|
|
|
|
| |
Sandalwood and silk
Bangalore may be the state capital of Karnataka, but Mysore
is the capital of culture. Just 140 km away from Bangalore,
the city, is famous for its palaces and its sandalwood and silk.
Just the name Mysore invokes an ancient legend. According to
Hindu mythology, the region was once tyrannised by the demon
king Mahishasur who was killed in a fierce battle with the goddess
Chamundeshwari after a nine-day battle.
The goddess is still venerated at a temple atop the nearby Chamundi
Hill. The nine-day battle is still celebrated as the festival
of Dussehra. And the city is still remembered as 'Mahishasurana
Ooru — the City of Mahishasur', in short, Mysore. Must
have been some battle!
Mysore also invokes the fragrances of sandalwood. The main tourist
attractions here are the sandalwood handicrafts and the varieties
of Mysore silk. But Mysore is more a visual treat because of
its long history as the center of the Wodeyar kingdom from the
16th century onwards. The Wodeyars built numerous palaces all
of which are rich in architectural and historical beauty. Of
more recent origin are the beautiful Brindavan Gardens, famous
for the colourful, choreographed dancing fountains that have
been captured in many song-and-dance movie scenes. So this is
Mysore, the city of sandalwood and silk, demons and dynasties!
|
|
|
|
