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Nathdwara
The chant "Harey Rama, Harey Krishna" is not only known in India but recognized world wide. The hymn is associated with Lord Krishna and His followers are found far and wide. The divine and rhythmic lyrics give you a spiritual high and bring you a step closer to the supreme power.
Once upon a time..
Historians cite that the image of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to a secure place from Vrindaban to protect it from the destructive vengeance of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It is said that when the image reached Nathdwara, the bullock carts wheel sank deep down in mud and refused to move further. The priest escorting the image took this as an indication from the Lord Almighty and enshrined it there with complete vedic rites and tradition. This great Vaishnavite shrine was built in the 17th century.
Location
Nathdwara lies 48 kms from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the Lord. It is situated on the banks of Banas River.
The divine Art
The temple is a holy place of the Vaishnavas. It is also the center of Pushtimarg Sampradaya, a principle laid down by Jagat guru Sri Vallabhacharya. The main idol is sculptured out of one piece of black marble.
One arm of the life size image is raised up which gives an impression of holding the Govardhan mountain. The other arm rests at the waist giving it a look of dancing posture and also seems as if God is blessing the devotees.
Shrinathji is believed to have lifted the Govardhan hill to save the people of Brajbhoomi from the wrath of Varun-Lord of Rain.
The temple has three entrances. The first is through the red door at Chaupati from where the Govardhan worship place can be reached. Surajpol is an entrance exclusively for women and leads to Kamal Chowk through Singhpol.
Several festivals are celebrated here. People come in large numbers during "Janamashtmi" the day of Lord's birth and other festivals like Holi, Phooldol and Diwali. The annakootritual is famous worldwide. In this cooked rice is hurled at the devotees after the ceremony, which is 'looted' by them.
The priests treat the Lord as a living deity and perform the entire daily chores for him like bathing- dressing meals called "prasad" and the resting times in regular intervals. Here worship (puja) is replaced by servitude (seva). The temple priests change the vestments and ornaments of Shrinathji daily with love and reverence.
The main attractions are the Arties and the Shringar. The fineries and real ornaments of God dazzles the onlookers and creates an alluring atmosphere. The view of the Lord after the removal of pardha (curtain) is intoxicating. The mystic, spirited aura of India comes alive.
It's famous for its 'pichwani' paintings, which Shri Krishna in the centre and is recognized for profuse use of gold colour.
To pay one's offering the devotees are expected to come during different time slots. These eight specified time slots are collectively known as Ashtaya. They are called Mangala, Shrungar, Gwal, Rajbhog, Uthhapan, Bhog, Sandhaya Aarti and Shayan. During each of the time slots the devotees and followers chant hymns and lyrics in praise of the lord.
The places worth seeing in the temple are:
Moti Mahal
Sudarshan Chakraraj
Dhwajaji
Kamal Chowk
Ratan Chowk
Mani Kotha
Temples of Shri Navnit Priyaji
Shri Krishna storehouse (having silver and golden mills)
As a famous quote goes "Though our feelings come and go, God's love for us does not," Shrinathji Temple invites you all for a blissful touch.
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