For Srinivas, personal driver of late Srikantadutta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, being behind the wheel will never be the same again. Having served the prince for over 20 years, Srinivas has lost a driving force in his life.
“He was a father-figure who provided everything. Unfortunately, I had taken leave to go to my village on Tuesday. I had to return to the palace in Bangalore on coming to know of the prince’s demise”, he says inconsolably.
Like Srinivas, the eight personal attendants of the scion — Kantharaj, Nagaraj, Ravi, Kodhandaraju, Bheema, Shivanna, Prakasha and Maddanna — are shattered and a pall of gloom has descended on the summer palace at Bangalore.
Nagaraj and others shifted their master to the car when he complained about severe chest pain around 1.20 pm on Tuesday and that was the last time they saw him.
A Man of Artistic Ingenuity
B N Vichar, an artist who was nurtured personally by Wadiyar, will remember the scion for his knowledge of the arts.
“He was a great human being. He recognized my talent and brought me to Bangalore to make some sculptures for him when the palace was renovated in 2004-05. His knowledge about the different art forms was amazing. He used to guide us in making the sculptures and the materials to be used. He encouraged me to learn digital art and as a result, I have my own firm,” he is grateful.
With tears in his eyes, the scion’s lawyer, Ravi Kumar, said, “It will be difficult to find a person like him”.
Marked by Humility
Chambi Puranik, the scion’s teacher and a constant companion, cherishes memories of the prince as a student.
“I taught him political science in his college days. He was very humble. Though a separate classroom was allotted to him, he sat with other students. As a NCC cadet, he used to share sleeping space with other students,” Puranik reminisced.
He says the prince respected his teachers and met them often. Only two days ago, Wadiyar had told Puranik that he would live for another 20 years.
Last Rites to be Performed at Madhuvana Today With State Honours
Mysore: Wadiyar’s last rites will be performed with state honours at Madhuvana as per Srivaishnava and Smartha customs on Wednesday.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will arrive at Lalit Mahal helipad at 10.20 am to participate in the ceremony. Entry is restricted at Madhuvana due to space constraints.
Deputy Commissioner C Shikha said Wadiyar’s body will be kept for public viewing at the palace kalyana mantap on Wednesday. The public have been requested to enter the palace through Varaha gate and exit through the Jayamarthanda gate.
Since Wadiyars are disciples of Parakala Mutt and Sringeri Sharada mutt, more than 10 palace priests will conduct the scion’s last rites.
According to palace priest Narashiman, priests from 21 temples in and around Mysore will offer their last respects to the deceased prince.
VIP and VVIPs have been requested to enter the palace through Karikallu Thotti gate.
The members of the royal family, relatives and friends of the deceased are to enter the palace through Brahmapuri gate.
The public have been requested to park their vehicles on CADA premises, the parking lot at the Varaha gate and at Doddakere Ground.