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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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