Shrinathji Mandir, Rajasthan, IN

Deities: Lord Krishna
Location: Nathdwara, Udaipur
Built in: 17th century
Significance: One of the pilgrimages of the Hindus/ Vaishnavites
Best time to visit: September to March
STD Code: 02953

Jay Shree Krishna

Nathdwara is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. This is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage shrines of India, enshrining Krishna as Govardhana Giridhari. Nathdwara is situated 48 km north east of Udaipur in Rajasthan, on the banks of the Banas River.

Nathdwara enshrines Shrinathji - an image of Krishna, which was originally, enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount Govardhana near Mathura.The name Nathdwara means Gate of the Lord. The image was brought to Mewar, for the sake of protection during the period of Aurangazeb, the Moghul monarch.

It is the most renowned pilgrim of India.Nathdwara is also famous for the Pichhwai paintings - the most famous Rajasthani art. This art portrays the Lord Shrinathji & their activities.

This temple is the only major attraction Nathdwara. This 17th century temple houses the original statue of Shrinathji or Lord Krishna. According to history, the statue was brought to Mewar kingdom for the sake of safety in the period of Aurangazeb the Moghul monarch. The chariot shipping the statue was jammed here, and consequently a shrine was established with the permission of the then Rana of Mewar at Nathdwara.

In Shrinathji temple, worship (puja) is replaced by servitude (seva). The temple priests change the vestments and ornaments of Shrinathji daily with love and reverence. It is believed that he appears to his devotees in many forms: the divine child inspiring parental love, the flute playing good in the forests of Vrindavan luring maidens with the melody of his flute.

Darshans or glimpses of Srinathji can be sought 8 times in the day. Individually known as Ashtaya, the 8 darshans are as below:

Mangala
Shrungar
Gwal
Rajbhog
Uthhapan
Bhog
Sandhaya Aarti and
Shayan

In each of them the leelas (divine manifestations) of the Lord are described and harmonized with His daily routine. Millions of devotees come here every year, to make there wish and pray to the almighty Lord Krishna.

In the temple, enshrined is a unique image of Lord Krishna, which has been sculptured from a single piece of black marble. One of the arms of the life size image is raised in a manner so as to give an impression of holding the Govardhan Mountain. The other arm rests at the waist which seems not only a dance posture but also as if God is blessing the devotees.

Shrinathji Temple is one amongst the richest temples of India. It receives millions of rupees as offering to the Lord. The temple authorities possess approximately 500 cows and the milk of these cows, is used for the preparation of sweets and milk products. Among these cows, there is one cow that is considered as Shrinathji's cow.

Life in the town revolves around the "Haveli" term used for all the temples of the "Pushti Marga". This is one of the most colourful sects within the devotional side of Hinduism.The Havali is the centre of attraction in the Town. Temple servants still wear the clothes and costumes of the bygone era, serving the Lord of Nathadwara as the beloved prince and darling of Nanadaraj and Yashodaji.

Festival:
Various religious festivals are celebrated at the temple like Janmashtmi, Phooldol and Diwali. The Annakutta is famous worldwide where cooked rice is hurled at the devotees after the ceremony and is 'looted' by them. Non-Hindus are allowed to visit this temple, however with the exception of foreigners. Undoubtedly, Shrinathji Temple is a place worth-visiting and feeling the spiritual delight.

Other important temples in Udaipur:
Eklingji Temple
Jagat Temple
Jagdish Temple
Kankroli Temple
Nathdwara Temple
Ranakpur Temple
Rishabdeo Temple

How to reach:
by Air: Air-Indian Airlines and Jet Air are having flights up to Udaipur, from where it is one hour drive in Taxi or Bus.
by Road: Nathdwara is well connected by Mumbai/ Surat/ Baroda/ Ahmedabad with good motorable roads.
by Rail: Mavli rail junction is the closest to Nathdwara. Road: Well connected by road with Udaipur.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.