Nathdwara, lying 48 kms from Udaipur is an important site of Hindu pilgrimage and literally means gateway to the Lord. The Temple of Shrinathji is also known as the 'Haveli of Srinathji' or the Nathdwara Temple.
Shrinathji, the deity who is enshrined in this temple is depicts the form of Lord Krishna in which he lifted the Govardhana hill in his hands and thus provided shelter to the cow herds under the hill from the relentless rain send by Indra, the water god.
During the occurrences of 'Janamashtmi' (Krishna's Birthday) and Holi, numerous pilgrims gather here to venerate Shrinathji.
History- Legend has it that this image of Shrinathji originally belonged to Mathura and from there it was transported to Rajasthan to protect it from the devastating rage of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who was demolishing all Hindu temples at that time.
This image was brought to Nathdwara by Goswami Daoji and he constructed a temple and enshrined him in the 17th century according to Lord's will.
Description -The idol of Srinathji is carved out from a solid piece of black marble and the image adorned with zari bordered, embroidered silk cloth and dazzling antique jewels looks stunning. The devotees become overwhelmed after visiting the wonderful image of their lord.
Srinathji is treated as a living deity by the priests and hence the idol is bathed, dressed and offered Prasad (sanctified food) regularly. The deity also has arresting time after regular intervals.
Arties and Shringar are performed with lamps (diyas), incense and prayers are offered with flowers and fruits.
All these activities are accompanied by devotional songs of the Lord and the music of local instruments. One should not miss out Moti Mahal while visiting this temple.
Events- Religious festivals like Janmashtmi, Phooldol, Holi, Annakootritua and Diwali are some of the festivals celebrated here.
Visit Timings- There are eight time slots when the devotees can visit the temple or have a darshan of Shrinathji.
These particular eight slots are collectively known as Ashtaya and include Mangala, Shrungar, Gwal, Rajbhog, Uthhapan, Bhog, Sandhaya Aarti and Shayan.
