Mysore palace is the second largest tourist spot in the world, which is the focal point of Dasara celebrations that brings back the splendor of private audience of royals in the erstwhile Mysore kingdom.
Today,there may not be monarchs to reign in by sitting on the thrones. But their princely palaces and thrones that are diamond studded present. Its the historical diamonds studded throne. It’s assembled ahead of Dasara Utsav and dismantled for safe keeping later. A few skilled artisans were sourced from Gejjagalli village, who have assembled the throne to its original glory and placed it in the Darbar Hall covering it with a white cloth.
On the first day of Navaratri, the royal descendent Sri Kantadattanarasimha Raja Wodeyar will wear the traditional princely dress and sit on the throne, like the erstwhile rulers in a private audience.On that day the glory of princely rulers will surface in the midst of subjects.
The throne also has several specialties, ancient. It has mythological references that it belonged to the times of Pandavas. It was believed to be buried in Penagonda by Kampula king in that era. The sage Maharshi Vidhyaranya in a ecstasy realized it was lying underneath during 1338 and informed Vijayanagar dynasty founder king Harihar who restored it to former glory in his kingdom for 150 years. Meanwhile, the throne was placed in the palace of Vijayanagar ambassador at Srirangapattana, after the Vijayanagar dynasty waned. In a later development, Mysore ruler Raja Wodeyar conquered Srirangapattana, by defeating the ruler Srirangarajulu during 1609. Raja Wodeyar brought the throne that was majestically displayed in Srirangapattana to his capital Mysore and displayed in his palace during 1610.
The throne is decorated with golden mango leaves and stand in the shape of plantain. The golden birds are placed atop the umbrella.The figurines were formed on either side of throne.Besides,diamonds were studded around the umbrella. A distinct seat is affixed to the throne.On both side of the throne and four corners silver twines were engraved.
The picture of Brahma is being engraved on southern side of throne, the picture of Shiva on northern side and in the middle the picture of Vishnu. Four lions that symbolize victory were engraved on it. A picture of monster, 3 horses and 4 large birds were engraved in 3 angles. A picture of sea goddess, shape of Swastic and pearl ship along with forts were also engraved. The throne has access on 4 sides. On the top of umbrella that covers the throne have 96 lines of Sanskrit shlokas. To conclude, the royal crown of Mysore dynasty indeed depict the glorious past.
