Traveling back to an era, to erstwhile residence of H.H Jivajirao Schindia, which is known as Taj Usha Kiran Palace..while on my visit I learnt an age old tradition of 14th century, which has been kept alive by Jiva Spa.
Mangal Snan, as the term goes is an elaborate Ayurvedic, therapeutic and a luxurious retreat for your mind body and soul. This bathing ritual cum treatment was taken by the women of Royal families where live music used to be a part of entire therapy.
Musicians played various tunes on Sitar not only as per the the hour of the day but season too.Raag as we all know is a scientific composition of musical notes which have a thematic approach, this kind of specific music through human auditory nerve transmits soothing effect to the mind.
The Rendezvous of music with an elaborate regime of scrubbing or exfoliating entire body, followed by an Ubtan or wrap not only helps you cleanse the outer surface of your body, the skin which also is the largest organ, but the scientific hand movements impart healing to all the systems beneath the skin. Ingredients like turmeric, milk, spices, sandalwood etc. Which are Known for their medicinal properties are used in the process.
After the complete cleansing and detox process, follows a nourishment session in which from head to toe the magic wand of therapist works...taking care of all your senses works imparting a deep down soother to your brain/ nervous system. Aroma, music, touch, sight of flowers, and the fruits for your taste buds.
This Divine and Holistic session concludes in a tub full of flowers and saffron in order to wash off the excess oil present on your skin.
Usha Kiran Palace is the only Living space available for outsiders to get themselves treated in a Royal fashion and experience hospitality of Gwalior Gharana...
The Palace was constructed 135 years back in 1905, to welcome the Prince of Wales.
Thereafter, this extended part of Jai Villas turned into residence of H. H. Jivajirao Schindia who lived along with his wife and four children. It is named after Jivajirao's daughter, Usha.
Lekha Divyeshwari today known as H H Rajmata Vijyaraje Scindia.. whose Roots belong to Nepal. Apart from intellect and beauty, for which Rajmata is well known for.. the cuisine from her era too has been retained, the secret recipes of the Royal Kitchen is an amalgamation of Nepali and Maratha Cuisine. These culinary treasures can only be found at Usha Kiran Palace and the only Hotel serving a Thali based on Nepalese and Maratha amalgamation. Another Nepalese connect is the age old worship which is done at the Palace... The unique feature of the Shiva statue is it's feminine form and this too travels down from Nepal.
The Palace is also home to many stories and Heritage collections.. a 125 year old billiards table details of which are weaved in a heritage walk and narrated to the guests in a Time Traveller. Schindia emblem, thatof a snake along with Sun, with word ALIJA (meaning spirit and God) inscribed, are found all across. The most important architectural element of this palace is the Sand stone carved filigree jaali which not only allows air and light inside, but also seves as a protected window for women of the Royal clan to see the outside world.
Heritage is our treasure, but to live with it and travel back into time in today's modern world too is an experience to cherish.
The Palace was certainly made for Prince of Wales, as Naotala Palace, but with passing time transformed to a queen zone, be it the name or the number of women who influnced the aura of it...
Loved reading looking forward to visit this
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