Mysuru’s Throne Drenched In 70 Kg Of Gold Still Rules The Royal Imagination

Last Updated:September 18, 2025, 11:17 IST

The Golden Throne, weighs 280 kg in total and is assembled for private Dasara rituals. While the total weight is 280 kg, 70 kg of this weight comes from the thick gold panels.

From Pandava Legends to Wadiyar Power: The Journey of a Throne Through Time

The Golden Throne of Mysuru is no ordinary seat of power. Legend traces its origin back to the era of the Pandavas, when Yudhisthira himself is said to have graced it. Centuries later, it became a symbol of grandeur under Emperor Krishnadevaraya.

Ancient accounts even claim that early Arab visitors hesitated to approach this divine artifact. Hidden underground for years, the throne was later brought to light and ceremonially “lifted to the sky" by the sage Sri Vidyaranya.

Journey to Mysore’s Royal Court

The throne’s path to Mysuru is as storied as the object itself. It was gifted to the Yaduvamsha dynasty by Rangaraya, eventually becoming the pride of the Wadiyar kings. Generations of rulers have sat upon it.

From Ranadheera Kanteerava to Rajarshi Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar have adorned it. Now preparations are underway for Maharaja Yaduveer Wadiyar to ascend the same seat during the annual private durbar, a ceremony that preserves centuries of royal tradition.

Craftsmanship in Gold and Silver

At its core lies the sacred ‘Atti’ wood, sheathed in gold and silver. The throne is a masterpiece of intricate detail:

• Front panels adorned with delicate Shalabhanjika figurines.
• Carvings of elephants on the east, horses on the south, soldiers on the west, and a chariot on the north.
• A central Koormasana, the actual seat of the king, inlaid with priceless gems.
• Sculpted representations of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara completing the divine ensemble.

The Private Durbar Assembly

The throne is carefully stored and brought out only for the private durbar, a religious gathering of the Mysore royal family during the Dasara festivities. On the evening of its latest assembly, each section of the Golden Throne and the silver Bhadrasana was carried from the palace strong room under tight security. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, mother of the current Maharaja, oversaw the meticulous process.

Before the assembly began, priests performed elaborate homas and prayers to deities including Ganesha and Chamundi, sanctifying the space. Curtains were drawn over the CCTV cameras to maintain the sacred privacy of the ritual.

Only after these rites did palace staff and artisans bring each component into the grand durbar hall, where the throne was carefully pieced together.

About the Throne

The Golden Throne, also known as the Ratna Simhasana, weighs 280 kg in total and is assembled annually for private Dasara rituals at the Amba Vilas Darbar Hall in Mysuru. While the total weight is 280 kg, 70 kg of this weight comes from the thick gold panels that cover the fig tree wood core of the throne

More than a dazzling artifact, the Golden Throne remains a living emblem of Mysuru’s royal legacy. Its annual unveiling is both a spiritual rite and a reminder of Karnataka’s deep historical roots. As Maharaj Yaduveer prepares to sit upon this storied seat, the throne continues to link the present with a past rich in legend, craftsmanship, and regal devotion.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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