Devaraja Market – Mysuru
A Unique Heritage Market in Mysore
In Mysore, a visit to the Devaraja market is a must on every tourist’s itinerary. Many heritage walks in Mysore include the market. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, the market offers some great photography opportunities. It also gives tourists an insight into the daily life of Mysore.
History and Design of the Devaraja Market
This market dates back to the reign of Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. At the time it took the form of a small weekly market where fresh vegetables and fruits were probably the most traded items. Today, the market has over 800 shops and is spread over 3 acres of land.
Construction of the structure of the market is housed in today began in the 1900s and advanced in stages through the years during the reign of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. It was named after erstwhile Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar.
The market was designed with individual sections dedicated to different types of products. For example, one section of the market is dedicated to fresh flowers while another deals solely puja materials.
Other prominent sections of the market include the sections for vegetables, fruits, jaggery, onions and potatoes, puffed rice and coconut. There are 4 entrances to the market; one on Dhanvanthri Road in the south, one opposite Dufferin Clock Tower in the north and two entrances to the middle of the market on the Sayyaji Rao Road. Shops are arranged along three aisles that run through the length of the market.