Day 16 OCTOBER 08 – Somnathpur • Silkworms • Lalitha Mahal Palace • Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
Mysore This morning we set out to visit the Somnathpur temple. On the road to the temple Sudhakar saw another opportunity for our first discovery of the day. Two men were returning from the Mysore market in their ox cart. Sudhakar told them we would love experience of riding in an ox cart.
It was not too long after we returned to the bus that Sudhakar saw a village that was having a local festival. The local shaman and the village elders performed ceremonies that reminded me of the blessings we did for our bus. The villagers welcomed us to join with them in their celebrations.
Located 35 km from Mysore city Somanathapura is famous for the Chennakesava (Kesava) Temple built by Soma, a Dandanayaka (commander) in 1268 CE under Hoysala Empire King Narasimha III. The Keshava temple is one of the finest and most complete examples of Hoysala architecture. Keshava Temple-(A) This 13th-century temple is a symmetrical star-shaped building, carved both inside and out with ornate images of Hindu legends and gods. The temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu, is housed inside an impressive high walled enclosure. The temple is constructed of soapstone. Keshava Temple-(B) Its symmetrical architecture, fine sculptures, and panel sculptures form an archaeological gem. Temple decorative sculptures include depictions of affluence including members of the royal family riding decorated chariots, soldiers and commoners riding horses, camel drawn vehicles, dancers, musicians, hunters with bows and arrows and accompanied by their dogs, all heading for a hunt. There are sculptures of royal palaces protected by armed guards, intricate carvings of jewelry. The names of many architects and sculptors are etched in the stone.
Our next stop - lunch at the palace. A scenic ride through Somnathpur to our lunch stop was interrupted by another discovery.
Silkworm Breeding We have visited silk factories here in India and also in Viet Nam. I’ve often wondered where the silk worms come from. NOW I KNOW. Just like government agricultural programs it also has a silk worm program. The people in these photos are silk worm breeders. They grow mulberry plants to feed the worms. When the worms weave their cocoons they are harvested and brought to a government center for sale to the silk fabric producers.
Our next stop was finally lunch at the Lalitha Mahal Palace. Sudhakar said the Maharaja of Mysore was going to join these “important” travelers from the U. S. for lunch but pressing business called him away. Our thalli lunch was not served on a banana leaf. No at the palace "MYSORE SILVER THALI" lunch brings together in several silver dishes an array of South India's delicately spiced delights. (IND_7985.JPG)
On a hill, just outside Mysore, is a shimmering white palace - a splendid Italianate palazzo, double-columned and domed - set in sprawling terraced and landscaped gardens. This is the Lalitha Mahal Palace, built by the Maharaja of Mysore, in 1931, to host his most important guests. The Lalitha Mahal is one of India's most opulent Heritage hotels, a palace hotel that offers an experience of princely living in a real Maharaja's palace.
The interiors, with polished marble floors, priceless carpets, ornate Rose wood furniture and the stately balustrade staircase that sweeps up to the stately upper floor is breathtaking. The central hall is adorned with life size portraits of the Royalty, Belgian glass dome, carved wood shutters, wall panels of regal embellishment.
- Southern India
Southern India Photo Page 16