Golden Throne ready for Maharaja’s durbar at Mysuru Palace
2 min read
Mysuru: The gem studded Golden Throne has been assembled for the durbar of Mysuru Maharaja.
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar’s supervision
On Friday, member of erstwhile Mysuru Royal family Pramoda Devi Wadiyar oversaw the assembly of the Golden Throne at the durbar hall, after it was brought out from the safety room. This marks the prelude for the grand Navaratri celebration (October 3 to 12), an iconic tradition still practiced by the former Mysuru Royal family.
Gejjagalli connection and Rituals performed
The assembly of the Golden Throne began at 7.30 am with the rituals including Navagraha Havan and Shanti Havan. Skilled artisans from Gejjagalli on Mysuru- Nanjangud road, carefully assembled the throne following the numbered instructions for each part.
The throne, known as the “Simhasana,” includes an ornate seat (Asana), a lion emblem (Simha) and an umbrella encrusted with precious stones and pearls.
Throne and Navaratri
Each day during Navaratri, the scion of the royal family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, performs puja to the Simhasana before conducting a symbolic durbar, continuing a 414-year-old tradition that began in 1610.
The Golden Throne weighs 250-kg and is adorned with Sanskrit shlokas engraved on golden plates. It features seven steps, all intricately designed as a part of the throne’s structure.
Vijayanagar empire to Wadiyars
According to Mysuru Royal family’s history, the throne was originally gifted by Srirangaraya of Srirangapatna, who was a vassal of Vijayanagar Empire. After the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire, the throne passed into the hands of Wadiyars of Mys Royal family, and since 1610, they have been celebrating Navaratri.
Mahabharata connection
The story of the Golden Throne stretches back to the Mahabharata period, where it is said that Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, was the first to ascend the throne. Over time, it has evolved and taken different forms.
Silver, Gold coverings
During the reign of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the 22nd Maharaja of Mysuru, a silver covering was added, and during the reign of his son Chamaraja Wadiyar X, a golden covering was added, along with the royal insignia of the Mysore family, the Gandabherunda (a mythical bird), engraved on the precious umbrella.
The Navaratri festival is divided into two parts. The first part is the nine days of puja dedicated to the goddess and the tenth day, known as Dasara, is the grand finale of this 10-day celebration.
-Team Mysoorunews
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