Durbar of Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar starts
2 min read
Mysuru: Dasara 2024 brings a vibrant cultural touch to Mysuru, with Navaratri celebrations enriching the grandeur of Mysuru Palace.
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family, presided over the Private Durbar at the Durbar Hall, holding the royal sword and ceremonially sitting on the Golden Throne (Simhasana).
This tradition, upheld by the Yaduvamsha or Wadiyar dynasty, continues to be a significant part of their royal heritage.
The Navaratri celebrations is a compulsory ritual for the Mysuru royal family since 1610, initiated by the ninth Maharaja, Raja Wadiyar. He was the first to sit on the Golden Throne and perform the rituals of Navaratri and Vijayadashami.
Over the years, this practice has evolved into a royal heritage and a global festival, symbolising the pride of Mysuru.
This year, Yaduveer Wadiyar, also a Member of Parliament, began the Navaratri rituals on Thursday with Kankana Dharana (a sacred thread-tying ceremony) and the Golden Throne Puja. Sacred elephants were sent to Kodi Someshwara Temple to retrieve the royal sword, which was offered in puja.
Yaduveer then adorned his seat on the throne, symbolically leading the Durbar in royal attire. Palace priests and family members participated in the rituals and received the blessings (Veelya).
*
Historical Significance:*
The Vijayanagara Empire celebrated ten-day festival called Mahanavami, as recorded by foreign travellers. The Mahanavami Dibba in Hampi stands as evidence of these grand celebrations and processions.
*Raja Wadiyar’s Legacy:*
The Mysuru royal lineage dates back to 1399, founded by Yaduraya and Krishnaraya. In 1610, Raja Wadiyar expanded the kingdom and acquired the Golden Throne from Srirangaraya of Srirangapatna. He embraced the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Navaratri celebrations and formalised the tradition in Srirangapatna.
Under Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in 1805, the Dasara celebrations were shifted to Mysuru.
*The Wadiyar Darbar:*
The iconic Ambavilas Palace, and earlier the Wooden Palace, have witnessed many grand and historic Durbars. The royal Durbar, where matters of the state were discussed, was especially significant during the British era, when English officials attended as guests. Paintings from this period still adorn the walls of the Ambavilas Palace.
After India’s independence, the Wadiyars continued their royal rituals in the palace, inviting only a select few to attend the Durbar. Even today, the Durbar Hall remains a focal point of attraction.
The 27th king, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, continues this enduring legacy, adorning the Golden Throne, holding the royal sword and fulfilling his dual roles as a royal scion and Member of Parliament within the grandeur of Ambavilas Palace.
-Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
