They will be cynosure of all eyes

Sep 25 2009, 14:00 ist
updated: Sep 25 2009, 17:21 ist

The throne is carved out of figwood and decorated with ivory plaques. It is embellished with jewellery, gold, precious stones and silver figurines. The balustrades of the steps leading to the seat are embellished with female figures. There are elephants on the east, horses on the south, soldiers on the west and chariots on the north.

The belief is that the trinity -Brahma in the south, Maheshwara in the north and Vishnu in the centre - blesses the throne.
The golden throne was associated with ceremonies such as the coronation of the king in the early days and conducting of Dasara Durbar.

But now it is just on public display during the Mysore Dasara festival when the scion of the royal family conducts his private Durbar.

During the rest of the year, the throne is placed in a high security room.

The exact date of making of the howdah is not known. The 750-kg howdah, which is used in the Jamboo Savari on Vijayadashami day has two wide seats in rows, and is bigger than the interiors of a family car. The Rajas of Mysore used this howdah in the famous Dasara procession, which traversed through the thoroughfares of the princely city during the festival every year. But since the introduction of the Privy Purses Act, the statue of Chamundeshwari is carried in the howdah. The Howdah is made of pure gold.
The golden Howdah is mounted on the lead elephant with the statue of the Nadadevathe or state deity Chamundeshwari placed in it. The procession goes through the Mysore city.
The Elephant carrying the Howdah is trained and groomed to do the job years before it actually does it. For the last decade or do, Balarama the elephant has been carrying the howdah.

‘Pattada Kudure’ is selected after some gruelling tests. One of the most essential aspects is the occurrence of ‘Raaja Suli’ on the neck and chin of the horse. It will enjoy the honour for years. Pattada Kudure, a white horse, is often selected after checking ‘Raja Suli’ or a particular pattern formed by the body hair on chin and neck, and also its height and gait. On the day of Jamboo savari Pattada Kudre is offered pooja. The current Pattada Kudure too, has been around for almost a decade.

‘Pattada Hasu’ gains the status with its birth. The female calf of the Pattada Hasu is considered the next in the line for the honour. The cattle is cared for at the palace all the time. The authorities look for the female calf to succeed the mother. The current Pattada Hasu has been part of the festivities since last one decade.

Balarama-Male

Age: 51 years
Height: 2.7 m
Length: 3.77 m
Approx weight: 4900 kg

Mild mannered.
He was captured in Kattepura forest in Kodage in 1987.
He is very strong and has been taking part in Dasara for the last 14 years. He has been carrying Howdah for the last 10 years and will have the
honour this year too.

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