Mysuru: The Mysuru royal family performed the Ayudha Puja as a part of the Dasara festivities, inside the Amba Vilasa palace grounds. Wearing the royal tradition sherwani with a turban, added with gold jewellery, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, scion of the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru performed the rituals of Ayudha Puja. The ritual started in the early morning at 5.30 am.
Mysuru Dasara is the state festival (Nadahabba) of Karnataka. The 10-day festival starts with nine nights called 'Navaratri' and ends on 'Vijayadashami' day, falls on October 15 this year. The ninth day of 'Navaratri' is important and is known as 'Mahanavami' where Yaduveer performed the customary Ayudha pujas at the armoury of the Palace. Palanquins and Pattada Katti (sword) and other weapons are said to be present there at the armoury.
With the royal arms and emblems, he also worshipped the horse, elephant, cow, and personal automobiles at the premises of the Palace. Following which they were taken to Kodi Someshwara Temple along with other Dasara elephants. Preparations are going on for October 15 'Jambu Savari' (Elephant Procession). Jambu Savari is the highlight of Mysuru Dasara takes place on 'Vijayadashami'.
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The main attraction of this procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari placed on a Golden Howdah or Ambari (which is around 750 kilograms of gold) on the top of a decorated elephant. This idol is worshipped by the royal couple and other invitees before it is taken around in the procession. This year a total of six elephants will participate in the procession of Devi Chamundeshwari.
An elephant named Abhimanyu is going to carry the 'ambari' of the devi accompanied by other elephants named Kaveri and Chaitra. This year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the locals were not allowed to witness the rituals and the cultural programs organised at the palace. As per the guidelines of the Karnataka govt, only 500 people are allowed to participate in Jambu Savari.
On Vijayadashami, the Nandi Dhwaja puja will be held before Jambu Savari begins. The Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraja Bommai will perform Nandi Dhwaja Puja between 4.36 pm to 4.46 pm as the Jambu Savari is scheduled to start between 5 pm to 5 30 pm.
Different Tableaus will be the major attraction of the Savari along with 13 teams of traditional dancers who are to participate in Jambu Savari procession on October 15. Speaking to the media at the palace, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) V Karikalan said, "Abhimanyu is fit to carry Ambari in tomorrow's procession. This time just 6 elephants will participate in Jambu Savari. We directed to not to use fireworks during elephant procession".
