Old structure atop Chamundi Hill demolished to make way for new Palace with modern amenities

Mysuru: The erstwhile Mysore Royal Family is rebuilding a Palace atop Chamundi Hill that was once known as ‘Bettada Aramane.’

Located close to Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, the Palace had been in a dilapidated condition and was eventually demolished. Royal Family member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar has taken up reconstruction of the Palace in the traditional architectural style, with modifications to suit present-day requirements.

The initiative seeks to restore a structure that had almost disappeared both in name and form. About 200 years ago, Mysore Maharajas built the Palace near the temple which came to be known as ‘Bettada Aramane.’ It pre-dates the grand Rajendra Vilas Palace atop Hill.

Palace being reconstructed in traditional style with modern amenities by the Mysore Royal Family

During important religious occasions, including the Chamundeshwari Rathotsava (car festival), anniversaries and other traditional rituals, members of the Royal Family would stay at the Palace and participate in the ceremonies. They would also watch the temple chariot procession from the Palace balcony.

Over the years, however, the Royal Family stopped using the Palace. Subsequently, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar donated the premises for use as a Government School for children living on Chamundi Hill.

The school functioned from the Palace premises until around 1994, with hundreds of children studying there over the years.

As much of the Palace was constructed with wood, the structure gradually weakened due to age and termite infestation. With parts of the building deteriorating and posing a safety risk, the school was shifted to another location.

The ‘Bettada Aramane’ subsequently fell into complete disrepair. Meanwhile, the 120-foot-long Palace premises began facing encroachment from neighbouring properties.

Concerned that the historic structure and its premises could be lost completely to encroachments, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar decided to remove the remaining portions of the old structure and reconstruct the Palace.

The new ‘Bettada Aramane’ is being built broadly in the traditional architectural style of the original Palace, while incorporating features suited to modern requirements.

The Palace atop Chamundi Hill had fallen into ruin. We are now reconstructing it. Later, we will use it for our own purposes. The land is our private property.

—Pramoda Devi Wadiyar