Mysore Palace - the Pride of India

People call Mysuru as the cultural capital of Karnataka state of India. And I would call Mysore Palace as the cultural capital of Mysuru. It is the pride of Mysuru - no! the pride of Karnataka - no, no! the pride of the entire India. 

Mysuru, known to outsiders by its angelized name Mysore, was the adobe of royals in the past and the delight of heritage lovers in the present. It never ceases to excite travelers. With breathtaking hills, an internationally acclaimed zoological park, state-of-the-art temples, historical monuments, and heritage richness at every nook and corner - Mysuru - it's a true paradise on earth. Then, Mysore Palace? It's a paradise located on a paradise. Once you visit this palace, you will fall in love with this site, and your mind will refuse to accept any other palace on the earth as a palace.   

Those who get a chance to view the silhouette of the palace illuminated with about one lakh bulbs against the background of the dark night would never want to leave the palace complex. It alone would enable them to repeatedly experience this inexplicably exceptional treat to their eyes. And they would become permanent residents of Mysuru after that.

Probably to symbolize the law of rebirth as per belief in Hinduism, the place is reborn multiple times. The original wooden palace, probably built in the 14th century, was destroyed by lightning in 1638 CE. The second structure was destroyed in the 1700s. The third one, built in 1803, could not withstand even a hundred years. It was destroyed in a fire accident in 1897. Unfortunately, it happened during a royal wedding ceremony. What we have now is the fourth palace, built in 1912 CE. It's a masterpiece in Indo-Saracenic architecture, designed by the famous architect Henry Irwin. Maharaja Krishnarajendra Wadiyar IV spent Rupees forty two lakhs to construct this magnificent palace. It took 15 years to complete the construction. It was further expanded by Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar in the 1940s.

There are three entries to the palace complex. The east gate, the main entrance, is used only by influential people or during the Dussera festivals. The west gate remains closed. The public uses the south gateway, decorated with elaborate patterns culminating into numerous motifs, a few overhanging ornamental windows, and the sculpture of Lord Krishna. 

The magnificent three-storied palace structure, made of gray granite, is the main structure in the complex. Surrounded by meticulously laid gardens, the place looks dramatic with its magnificent bay windows and different designs of massive columns. The grand interiors, exquisite stained glass ceilings, decorative frescoes, beautiful chandeliers, delicately curved arches, and canopies enhance the elegance of the structure multi-fold.  

The facade on the east side of the palace building is adorned by nine arches, including two smaller ones found on either side of the main central arch. Below these elegant arches, there are 18 more small arches on the ground level. The corners have five-tiered towers measuring 145 feet each, surmounted by deep pink colored domes. The central part of the palace is crowned by an enormous golden dome, surrounded by clusters of smaller ornamental chattris (four decorative pillars supporting a dome). The lintel has the sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi. The entire design of the front side of the palace is a treat to our eyes.

The entry to the palace is through the Doll's Pavilion, called Gombe Thotti, on the south side. It displays numerous traditional dolls of the 19th and 20th centuries, sculptures, and a wooden elephant howdah decorated with 80 kg gold sheets having intricate designs. The model of the previous wooden palace kept here is worth observing.

The seven canons situated in front of the pavilion are still in use. During the annual Dussera festival, they are fired to mark the beginning and end of the Dussera procession. 

The Marriage Hall, called Kalyana Mandapa, the double-storied octagonal chamber, is the first section one reaches upon passing through the doll's pavilion. The hall, supported by slender ornamental fluted pillars, follows the peacock theme. While ceilings are designed with peacock motifs in various geometrical patterns, the tiles on the floor, too, have a peacock theme. 26 panels of colossal oil paintings detailing the royal processions and Dussera celebrations adorn the hall's walls. They are the creations of five great artists commissioned by the Wadiyars between 1934 and 1945.

On the southern part of the Marriage Hall, there is a portrait gallery containing many valuable paintings and photographs of the Royal Family. A few original paintings of Raja Ravivarma can also be found here.

After passing through the intricately crafted silver doors and the life-size plaster statue of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar, one reaches the Public Darbar Hall called Diwan-i-Aam. The majestic rectangular hall displays many priceless collections of paintings by great artists, including Raja Ravivarma. It has an expansive balcony supported by massive columns tastefully painted in pleasing colors. The golden throne kept in the octagonal pavilion on the western end of the hall is a significant highlight of the entire palace.

Ambavilasa, the hall for private audiences, is one of the greatest halls of the palace. The gallery has ornately gilded columns, chandeliers with delicate floral motifs, floors embellished with precious stone, and stained glass ceilings. The elegantly carved rosewood doorway inlaid with ivory that opens into the shrine of Ganesha is a priceless sight.

The complex houses twelve temples built between the 14th century and 20th century, displaying a wide range of architectural styles.

The unmatched splendor is open all days of the week, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is illuminated on Sundays, national holidays, and state festivals from 7:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the Dussera festival times, it remains illuminated till 9 p.m.

Happy travelling.

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