Sharannavaratri at Mysuru Palace; Yaduveer conducts first private durbar as MP

Mysuru: The Sharannavaratri celebrations began with Khasagi Durbar (Private durbar) at Mysuru Palace, the first day of Dasara celebrations, in Mysuru, on Thursday.

The titular head of the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, conducted private durbar for the 10th time, by ascending the gem-studded golden throne, during the auspicious time between 11:35 am and 12:05 pm, at Mysuru Palace, on Thursday. This was Yaduveer's first private durbar as the Member of Parliament.

Attired in royal robes in gold and pink and gem-studded jewellery, Yaduveer arrived at the durbar hall amidst the ‘Bahuparak’ by the royal guards. He performed Ganapathi and Kalasha Puja.

Later, he offered pujas to the idol of the ‘simha’, circumambulating the throne thrice before ascending it, amidst the court musicians playing the erstwhile Mysuru state anthem.

Priests from various temples, including the Palace temples, Srikanteshwara temple in Nanjangud, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangapatna, Chamundeshwari temple atop the hill, Cheluvarayaswamy temple in Melkote and others offered prasad to Yaduveer. A royal salute was also given by Yaduveer before descending the throne.

As part of the 'khasagi durbar', the process of assembling the golden throne was conducted at the durbar hall of Mysuru Palace on September 27. The rituals in connection with the private durbar, like 'Enne Shastra' (oil ceremony) and others began in the early hours of Thursday. The ritual of fixing the mask of 'Lion Head' (Simhada Tale), to the golden throne was held between 5:45 am and 6:10 am.

Earlier, rituals like 'Kankana dharane' to Yaduveer were held between 7:45 am and 8:45 am at Chamundi Thotti in the Palace.

The rituals were held under the guidance of Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, a member of the erstwhile royal family. Yaduveer's wife Trishika Kumari and son Adyaveer Narasimharaja Wadiyar, Court scholars, Palace officials, priests and family members witnessed the annual event.

Private durbar will be conducted in the mornings and evenings for nine days up to October 11.