By R.G. Singh, Secretary, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana

The upanayana (thread ceremony) of Prince Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar was performed on Friday, 23 May 1930 at Kalyana Mantapa of the Palace. In this photograph, the young Prince is seated at the centre holding a twig of palasha tree, facing the square homa-kunda. Notice the kankana tied on his right wrist. Priests (in white clothes) seated on either side of the Prince remain unidentified. However, the elderly gentleman draped in a dark coloured shawl is identified as Asthana Maha Vidwan Motaganahalli Ramashesha Sastri who officiated the event.

Interestingly, Sri Ramashesha Sastri, who retired from his official vocation in 1926, was requested by the Palace authorities to give private tuitions in Samskruta and Kannada to the young Prince Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar.

The three-footed traditional circular silver stools, called Mukkali, are seen bearing circular salvers carrying mangala dravya (auspicious unguents), plantains, coconuts and new clothes.

[Size: 20×15 cms; Collection: Ramsons Kala Pratishtana]