In ancient India, it was pride for the Kings to showcase their love for art and architecture. Temple architecture was one of the major ways through which they promoted their talent. True to that, we have several masterpiece designs in every nook and corner of our country. It is not just the temples, but forts and palaces portrayed a grandeur. Likewise, namma Mysuru became a high-tech kingdom after the Wodeyars came into the rule. It was customary to build temples near the palace. Hence, we can find several temples around the Mysore Palace too!
Shall we make a tour around the Old Fort region of Mysore?!
Lakshmi Raman Swamy Temple
Photo Courtesy: Dineshkannambadi
Lakshmi Ramana Swamy Temple
Lakshmi Ramana Swamy Temple is not just a famous temple but also the oldest in the city of Mysore. Lakshmi Ramana meaning the beloved of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity. Interestingly, the temple is said to have been the venue for the coronation of Krishna Raja Wodeyar III.
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Kodi Bhairava Temple
The legend is about the two princes from Gujarat who took shelter in Kodi Bhairava Temple. Incidentally, Krishnaraya and Yaduraya are said to have helped in restoring the Kingdom for the then rulers of Mysore. They became part of the Wodeyar Kingdom by marrying the princesses from the royal family. Hence, this Shiva Temple has a lot of significance.
Shweta Varahaswamy Temple
Photo Courtesy: Dineshkannambadi
Shweta Varahaswamy Temple
Shweta Varahaswamy Temple is mentioned in the Dewan Purniah, a record from the first Dewan of Mysore. Its ornate pillars and mural paintings are the highlights of this temple. Shweta Varahawamy Temple is built in the Hoysala architecture. Interestingly, some records suggest that it was built from the Hoysala temple ruins from Shimoga.
Gayathri Temple
Photo Courtesy: Dineshkannambadi
Gayathri Temple
Gayathri Temple was built by Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, the last Maharaja of Mysore. His devotion for Goddess Gayathri is behind its existence. The temple also houses two other shrines dedicated to Savithri (Parvati) and Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth).
Trinayaneshwara Swamy Temple
Photo Courtesy: Dineshkannambadi
Trinayaneshwara Temple
Trinayaneshwara Temple is one of the oldest shrines around Mysore Palace. It was built during the rule of Raja Wodeyar. The temple became a part of Palace grounds when the empire extended its area around the palace.
Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple
Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple depicts the connection between the Wodeyars and the Yadu race. Lord Krishna is the prime deity of this famous temple.
Know More
- If you are interested, you can visit all the 14 temples in Mysore Palace grounds. Here the focus is on the famous temples around the Mysore Palace.
- Temples not only show the spiritual beliefs of Wodeyar Kings but also their love for architecture.
- Today, on the eve of the wedding Yadhuveer,the Maharaja of Mysore, the Palace is decked up like a bride. However, when you happen to visit Mysore, don't miss out on these temples around Mysore Palace.
- Tourists are not allowed inside Mysore Palace for 6 days from 24 June - 30 June 2016 on the event of King Yadhuveer's wedding with Trishika Kumari.