Mysore Railway Museum

The Mysore Railway Museum was established in1979 by the Indian Railways.

It is located on the Krishnaraja Sagar Road,behind the Mysore Railway station.

It holds the distinction of being the second such museum in the country, after the National Railway Museum in Delhi.

The establishment of a museum away from the nation’s capital set a great pattern for regional display of objects related to the railways.

The museum displays locomotives, steam engines, wagons, special purpose vehicles, telecommunication equipment and several other instruments related to the operation of the railway through ages.

The information displayed in the museum is a revelation. It displays all instruments which were vital to the development of the Indian railway system.

Exhibits are well maintained. Visitors are allowed to enter the coaches on display to see the interiors. Various engine models are also on display, with each having an arched cover to protect it from the elements.

A host of signal equipment, and trains used 100 years ago are all there for the visitors’ viewing pleasure. There are also a few meter gauge models placed in the museum. 

Many model engine and locomotives, like cranes and bogies are also exhibited, some even dating back to the British Era.

Collections of old signal lamps, three way teak mirror, photographs, newspaper clippings and journals all make this very thorough museum. 

They even carved out teak posts from old stations.

It also has collection of telecom instruments which had been used in the history of railways.

Occupying a place of pride inside the museum is the first steam engine built in India.

There is a small park and small toy train for the kids to enjoy. Information is displayed outside each of the trains to educate kids on railways.

A striking feature of the museum is the Chamundi Gallery that showcases a distinct and interesting collection of photographs and paintings portraying the growth of the Indian Railways.

The unique feature of the museum is the Sri Ranga Pavilion that houses the royal coaches.

These coaches belong to Maharaja of Mysore and give you an idea about the grand fashion in which the royalty traveled.

Another major attraction of the Railway museum is the “Maharani’s Saloon ", this royal carriage dates back to 1899. 

It is a special train used by the then Queen, boasting dining hall, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, royal toilet and a card room in it. It even had a servant’s carriage attachment.

The facilities, the detailing and the luxury show what kind of a life our royal families lead in the past. The train is nicely preserved and maintained.

You are not allowed to enter the ‘Maharani Saloon”, but being coach windows open you can see interiors easily.

If you like trains and want to know about their history and how they started up in India then visit this museum.

It is in the open air and not very large. The place is calm and quite.

Entry fees and still camera fee was nominal.

It is a nice place to visit with kids.

It is an educational way to pass time for them. 

I’m sure they would love to see the old rail engines, the toy train and enter the cabins.

It is certainly a must see in Mysore.

Do not miss this if you are in Mysore.

Visit to Belur - Karnataka

Visit to Karnataka without darshan of Belur and Halebidu is incomplete.

Belur was chosen as the capital of the Hoysala, after the destruction of their capital Halebidu by the Delhi Sultan.

Belur temple is famous for its interior carvings where as Halebidu temple is famous for its outer wall carvings. This temple is 1000 years old made during Hoysala period.

This historical temple at Belur in Hassan district of Karnataka is a majestic piece reflecting the intricate carvings and wonderful architecture of Hoysala Dynasty.

According to historical records, it took about 103 years to complete this sculpted masterpiece of Hoysala architecture.

The Chennakeshava temple is in honor of lord Vishnu. The name translates to handsome Vishnu. This temple is dedicated to Mohini roop of Lord Vishnu.

An inscription near the northern entrance of the navaranga states that the deity was originally called as vijayanarayana and king Vishnuvarthan built the temple.

The Hoysala temples are characterized by typical star shaped ground plan and are usually set on a platform. This vast temple is built in the shape of star with 32 spikes

 

The huge temple complex enclosed by high walls has a garbha graham and a navaranga mandapa. There are two gateways ,but only one is crowned by a gopuram.

There is a beautiful gopura at the entrance of the temple which is of Dravidian architecture. There is a wonderful garuda statue in front of the temple. At the entrance to the sanctum ,one finds beautifully sculpted dwarapalkas.

Every pillar in the temple is of different design. The place has amazing carvings on the ceilings. The depictions are mostly from the Hindu mythology.

Belur temple is very good example of Indian architecture. This is an awesome and magnificent temple. One of the magnificent combination of art and culture of ancient history is depicted on the rocks. 

The soapstone for its softness has made possible such intricate architectural master pieces.

The impeccable narasimha pillar to south east of navaranga used to rotate on its own axis.

Three of the four figures in the navaranga are signed with their creators. The two pillars depicting figures of dancing ladies are noteworthy. Bracelets on the arms of one figure can be moved up and down while the headdress of the other has a tiny movable ring.

The large navaranga mandapa is noted for its polished pillars and ceiling.

The unique 42 feet high pillar is carved out of a single rock and stands on its own weight without any support.

Chenna keshava temple is the only functional Hoysala temple with pujas being performed both in the morning and evening.

The complex also has many smaller shrines, mandapas and other structures.

            

The temple and its premises are maintained very well by Archeological society of India. Good to hire a guide who will explain in detail.

A must visit place those who interested in history and architecture.

It is a perfect place for someone who loves photography.

Visit to Halebidu - Karnataka

Halebidu means ` old city ' or the ' destroyed city’  is located in Hassan District of Karnataka .

 Halebidu , previously known as ‘Dwarasamudra’ after a huge artificial lake of the same name ,was the capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12^th century.

This temple is a classic example of Karnataka’s glorious past and rich heritage. The magnificent shrine dedicated to lord shiva is the largest and the best of Hoysala temples.

This temple premises have two shiva  temples, Hoysaleshwara ( for the king) and Santhaleshwara (for the Queen ) built in honor of the king and the queen.

The temple have four gates each adorned by dwarpals on both sides.

The sanctums have a characteristic star shaped ground plan and are set on a stone platform. This double star temples has 64 spokes in its star. 

The sanctums enshrine an east facing lingam, precede by a Nandhi  Mandapa with a huge statue of Nandhi  Bull, the celestial vehicle of Lord Shiva.

 

The real beauty of the temple lies in the carving on outside walls of the temple. The lower portion of the temple is decorated with one of the most richly sculptured friezes which run continuously along the wall. 

The interiors of the temples are equally impressive with ornately carved pillars.

Each carvings on the wall is carved with such details that the viewers are forced to think about the patience , determination and spiritual inspiration processed by the craftsmen. 

The stone carvings looked so well crafted that you wonder how these are made about 1000 years back.Mind blowing  level of detailing in each of the walls of the temple. The pillars are objects of marvel.

The temples are made of soap stones which made the carvings easy and due to which even minute details are visible. The beauty and the strength of the soap stone is such that in many places especially in the pillars, there are sharp edges which you can feel by your fingers.

 Outside walls of the temple have stories of Indian Mythology carved beautifully. The most interesting thing is no two sculptures in the temples are alike.

The huge Ganesha idol is a master piece , but truncated and mutilated by the invaders. It still stands there for the mutiny.

There is a very beautiful lake near this temple. This place is certainly for art lovers and cultural photographers. This magnificent temple with beautiful gardens sits silently in a dusty corner.

 It is an incomplete temple, sacked and looted many times by Delhi sultanates .But after that also this can be described as the most beautiful of the Hoysala temples.

The temple is now preserved by Archaeological Survey of India. Guides from the archaeological department are available and charges around 200-250 and would take you around the temple and explain each and every detail and the stories on the walls.

There is also a museum in the temple complex housing beautiful sculptures excavated at the temple site by ASI.

Even after all the destruction it has seen , it is one of the well preserved temple around.

People interested in art and sculpture, and history this is a must visit place. It’s a photographer’s delight.