ABOUT SHRINATHJI TEMPLE, NATHDWARA

Shrinathji Temple also known as Nathdwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shrinathji in Nathdwara(near Udaipur), Rajasthan. It is considered an important pilgrimage centre by Vaishnavas.

“Jai Shree Krishna” … these are three words that you can hear in most Indian Hindu Households. The stories about Lord Krishna and his miracles are not unknown to anyone around the world and every story sees him in a different avatar or form. Shrinathji is one such form of Lord having an abode in Nathdwara and presence in almost every Hindu home.

Those deeper devotees of Lord Krishna would never miss going to Nathdwara Temple, after all, the temple has positive vibes and a very deep history associated with it.

A Peek into the History of Shrinathji Temple

The history about Shrinathji temple goes back to the time when Lord Krishna was a young boy. As a young boy, he visited Mewar to play Chausar with Ajab Kunwari, the beautiful princess of the state. While the princess enjoyed her time thoroughly during the game, as soon as it was time for the lord to leave, her face fell. She was full of complaints that her friendly companion would never stay with her. At that time, Lord Krishna made a promise to the princess that at the right time, Lord would take her place as a permanent abode.

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This promise was fulfilled at the time when centuries later during the establishment of the Shrinathji Temple. The idol of the Lord was being moved to the destined location for the temple. However, legends speak that as the idols were being moved, the carriage wheel stuck in the holy land of Nathdwara, the place that lord promised Princess Ajab Kunwari, that he would take as his permanent abode.

As the wheels got stuck, Nathdwara became the abode for lord, thereby fulfilling his promise.

Quick Facts

• Location – Nathdwara (near Udaipur), Rajasthan, India
• Address: NH 8, Shiv Nagar, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313301
• Opening Time – There are seven different timings for the worship, and the temple is open only on those timings. (More about this is detailed in Puja Timings)
• Best Time to Visit the Place – March (Holi) and August (Janmaashtmi)
• Nearby Places to Visit – Kumbalgarh, Udaipur, Eklingji Temple, Charbhujaji Temple, Kakroli, Dwarikadheeshji Temple
• Dress Code: Decent clothing is advised(belt and wallet not allowed)
• Photography: Not Allowed

Darshan Timings

The darshan timings vary depending on different circumstances such as the seasons, crowd, etc.

However, going by a tentative schedule, the temple opens at 5.15am for the Mangla Aarti and the final darshan are at 6.30pm with the temple doors closing after the Sandhya Aarti.

Between these timings, the temple opens for Darshan at seven different intervals. It goes as under:

Astonishing Facts About Shrinathji

The Idol is a Form of Radha-Krishna

People have seen Shreenathji as a form of Shri Krishna. However, legends reveal that the idol is a Swaroop (form) of Radha-Krishna.

This can be seen from the fact that the idol is embellished with jewels and saree.

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The Connection with Aurangzeb

Legends mention the connection of the temple with Aurangzeb. This is about the time when the emperor was wasted in his power and authority and was blindly destroying the Hindu temples all over India to establish his Mughal Sultanate. At this time, the Emperor was known to have actually lost his eyes and go blind.

Legends state that the blindness occurred due to the rage of Shreenathji. As Aurangzeb realized this, he crawled to the Nathdwara temple to pray for his eyes. After much prayers, Aurangzeb got his eyes back, and at that time, Aurangzeb dedicated a diamond gifted by his mother to the lord. This diamond is placed on the chin of lord.

There is not very much clarity or authenticity for this story, but that’s what some legends speak of, and we do see a diamond on the beard of the idol.

Annakut in the Temple

We’ve all heard of the Chappan Bhog. There’s a very interesting story about the Chappan Bhog Annakut in the Nathdwara Temple.

On this Annakut day, the idol is adorned with precious jewels, is bathed with milk, and a mahabhog with 56 or 108 dished shaped in the form of a mountain for the resemblance with Govardhan Parvata.

This is because the idol is known to emerge from the Govardhan Parvat in Mathura. We’re all aware of the legend when Lord Krishna held Govardhan Parvat on his little finger to save the villages from the wrath of Lord Indra.

Lord held the parvat for 8days and in all these days the villagers devoted bhog to him for seven times. That’s why it’s called “Chappan Bhog” and the delicious and delectable food is devoted to God in the number of fifty-six and multiples there of.

How to Reach Shrinathji Temple?

By Air

If you’re planning to reach by flight, you can take a flight to Udaipur which is 48kms from Nathdhwara, where you can reach by the road. It’s easy to find a bus or car to reach the holy land. Regular buses and taxis ply to Nathdwara from Udaipur. Many domestic airlines connect the city to most of the major cities in India. Taxi services are offered at a rate of Rs 700 from airport to Nathdwara city.

By Rail

The nearest Railway Station is Mavli Jn, which is 30 kms far from Nathdwara and you can continue the further journey by the road via a taxi or state run buses.

By Road

Going to Nathdwara involves a road journey even when you plan a journey by air or rail. However, if you’re looking for a longer journey, you can plan the entire trip by the road. The path is sleek and straight, and you can really reach without any difficulties whatsoever. Rajasthan Roadways operates public bus services between Udaipur and other major cities in Rajasthan.

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Where to Stay?

Nathdwara has innumerous places for you to stay. You can find many economical hotels and lodges in the city and booking them is very easy. Save the peak festival timings, you can just simply get a place in any hotel/lodge at Nathdwara in every street.

Note: We don’t make any guarantees if the above-stated facts are not correct. If you think any information provided by us is wrong then contact us.