History, Importance, Timings, Interesting & Unknown Facts and Travel Guide of Shreenathji Temple, Nathdwara, Rajasthan, India
Nathdwara- an elegant town of colorful state Rajasthan, 48 kilometers north east from city of lake called Udaipur. Also known as a gateway of god situated in the Aravalli hills on the River Bank of Banas. Main attraction of Nathdwara is, its religious identity, a glorious temple of SHRINATHJI, known as a temple of ‘Bal Avtar’ (Child incarnation) of Lord Krishna. The idol of Shrinathji is in the form of Lord Krishna lifting the Shree Govardhan hill with his left hand and right hand on his waist. It is a significant temple of Vaishnav, established by ‘Vallabh Sampraday’ or ‘Pushti Marg.’ Interesting fact is that the temple contains Idol of Shrinathji which is a sculpture on monolithic black stone. There is a belief that it is self-manifested from Govardhan hills, situated near Mathura in UP. According to history, in 1672 this Idol of Shrinathji has been shifted from Mathura, in order to keep it safe from Mughal invader Aurangzeb. But there is a belief that Nathdwara is a self-chosen place by Lord Shri Krishna, and after that this Shrinathji Temple has been built up by then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar there only. In Normal Days, Shrinathji Temple is always flooded with lots and lots of devotees, visitors and tourist from across the globe, just like a flow of river Yamuna. It is also popular as the “Shrinathji ki Haveli” in local people. The idol of Shrinathji is believed here as the head of the household and not like temple. The relation between the devotee and Shrinathji is really rare and admirable as the people in Nathdwara and devotees have true love and respect towards the Shrinathji and not like Bhagwan and Bhakt kind relation.
The architecture of Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara, near Udaipur, Rajasthan
Shrinathji Temple, a major Lord Krishna temple was built in 17th century. Though temple has a simple architecture but rich carving on the white marbles attracts everyone. Nathdwara temples resembles to the Nanda Maharaj Temple of Vrindavan Dham. Seven flat atop the temple represents the seven home of Pushtimarg Sampraday. The temple campus has rich household structure, where separate rooms for milk, flowers, sweets, decorations along with different kitchen spaces, drawing room are constructed.
The Puja Vidhi / Rituals Performed at Shrinathji Temple and Festival Celebration, Nathdwara, Rajasthan
As Shrinathji is a Bal Avtar of Lord Krishna, here Temple’s ‘Pujari’ (Priest) takes all necessary care of Lord Krishna just like his mother not only during worship hours but also throughout the day. Just like a living child, Everyday ‘Pujari’ takes care of his daily activity like bath him, feed him and dress him up according to timings. Inner ‘parda’(sanctum) of Temple is opened 8 times in a day and Devotees are allowed to enter into the temple for ‘Darshan’ which is also known as ‘Zankhi’. In which there are sequences known as ‘Mangala’, ‘Shringar’ , ‘Gwaal’ , ‘Raj Bhog’, ‘Utthapan’ , ‘Bhog’ , ‘’Sandhya Arti’ , ‘Shayan.’. All the Rituals have been performed as guided by the Vallabhaacharya. Janmashtami, Nand Mahotsav, Raas Lila and Sharad Purnima, Goverdhan Puja- Annakoot, Gopashtami, Holi, Rathyatra etc. festivals are celebrated with great zeal and true love towards the Supreme Lord Shri Krishan, here in Nathdwara.
Social and Spiritual Service managed by Nathdwara Temple, Rajasthan
Temple trust manages various social and spiritual activities like Hospitals, Gilrs Colleges, various stadium Gaushala etc.
Nearby Places from Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan
Apart from Shrinathji temple, Nathdwara has many more attractive places like Lalbaug, Giriraj Parikrama, Shrinath Gaushala, Vrindavan baug (‘Bhool Bhoolaia’) and Ganesh Tekri. Nathdwara’s Big Market is also known for its traditional jewelries, handmade toys, items related to worship, earthenware and Rajasthani traditional cloths. Nathdwara is also known for its regional traditional art called ‘Pichwai Painting’ which can be seen on wall of the temple and even on cloths. For Foodies this place is like heaven, ‘Thor’ as a Prasad, Phudina Tea, Poha, Chat and Thandaai are famous food items among the tourist and visitors.
Facilities at Nathdwara, Rajasthan
As Nathdwara is highly sacred place for Vaishnav across the globe, thus millions of devotee and tourist visits here throughout the year. Thus Nathdwara is very well developed to facilitate them for accommodation, food and travel.
How to reach Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara, Rajasthan
As Nathdwara is major pilgrimage destination of Rajasthan and just 50 km from Udaipur, thus it is very well connected via Air, Rail, and Road network. Maharana Pratap Airport is the closest airport, located in Udaipur at just 65 km from Nathdwara. From Airport, taxis and bus services are easily available to reach Nathdwara. By road Nathdwara is easily reachable by private vehicle or state transport bus from all major cities like Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Jodhpur etc. Mavli Junction is the nearest railway station at 30 from Nathdwara and Udaipur railway station is at 50 km. So all devotee can reach Nathdwara from all the major cities of India via railway.
