Shrinathji Temple, Nathwara
The temple of shrinathji or Lord Krishna, belonging to the Vaishnav
religion is located at Nathdwara, 48 kms. north of Udaipur. As thousands
of tourists and pilgrims from all parts of the world pass the lofty
mountains and serene lakes of Udaipur, it is impossible for them to resist
visiting this important pilgrim centre.
In the temple, enshrined is a
unique image of Lord Krishna, which has been sculptured from a single
piece of black marble.
It is believed that during the reign of the
Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Lord Krishna's image was brought to Mewar from
Mathura by Goswami Daoji and enshrined with complete vedic rites and
tradition at Shrinathji by the ruler of Mewar.
One of the arms of the
life size image is raised in a manner so as to give an impression of
holding the Govardhan mountain. The other arm rests at the waist which
seems not only a dance posture but also as if God is blessing the
devotees.
In Shrinathji temple, worship (puja) is replaced by
servitude (seva). The temple priests change the vestments and ornaments of
Shrinathji daily with love and reverence. It is believed that he appears
to his devotees in many forms: the divine child inspiring parental love,
the flute playing good in the forests of Vrindavan luring maidens with the
melody of his flute. Places worth seeing in the temple include the Moti
Mahal. Sudarshan Chakraraj, Dhwajaji, Kamal Chowk, Ratan Chowk, Mani Kotha
and the temples of Shri Navnit Priyaji. The Shri Krishna storehouse has
silver and golden mills. Apart from that, the Shakghar milkboth and the
outlets having roses, betel leaf, sweets and clothes as well as the
gardens are worth a visit. 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 excludively for women and leads to
Kamal Chowk through Singhpol. Various religious festivals are celebrated
at the temple like Janmashtmi, Phooldol and Diwali. The annakootritual is
famous worldwide where cooked rice is hurled at the devotees after the
ceremony and is 'looted' by them.
This important pilgrim centre is
well connected by rail and road.
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