Ascension to throne after 41 years

After a gap of 41 years, members of the erstwhile royal family are gearing up to witness the ‘once in a life time’ event; pattabhiskeka mahotsava (coronation ceremony).

Royal scion Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, aged 21 years then, was coronated in a similar ceremony held on October 16, 1974. Following the demise of his father and the last ruler of Mysuru, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, in September, 1974, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar was anointed as his successor, coinciding with the Navaratri celebrations. He also conducted his first ever ‘khasagi durbar’, immediately after taking over the mantle of the erstwhile royal family.

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, wife of Srikantadatta, told media persons, “I too had not witnessed the ceremony as I married Wadiyar in 1976, two years after his coronation. I was studying MA in Hindi at the University of Mysore at that time”.

When asked, if there any changes in the rituals compared to the previous one, Pramoda Devi said, There will be no change as we will follow the rituals practiced from several hundreds of years.

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said, he was a regular to the Palace during Navaratri till the year 2009, before going abroad for studies. “I used to come to the Palace three days in advance and watch the khasagi durbar. Never did I imagine that, it will be my turn once to conduct the durbar,” said Yaduveer.

Elephant
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said, the family has requested for an elephant from the Forest department to don the role of ‘Pattada Aane’ as a part of the rituals connected with the coronation ceremony on May 28.

Reacting to media queries, Pramoda said, we have made a request and the reply is awaited. “However, even if the elephant is not provided, it will not make any difference,” she added.
To another query on insisting for elephant Balarama, the former howdah carrier, Pramoda Devi, who acknowledged the demand, said, “Following the advise of the Forest department officials, a request was made for Balarama”.