Devaraja Market is a market located in Mysuru.[1] One can buy flowers, fruits, and choose from conical piles of colorful Kumkum powder.[2]Spices, sandalwood products, silksaris, essential oils, and incense are also available for purchase.[3] The market is on Sayaji Rao Road.[4] In 2017, there were 1,122 shops in the market employing over 3,000 people and receiving 8,000 to 10,000 visitors each day.[5] It is a tourist attraction, and a popular place to take photos.[6]
The market was constructed in 1886.[7] It was initially a weekly market.[6] The market was built above the Dewan Poornaiah Canal that supplied drinking water to Mysore Palace.[1][5] It was named in 1925 after Dodda Devaraja Wadeyar.[1][5] It is also known as Dodda market.[6]
Its area spans 3.67 acres.[7] The market is bounded by a structure with wooden rafters and stone masonry walls that faces the street on all four sides.[1] The north gate is on Devantri Road.[8] The market is bounded by Sayaji Rao Road on the east side.[8] The south gate faces Dufferin Clock Tower.[8] Inside the market, there are open areas where vendors can sell their wares.[1] The inner shops are arranged along three aisles that go through the entire market.[1]
Throughout the years, Devaraja Market has also seen fires and other disasters.[1] 150 shops were destroyed by fire in 1981, 195 in 1990, and 30 in 1999.[1] In August 2016, the north entrance gate collapsed due to structural weakness.[6] There have been discussions about demolishing the market due to the state of disrepair.[5][7]