In the heart of Mysuru, amidst the flicker of lamps and the scent of incense, a centuries-old ritual is quietly unfolding. The golden throne—an emblem of Mysuru’s royal heritage—is once again being assembled in preparation for the private Durbar (Darbar) as part of Dasara observances by the erstwhile royal family.
What’s Taking Place
The throne, known for its weight of around 280 kilograms, had been safely stored in the palace strong-room. It was brought out and assembled with much care in the Amba Vilas Palace’s Durbar Hall.
Alongside the throne, the Bhadrasana (ceremonial seat) has been placed in the Kannadi Thotti (a glass pavilion) inside the palace. On the first day of Dasara, these components will be brought together in a formal ritual.
The matriarch of the royal family, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, was present during the ritual assembly. The ritual also included traditional pujas and homas for auspicious beginnings, invoking deities like Lord Ganesha and Goddess Chamundeshwari.
To facilitate these private rituals, palace authorities temporarily restricted tourist access until mid-afternoon on the day of assembly. This allows the Durbar Hall to be prepared without disturbance.
Significance of the Throne & The Ritual
The Golden Throne (locally called Simhasana) is more than just a seat—it is a symbol. It embodies the historical sovereignty of the Wadiyar dynasty, the continuity of Mysuru’s royal traditions, and the cultural heart of Dasara.
Cultural Continuity: The assembly of the throne is a ritual that links past generations of the royal family to the present. It preserves a sense of identity and lineage. Even though monarchic power no longer has political force, these symbolic acts sustain heritage.
Spiritual Dimension: The rituals before assembly—pujas, homas—underscore the belief that such actions must begin under auspiciousness. Invoking deities is not mere formality; it anchors the ritual in faith, blessing both the event and those who take part.
Ceremonial Private Durbar (Khaas Darbar): The private Darbar is a personal and symbolic event for the royal family. On the first day of Dasara, the scion of the family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, will ascend this throne in a symbolic gesture. It’s not about wielding power; it is about honoring tradition, maintaining ritual, and connecting with the people who revere these symbols.
The Ritual Timeline & Preparations
The throne is assembled a few days in advance of the main public festivities, so everything is in place for the iconic moments of Dasara—especially Khaas Durbar and other private rites.
After the assembly, certain pieces (like the Bhadrasana) are positioned such that they can be affixed on the designated day, enhancing the visual and spiritual impact.
Security, ceremonial protocol, and ritual purity are all priorities. The throne’s parts are often covered, moved with care, and assembled only after customary rites are completed.
Wider Context: What Dasara Means in Mysuru
Dasara in Mysuru is not just a festival—it is a tapestry of history, culture, religion, art and public spectacle.
Public processions, the grand elephant parade (Jumbo Savari), illumination of the palace, arts and crafts… all of these draw tourists and devotees alike. But behind all this is a private tradition that keeps alive the royal family’s spiritual and cultural connection to the land and its people.
The golden throne plays its part in this narrative. Even when not used for political rulership, it is a visual anchor during Dasara. People see it, they know its history, and it connects them emotionally to Mysuru’s layered past.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
On the first day of Dasara, the private Durbar will see the throne used in full ritual, with the royal family in attendance. Yaduveer Wadiyar’s symbolic ascent is one of the highlights.
Visitors may then get a chance to view the throne in its assembled form at certain times. The palace will likely open for public viewing after or around the Khaas Durbar.
Rituals and observances will proceed according to tradition: pujas, processions, cultural performances. The Golden Throne remains a central emblem around which much of the royal rituals are oriented.
Why It Matters
Preserving Heritage: As India modernizes, such rituals maintain a bridge with history—and remind people that heritage is not just about monuments, but living practices.
Symbol of Identity: For many in Mysuru, the royal family and their traditions are not distant legends but part of cultural identity. The process of assembling the throne reinforces that sense of belonging.
Cultural Tourism & Legacy: These traditions draw visitors, scholars, artists. The Golden Throne is a symbol that adds prestige, intrigue, and authenticity to the annual Dasara festival.
Conclusion
The Golden Throne’s assembly isn’t just a logistical operation—it’s a ritual unfolding that carries with it centuries of tradition, devotion, and identity. As the Mysuru royal family readies for the private Darbar, this moment reminds us of the quiet power of symbols: how a throne weighty with gold can also be weighty with meaning, faith, and memory.
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