WEAVER'S WORLD / MYSORE / PLACES TO VISIT -7

WEAVER'S WORLD / MYSORE / PLACES TO VISIT -7

The Palace of Mysore is a historical palace in the city of Mysore in Karnataka, southern India. It is the official residence and seat of the Wodeyars — the Maharajas of Mysore, the royal family of Mysore, who ruled the princely state from 1350 to 1950. The palace houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting halls of the royal court) and incorporates a mesmerizing and gigantic array of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The palace is in the central region of inner Mysore, facing the Chamundi Hills eastward. Mysore is commonly described as the City of Palaces. There are about seven palaces inclusive of this; however, Mysore Palace refers specifically to the one within the Old Fort. Built by the Maharaja Rajarshi His Highness Krishnarajendra Wadiyar IV, Mysore Palace is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in India, after the Taj Mahal, and has more than 6 million visitors annually.

The Sand Museum is a great little place to stop for 15-20 minutes. The artist changes her creations throughout the year. It takes a quite a while to create and as she said, it starts from the top, and you work your way down to the ground. We got to meet the artist and she is so young and talented. Support this great Sculpture Museum - art at its best! The sculptor is M.N. Gowri She used more than hundred truck loads of construction sand to create this amazing museum of special art housed in 13,500 sft area. At the Puri seashore the sand sculptures remained for few hours and vanished when rain or wave wash them away; whereas what is done in Mysore is a permanent work protected from sun and rain, under a structure. There are about 150 sculptures on 16 different themes that are on display here. This is the first of its kind in India being first Sand Sculpture Museum. Let us enter the museum by first saluting image of Lord Ganesha at the entrance. It is of 15’ that welcomes you to museum. Goddess Parvathi (Gowri) is the leading female sand sculptor. The sculptures of Goddess Chamundeswari, ‘Gitopadesha’ of Lord Krishna to Arjuna on a horse-drawn chariot would impress upon us with divine appearance.

The image of Dasara procession, especially of Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar seated on the throne, zodiac wheel, work of ancient civilization, marine life, Disney land and wildlife are of recent origins.

There are sculptures relating to various religions such as laughing Buddha, Islamic culture, Christmas tree, Santa Claus and others do please those classes of visitors. Thereby the artist has given equal importance to all religions while concentrating on the recent life style and culture. These images are carved entirely using sand and water. It is said that glue is used in small proportions for sculpting vertical compositions.

The artist has intricate work which she has done conscientiously in crafting images in group with full of patience. In order to safeguard these sculptures careful inspection and spraying of insecticides to prevent insects from making crevices in the art works has been attended to by its management. That shows the care and caution taken in preserving and protecting these sensitive objects.

This Museum is near the base of Chamundi Hills in Sapthamathrukha Layout in KC Layout, Mysore.

Namdroling monastery is situated in Bylakuppe, near Kushalnagar 88kms from Mysore. It is one of the largest teaching center of Tibetian Buddhism in the World near Kushalnagar, Madkeri (Coorg).

Once we enter the temple, it looks grand in nature, with a high roof. Three statues of 40 feet height called Padma Sambhava, Buddha & Amitayu are seen in the big hall. Side walls of the temple are full of Gods & Demons in Tibetian paintings. We can see sacred things of traditional worship like sacred horns, trumpets, bells, prayer wheels / beads, drums, incense sticks. The Temple is called Golden because of Golden Paintings above the Monastery. We can light a prayer lamp for the Peace outside Monastery. Monks & Disciples live together in the temple complex. There is no entrance fee. The Temple is open during the daytime. A calm & peaceful place to visit.