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Mysore Fort, Mysore |
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Set in the vicinity of the majestic Chamunda Hills to the south of the Deccan Plateau, in Karnataka, is the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty - Mysore. The city is a favorite tourist hunt adorned with an array of splendid palaces, gardens, avenues and temples. It is also renowned world over for its exotic sandalwood, silk and various ivory products.
The city got its name from the wicked and arrogant buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura who had raised a terror in the region back in the mythical past. Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the demon with her divine power and this victory of good over evil is celebrated in Mysore with great enthusiasm during the Dasara festival. Chamundeshwari used to be the palace deity of the Mysore Royal family and the Hills dedicated to her graces the southern end of the town. The city also has some distant and mysterious link to Mahabharata and Emperor Ashoka of the 3 rd century BC. Mysore remained under the gripped of the Maharaja until India attained Independence.
Within the town the grand and envious Mysore Palace speaks volumes about various princely influences. This one thousand years old palace was under the rule of both Hindu and Muslim rulers in the past. The main structure is of massive gray granite with a tower covered by golden dome. It is home to the most expensive throne (Simhasana), made of gold and studded with diamond and other precious stones. The entire palace complex gets lit up with thousands of lamps during weekends to present the most stunning sight in the town.
To the south of the city lies the magnificent Chamundi Hills that houses one of the noted Hindu places of worship Chamundeshwari Temple. To the North lie the vast expanses of ruins of Srirangapatnam, built by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the middle of the Cauvery River. The beautiful temple of Somnathpur graces the eastern end of the city while to the west are the exotic Brindavan Gardens. Mysore also houses one of the oldest institutions of Christianity in the form of a Gothic style church. It is also among the largest cathedrals in India adorned with glass windows and tall towers.
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