Nathdwara (Shrinathji)

E-mail

Room Type

Check-in

Check-out

Guests

Adults

Children

Nathdwara is a town in Rajasthan a state of western India. It is located in the Aravalli hills, on the banks of the Banas River in Rajsamand District, 48 kilometres north-east of Udaipur. This town is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the idol of Shrinathji, a 14th-century, 7-year-old “infant”incarnation of Krishna. The idol was originally worshipped at JATIPURA Mathura and was shifted in the 1672 from Govardhan hill, near Mathura along holy river Yamuna after being retained at Agra for almost six months, in order to protect it from anti-Hindu fanatic iconoclastic Islamic policies of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. Literally, Nathdwara means ‘Gateway to Shrinathji’. Nathdwara is a significant Vaishnavite shrine pertaining to the Pushti Marg or the Vallabh Sampradaya or the Shuddha Advaita founded by Vallabha Acharya, revered mainly by people of Gujarat and Rajasthan, among others. Vitthal Nathji, son of Vallabhacharya institutionalized the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara. Nathdwara town itself is popularly referred to as ‘Shrinathji’, after the presiding deity.

As per the religious myths, the shrine at Nathdwara was built in the 17th century at the spot as exactly ordained by Shrinathji himself. The idol of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to a safer place from Vrindaban. When the idol reached the spot at village Sihad or Sinhad, the wheels of bullock cart in which the idol was being transported sank axle-deep in mud and could not be moved any futher. The accompanying priests realised that the particular place was the Lord’s chosen spot and accordingly, a temple was built there under the rule and protection of the then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. Shrinathji Temple is also known as ‘Haveli of Shrinathji’ (mansion).

The 12th century Srinathji Temple has a unique architecture and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This beautiful building has a spire with seven flags along with a wheel. The main idol of the presiding deity is carved out of a single black marble. Other prominent religious sites in the area are Shri Charbhujaji, Eklingji and Dwarkadheesh Temple.

Time Of Shreenathji Darshan (Approximate Time)

Mangla Darshan

This is the first darshan of the day. The name Mangla underlines auspiciousness of beginning the day with a glimpse of lord. In winter this darshan takes place before sunrise, later in summer.

Winter	Summer
5.00 Am.	5.30 Am.

Shringar

The next darshana follows the first by hour and is called shringara. Shrinathji is dressed carefully from head to foot, and a garland of flowers is placed around his neck.

Winter	Summer
7.00 Am.	7.30 Am.

Gwal

Third darshana takes place at the hour when the lord takes his cows to pasture. The Mukhiya of the Gaushala (Cowpen) of Nathdwara visits Shrinathji at this time to inform him that all his cows are well.

Winter	Summer
8.30 Am.	9.30 Am.

Rajbhog

The main meal of the day is offered to Shrinathji at Rajabhoga. Vitthalnathji, the son of the founder of Pushti Marga, has planned this as the most elaborate darshana of all.

Winter	Summer
10.00 Am.	11.30 Am.

Utthapan

During the afternoon, around 3.30 p.m., Shrinathji is aroused from his nap. A Conch is blown, it is time for him to return home with his Cows.

Winter	Summer
3.15 Pm.	3.45 Pm.

Bhog

A light meal is served to Shrinathji during Bhog. A Chhadidara stands guard formally dressed in a Pagha (Turban), a Pataka (Sash) and a Gheradar Jama (A Garment with a Flaring Skirt).

Winter	Summer
4.15 Pm.	4.30 Pm.

Aarti

Sandhya Aarti is the evening darshana. This darshana takes place at dusk, when krishna use to bring his Cows home from the fields. The predominant mood is matrubhava (motherly love).

Winter	Summer
5.00 Pm.	5.15 Pm.

Shayan

Final Darshana of the day commences only after rasoiya boli, when the priest ascends the terrace of the haveli and calls out – Cook, come early the following day. After this, drumming heralds Darshana.

Winter	Summer
6.30 Pm.	7.00 Pm.