By B.C. Thimmaiah and  M.N. Lakshminarayana Yadav 

The consent granted by erstwhile Mysore Royal Family member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar to the Mysuru District Administration for vehicle parking at ‘Shashiranjan’ Grounds (aka Lalitha Mahal Grounds) during the Ashada Fridays atop Chamundi Hill is valid only for this Ashada season and Sri Chamundeshwari Vardhanthi celebrations and does not extend beyond that period. 

Speaking exclusively to Star of Mysore at Mysore Palace yesterday evening, Pramoda Devi clarified that the permission covers only the four Ashada Fridays this year (July 17, July 24, July 31 and Aug. 7) and Sri Chamundeshwari Vardhanthi Mahotsava on Aug. 4. 

Refuting suggestions that the grounds were under Government custody, she said, “If it were under their custody, why would they need my permission? If it were under their custody, our permission would not be required. They were misled.” 

‘No damage must be caused’ 

Pramoda Devi pointed out that she had clearly informed the Deputy Commissioner that the temporary parking arrangement should not damage the venue’s infrastructure. 

“I have made it clear in my communication with the Deputy Commissioner that the parking facility created there must not damage the infrastructure of the Grounds. If there is damage, I will claim damages,” she said. 

Explaining the duration of the permission, Pramoda Devi said: “Ashada comes in mid-July and ends on Aug. 7 and there is Vardhanthi. So it covers two months, July-August. I have not levied any charges for them to use our property for the public good and convenience. Instead of writing four Fridays, I wrote July-August, that is, two months in 2026. So, this year, only for this year. Next year, if they ask, I will think about it. If they don’t ask, why should I think about it?” 

Use correct name 

Pramoda Devi also urged the media to use the correct name of the property. 

“I am telling all the media community through you. It is neither MUDA Grounds nor Lalitha Mahal Grounds; don’t call it that. It is ‘Shashiranjan’ Grounds. We have names for our properties like Lokaranjan, Chittaranjan and Manoranjan. This one is Shashiranjan,” she said. 

Reason for fencing 

When asked about the Dasara Aahara Mela (Food Festival) usually held at Shashiranjan Grounds, Pramoda Devi recalled that permission had been granted earlier, but subsequent issues prompted the fencing of the property. 

“That earlier, they asked, I agreed. But some others caused trouble there. Because of that trouble, if I leave it open, it will trouble us, so we put up fencing, that’s all. It is commitment. If we leave it open, today it is fine, tomorrow someone else will be there. To prevent that, we fenced it, that’s all,” she explained. 

Preserving greenery 

On whether she had any plans to develop the property or construct buildings there, Pramoda Devi said her priority was preserving the existing greenery. 

“There is no plan for that. My plan is only to preserve the trees and plants there. At present, there is no such intention. No intention now. For now, I have kept the adjoining land as it is. I already have enough buildings in Mysuru. How many more buildings do I need?” she asked. 

“You must have already seen Sri Jayachamarajendra Chitte Vana (Butterfly Park). I have not cut any tree, not a single tree. Inside, there are butterflies. It should be kept like that.” 

Court cases, property issues slowing restoration of Rajendra Vilas 

Mysuru: Responding to public expectations regarding the restoration of the iconic Rajendra Vilas Palace perched atop Chamundi Hill, erstwhile Mysore Royal Family member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said the family was carrying out the work within the limits of its available resources. 

Speaking to Star of Mysore at Mysore Palace yesterday evening, she said the family was simultaneously dealing with several legal and administrative challenges. 

“We are fighting many Court cases. I don’t tell anyone how much trouble we have. But there are many troubles, almost everywhere. Now we have won many cases, but still Khatas are being created for others. 

Even after winning the case, if it has to be transferred back to us, the procedure is not happening. It is not something that finishes in one day. So, on one side, there are Court cases; on the other side, some work goes on,” she said. 

Dynamite blasting damage 

Speaking about the restoration of Rajendra Vilas Palace, Pramoda Devi said the structure had originally been in sound condition but suffered extensive damage in recent years. 

“The Rajendra Vilas Palace was structurally very sound. There was damage caused due to the construction of the multi-level parking lot atop Chamundi Hill when dynamite was used to break rocks. That affected the building and it suffered a lot of damage,” she said. 

“When I started the work, I did not think there would be so much trouble. If touched, everything collapses. All the plastering had fallen off and everything had to be redone. It became completely new, more work than we thought. Plus, because of the blast vibrations, the ceiling cracked in many places and all the glass had broken,” she revealed. 

On the pace of restoration, she acknowledged public expectations but said the work would take time. 

“We are now preparing for that a little. Work can be done anytime. But if it goes elsewhere. I agree that it must be done as soon as possible. If nothing else, at least one building on top should be done. We are doing it. We also had work at Ooty. That… that is the same, it will happen slowly. Because all the work we have to do ourselves, right?” she noted.