wadiyars.

The Amba Vilas or the Diwan-e-Khas has always been the site for most of the celebrations of the Mysore Dasara. On the opening day of the festival, the King, after a ceremonial bath, worships the family deity and enters the durbar to the accompaniment of sacred chants and music. He worships the Navagrahas (nine sacred planets) and the sacred `Kalasa', and then ascends the throne at an auspicious moment. The palace lights are then lit and a 21-gun salute given, as the royal motif and the sword are presented to him.

According to legend, the Mysore Royal throne was used by king Dharmaraja, the Pandava. Kampilaraya brought it from Hastinapura to Penugonda, where it lay buried. The throne was later rediscovered by Vidyaranya, the royal priest of the Vijayanagara Empire and presented to Raja Wadiyar in 1609. Yet another legend is that the Moghul Emperor Aurangazeb gifted the throne to Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar in 1700. The third legend says that it belonged to the mythological King Vikramaditya. The King accepts offerings from various temples and religious centers, which are blessed by royal priests chanting Vedic verses. In the past, vassals, dewans, army chiefs and other royal staff would line up to offer their homage to the throne. An ensemble of musical instruments, accompanied by dance, begins and the blowing of conches and trumpets announce the commencement of a parade of uniformed soldiers.

The caparisoned royal elephant arrives and showers rose petals on the assembled guests. The royal horse, equally decorated, bends in salutation to the throne. While the assembly leaves the court after paying respect to the King, the Queen and other royal ladies express their deference to the King. The King leaves the durbar hall after praying to the Goddess once again and partakes in a lunch with the royal guests.

This ceremony is repeated on all the days during Navarathri, accompanied by acrobatic feats, wrestling sessions by champion wrestlers, fireworks display and other forms of entertainment, which are open to public. The King worships the Goddess Saraswathi on the seventh day and Mahisasuramardini on the eighth. On Mahanavami, the royal sword is worshipped ceremoniously and all the armaments are taken out in a procession comprising of elephants, horses, camels and the royal entourage.

Navarathri concludes in the imposing Vijaydashami celebrations, also known as Jamboo Savari. The opulence and splendor of this event has popularised the Mysore Dasara the world over. The earlier practice was that the King himself would lead the procession on the royal elephant’s back. The King would be seated upon a decorated golden Howdah weighing over 750 kgs. But now the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in the golden Howdah and taken in a procession.

Colourful tableaux, folk dancers, music bands, caparisoned elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession which starts from the Mysore Palace and adjourns at Bannimantap, where the sacred Banni tree (Prosopis spicigera) is worshipped. According to the famous epic Mahabharata, the Banni tree was used by the Pandavas to hide their arms during their Ajnathavasa (disguised life). Before undertaking any warfare, the kings traditionally worshipped this tree to help them emerge triumphant in the war. The Dasara festivities culminate on the night of Vijayadashami with an event held on a grandiose scale at the Bannimantap known as Panjina Kavayatthu (torch-light parade). A much awaited finale to Dasara, this event attracts thousands of visitors.

The Amba Vilas or the Diwan-e-Khas has always been the site for most of the celebrations of the Mysore Dasara. On the opening day of the festival, the King, after a ceremonial bath, worships the family deity and enters the durbar to the accompaniment of sacred chants and music. He worships the Navagrahas (nine sacred planets) and the sacred `Kalasa', and then ascends the throne at an auspicious moment. The palace lights are then lit and a 21-gun salute given, as the royal motif and the sword are presented to him.

According to legend, the Mysore Royal throne was used by king Dharmaraja, the Pandava. Kampilaraya brought it from Hastinapura to Penugonda, where it lay buried. The throne was later rediscovered by Vidyaranya, the royal priest of the Vijayanagara Empire and presented to Raja Wadiyar in 1609. Yet another legend is that the Moghul Emperor Aurangazeb gifted the throne to Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar in 1700. The third legend says that it belonged to the mythological King Vikramaditya. The King accepts offerings from various temples and religious centers, which are blessed by royal priests chanting Vedic verses. In the past, vassals, dewans, army chiefs and other royal staff would line up to offer their homage to the throne. An ensemble of musical instruments, accompanied by dance, begins and the blowing of conches and trumpets announce the commencement of a parade of uniformed soldiers.

The caparisoned royal elephant arrives and showers rose petals on the assembled guests. The royal horse, equally decorated, bends in salutation to the throne. While the assembly leaves the court after paying respect to the King, the Queen and other royal ladies express their deference to the King. The King leaves the durbar hall after praying to the Goddess once again and partakes in a lunch with the royal guests.