Mysore Palace in Mysore

The Mysore palace is located in the Mysore city, in the state of Karnataka, India. The Mysore palace is also the residence of the Mysore royal family. The Mysore palace is regarded as the most splendid structures in India. The Mysore palace is well known for its architecture. A number of rulers from different kingdoms and various methods of architecture and various construction styles are involved in the construction of the palace. The lighting of the palace which is done during the Dussera festival is a highlight event at the palace.

History

The Wodeyar dynasty has built the Mysore palace in the 14th century. Mysore city was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty from the 14th century until India’s independence in the year 1947. In the year 1638 a lightning strike hit the palace, causing damage to the palace. In the year 1793 the palace was demolished, which led to the building of a new palace in the year 1803. In the year 1897 the palace was set on fire while Princess Jayalakshmanni (princess from the Wodeyar dynasty) was on the throne. The palace was later rebuilt by Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV under Henry Irwin’s (British Architect) administration.

Architecture

The palace was built by different emperors at different times, displaying the various architectural methods. The Mysore palace is a fine example of the Muslim, Rajput and Hindu. The palace is three floored building made of granite and pink marble. The building comprises of seven massive arches, the central arch displays the fine work of Gajalakshmi (goddess of wealth) which is a highlight at the palace.

Festivals

Vijaya Dashami is the major festival celebrated in the autumn season. The festival is celebrated for about 10 days, the parade by the elephants is the major attraction of the festival.

Dasara is the most important festival which is celebrated in the month of October. The highlight of the festival is the palace illumination where 10,000 lights are used for the event.

Attractions

The temples within the palace which includes the Someshvara temple which is devoted to Lord Shiva and the Lakshmiramana temple which is devoted to Lord Vishnu is the main attraction.

A huge structure, a tiger made of bronze, at the gate and the collection of arms and weapons belonging to the 14th century are a special attraction.

Traveling

By air:

The nearby airport is the Bangalore international airport (which is 140 km from here).

By train:

Mysore is well connected by railways from all the parts of the country. Traveling by train is the easiest way to reach the palace.

By bus:

Bus services are available every 5 minutes from Bangalore. Luxury and normal buses are also available, which costs about 300 Rs.

Mysore Palace in Mysore