Palace Guide

Dress Code

There is no strict dress code for visiting Mysore Palace, but visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully, covering shoulders and knees. Traditional Indian attire is encouraged but not mandatory. Since the palace is a place of worship for some, it is advisable to remove footwear before entering the temple areas within the complex. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the vast palace grounds.

Rituals

• Jamboo Savari (Elephant Procession) — On the final day of Mysuru Dasara, a grand procession called Jamboo Savari is held. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the tutelary deity of the Wadiyar dynasty, is placed in a golden howdah (seat) on the back of a decorated elephant. The procession starts from Mysore Palace and travels through the city to the Bannimantap ground, where a sacred Banni tree is worshipped. This ritual symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
• Vijayadashami Puja — On Vijayadashami, the tenth day of Dasara, the royal family performs a special puja (worship) in the palace's private temple, the Shwetha Varaha Swamy Temple. The puja is conducted by the head of the Wadiyar family, and it involves offering prayers to the family deity and seeking blessings for the prosperity of the state. The royal sword is also worshipped on this day.
• Dasara Durbar — During the Dasara festival, the Mysore Palace hosts a special Durbar (royal court) where the current scion of the Wadiyar family sits on the golden throne (Chinnada Simhasana) and holds court. This ritual revives the historical tradition where the Maharaja would preside over the court during Dasara. It is a ceremonial event attended by dignitaries and the public.
• Sarvodaya Puja — On the ninth day of Dasara (Mahanavami), the palace conducts the Sarvodaya Puja, which is a ritual worship of the royal weapons and tools. This puja is performed in the palace's armory and is believed to invoke divine blessings for the weapons used in the symbolic victory of the goddess. The ritual is accompanied by traditional music and offerings.
• Lighting of the Palace — Every Sunday and during the Dasara festival, the Mysore Palace is illuminated with approximately 97,000 light bulbs. This ritualistic lighting, known as 'Palace Illumination', is a visual spectacle that transforms the palace into a glittering symbol of royalty. The lighting is switched on at 7:00 PM and remains until 9:00 PM, attracting thousands of visitors who come to witness the magical glow.

Darshan Guide

Administration

• •Mysore Palace is owned and administered by the Karnataka State Government through the Mysore Palace Board, which was constituted under the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1961.
• •The board is responsible for the maintenance, conservation, and management of the palace and its grounds.
• •The Wadiyar royal family retains a ceremonial presence and plays a key role in the Dasara celebrations.
• •Revenue from ticket sales and other sources is used for the upkeep of the palace and the welfare of its staff.

Festivals

History

• •The original Mysore Palace was a wooden structure that served as the residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947 (with interruptions).
• •In 1897, a devastating fire destroyed the old palace during a wedding ceremony.
• •The then-Regent Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi commissioned the British architect Henry Irwin to design a new palace.
• •Construction began in 1897 and was completed in 1912, using a mix of materials including granite, marble, and teak.
• •The palace was built at a cost of about Rs.
• •4.1 million.
• •The Wadiyars continued to reside in the palace until India's independence in 1947, after which it was acquired by the Government of Karnataka.
• •Today, it serves as a museum and the ceremonial seat of the Wadiyar family, who still play a role in the Dasara celebrations.

Architecture

• •Mysore Palace is a prime example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, a style that combines elements of Hindu, Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic design.
• •The palace features three main floors and a five-story central tower (gopuram) crowned by a golden dome (kalash).
• •The exterior is characterized by pink marble domes, deep pink and red brick arches, and a series of ornate arches and columns.
• •The interior is lavish, with rooms such as the Durbar Hall, which has a stained-glass ceiling and intricate mosaic floors; the Ambavilasa (private audience hall) with its peacock-themed stained-glass ceiling and silver doors; and the Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall) with its octagonal shape and beautiful stained-glass roof.
• •Other notable features include the Anche Mantapa (exhibition hall), the royal throne made of figwood covered in gold and ivory, and the numerous paintings and murals depicting Hindu mythology and royal processions.

Temple Layout

• •The Mysore Palace complex is a sprawling architectural ensemble that includes the main palace building, several temples, and expansive courtyards.
• •The main palace is surrounded by large gardens and a fortified wall.
• •Within the complex, there are twelve temples dedicated to various Hindu deities, including the Shwetha Varaha Swamy Temple, the Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple, and the Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple.
• •These temples predate the current palace and are integral to the religious life of the royal family.
• •The palace complex also features the Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall), the Durbar Hall, and a series of courtyards that are used for ceremonial events.
• •The layout is designed to facilitate the grand processions and rituals of the Dasara festival, with the main gate (Varaha Gate) leading to the grand courtyard where the Jamboo Savari begins.

Tips

• Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during weekends and festival seasons.
• Carry a valid ID for ticket purchase and security checks.
• Photography is allowed inside the palace but only for personal use; avoid using flash as it may damage the artifacts.
• Respect the palace rules: do not touch any artifacts, sculptures, or furniture; stay within the designated visitor areas.
• Plan to visit on a Sunday or during Dasara to witness the spectacular illumination of the palace with 97,000 light bulbs.
• Hire a licensed guide at the entrance to gain deeper insights into the palace's history, architecture, and royal traditions.

Nearby Attractions

• Chamundi Hills — A hill located about 13 km from the city center, topped by the Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to the Wadiyar dynasty's tutelary deity. The hill also features a massive 5-meter-tall Nandi statue and a statue of Mahishasura.
• St. Philomena's Cathedral — A Neo-Gothic church built in the 1930s, among the tallest churches in Asia at the time of its construction. It is known for its twin spires and beautiful stained-glass windows.
• Brindavan Gardens — Terraced ornamental gardens laid out below the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam, famous for their musical fountain shows in the evenings.
• Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) — One of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India, located near the palace, home to a wide variety of animal and bird species.
• Mysuru Sandalwood and Silk Showrooms — The city is famous for its sandalwood carvings and silk sarees. Visitors can shop at government-run emporiums like Cauvery Handicrafts and Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) to buy authentic souvenirs.

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