‘Mahanavami Dibba of Vijaynagara was the centre of elaborate rituals.’ Explain the statement with suitable examples.

The Mahanavami Dibba was the king’s palace in Vijaynagara though there is no definite evidence. It had a distinctive structure. It had the largest enclosures. It had a very impressive platform called as “the audience hall.” It was surrounded by high double walls with a street running between them. The rituals that are associated with this structure were performed by the kings of Vijayanagara, in order to show their power, prestige, and suzerainty. These rituals were possibly performed on the occasion of Mahanavami.

The rituals performed on this occasion include:-

I. Worship of the image and the state horse

II. Dances, wrestling match, and procession of horses, elephants and chariots and soldiers.

III. The ceremonies performed on the occasion included worship of image, worship of the state horse, and the sacrifice of buffaloes and other animals.

IV. Nayakas brought gifts and tribute for the kingIt had two of the most impressive platforms, the “Audience Hall” and the “Mahanavami Dibba”.

V. Rituals Associated with the structure – Dussehra, Durga Puja and Navaratri or Mahanavami.

All these ceremonies had deep symbolic meanings. Most of them were presented before the king and his guests. On the last day of the festival, the king inspected his army as well as the armies of the nayakas. He also accepted rich gifts from the nayakas.