Madhuvana Mysore Royal Cemetery (Kannada: ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ರಾಜವಂಶಸ್ಥರ ಸಮಾಧಿ ಮಧುವನಕ್ಕೆ ಜೀರ್ಣೋದ್ಧಾರ) is a site in Mysuru where many members of the Wadiyar royal family were cremated. It is located on Mysuru-Nanjangud road,[1] and is on five acres of land.[2] It is also known as "Khasa Brindavan", or "private garden".[2] The cemetery is in the process of becoming a tourist attraction.[2][3]
History
editThe history of Madhuvana dates back to the 18th century.[3] The name Madhuvana means "land of honey".[2] Most of the twenty-five Wadiyar kings who ruled during the Yadu (Wadiyar) dynasty were cremated there.[1][3] When the royals were cremated, they would use sandalwood logs for the pyre.[2] Then, the site was covered by a carved structure with architecture similar to a temple with ornate pillars and doors.[2] The tombs (Brindavanas) are an example of cross-cultural influence from Islamic and Christian tradition.[3]
Notable cremations
editLakshmammanni, the third wife of Immadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, was one of the first to be cremated at the Madhuvana.[3] Maharaja Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar died in 1868 and was cremated there and the tomb is at the entrance.[3] Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Yuvaraja Sri Kanteerva Narasimharaja Wadiyar, and their mother Vani Vilasa Sannidana, the dowager queen, all have tombs in the same row.[2][3] The twenty-fifth and final king Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar also was cremated here with his tomb at the entrance.[1][3] In 2013, the cremation of the scion of Mysore royal family Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar was performed there.[3][4] The last to be cremated was Vishalakshi Devi, daughter of Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar in 2018 during Dasara.[3]
Temples
editKashi Vishwanatha, Ganapathy and Kalamma temples are the three temples located at the cemetery, and idol worship is active.[3]
Restoration
editPreviously, the tourism department attempted to make the site a tourist destination, as did the royal family.[3] However, it was neglected due to Hindu traditions where the son involved with the cremation and women from the royal family were not allowed to enter the cremation grounds.[3]
In 2019, a cleanup of the cemetery was initiated to help it become a tourist attraction.[3] This was under the guidance of the HH Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar (SDNRW) Foundation.[3][2] The tombs in Madhuvana are cleaned and painted every two years, and an assigned person cleans the temples and cemetery.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c mysoorunews (25 June 2019). "Madhuvana Wadiyars graveyard to be opened for tourists?". Welcome to Mysooru News. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h B, Sreekantswamy (26 June 2019). "Royal cemetery to be next tourist attraction in Mysuru". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Royal Cemetery at Madhuvana to get facelift". Star of Mysore. 26 June 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ^ "Third day rituals performed with piety". Deccan Herald. 13 December 2013. Retrieved 6 March 2020.