The rituals and ceremonies which will lead to the ‘coronation’ of Yaduveer Krishna Datta Chamaraja Wadiyar as the new ‘maharaja’ commenced at Mysuru palace on Wednesday.
Priests supervised the elaborate set of rituals that will culminate in the actual coronation at the palace on Thursday. He paid a visit to Sri Lakshmiramanaswamy Temple as per family tradition and offered prayers there. An ensemble of musicians and palace guards accompanied the motorcade carrying Yaduveer to the temple. After offering prayers, he returned to the Kalyana Mantapa which was the centre of rituals and was witnessed by close family members and friends.
Pada puja
He performed pada puja to Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and the seer of Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Mutt. The main rituals included the performance of Navagraha Homa and the Gayatri Homa. The rites which commenced at 6.30 a.m. concluded at 12.30 p.m.
His biological mother Tripurasundari Devi, Yaduveer’s sister Jayasmika Lakshmi Devi, his fiancée Trishika Kumari and his aunt Vishalakashi Devi were present.
The main ‘coronation’ or the Pattabhisheka will be held between 9.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, when Yaduveer will ascend the silver throne (Bhadrasana) as a titular king. In view of the ceremonies, the palace will remain closed for visitors on Wednesday and Thursday.
Perpetuate family traditions
Though coronation has little significance as the institution of the maharajas have long been abolished, Yaduveer will perpetuate the family traditions of the Wadiyars pertaining to Dasara which began during the regime of Raja Wadiyar in 1610. Besides, as the legal heir to the family, Yaduveer will involve himself in the protracted legal battle with the government over the acquisition of the palace and other properties which are pending in court.
Yaduveer Gopalraj Urs was rechristened as Yaduveer Krishna Datta Chamaraja Wadiyar after his adoption by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar early this year. Her husband and the last scion Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar passed away in December 2013. The last coronation witnessed in Mysuru was when Srikantadatta Wadiyar ascended the throne after the demise of his father Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar in 1974.
