Urs (Kannada: ಅರಸು) pronounced as 'Aras', is a surname used by the community associated to the royal family of Mysore Wodeyars based in Mysore in Karnataka, India. The word is derived from Arasu or Arasa which is used to designate royalty or ruler and meant ruler in Kannada. They claim various religious and sectarian affiliations like Shaivism or Vaishnavism, according to their clan and lineage. According to their ancient customs, it is forbidden to consume meat and alcohol. The Arasu community is classified as a backward caste by the Government of Karnataka. History Mysore's erstwhile rulers were the Wadiyars, known for their administrative skills, vision and social justice. They had a close attachment with the Ursu community. Men in this community were commonly named as Chamaraja Urs, Nanjaraj Urs, Devaraj Urs, Srikanta Raje Urs etc. and women were most commonly named as Devajammani, Jayalaxammani, Chelvajammani etc. suffixed with 'ammani'. Legend The original name of erstwhile Mysore region was Puragere, coming under the purview of Hadinaadu, meaning Hadimooru (13) naadu (villages). The fiefdom coming under Vijayanagar Empire was ruled by Chamaraja. The term Urs (Ārasu) means ruler. Such rulers, having hold over smaller regions around Hadinaadu ruled by Chamaraja, had close ties with him and his clan. Chamaraja's queen Chikkadevarasammanni had a daughter, the beautiful Devajammanni. Chamaraja had an untimely death. Taking advantage of this, Mara Naika, chieftain of neighbouring Karagahalli, attempted to conquer Hadinaadu. Instead of waging a war, Mara Naika planned to marry young Devajammanni, to gain control over her father's province. When his repeated attempts to woo the princess were resisted by her, he threatened to abduct her and marry forcibly. Folklore says that at that time, Yaduraya and his brother Krishnaraya travelled from Dwaraka to Vijayanagar, Melukote and other places as pilgrims. One night, Goddess Chamundeshwari appeared in the dreams of Yaduraya, directing him to go to Hadinaadu. That was the time when Devajammanni was being pestered by Mara Naika. Yaduraya, along with his brother, reached Hadinaadu and halted at Kodi Bhairaveshwara temple. They learned about the plight of Hadinaadu, their friendly state. They met the queen-mother and gave her assurance of solving her problem. The brothers then sent a message to Mara Naika that Devajammanni had agreed to marry him. The wedding procession, in all jubilation, proceeded from Karagahalli to Hadinaadu. Yaduraya and Krishnaraya, guised as ordinary people, managed to join the wedding procession. Yaduraya stealthily