SRINATHJI TEMPLE NATHDWARA, RAJASTHAN-



SRINATHJI TEMPLE NATHDWARA,RAJASTHAN-

                                                                                                   

This is one of the representation of Srinathji, 
among several available in Nathdwara market

            Sri Nathji temple at Nathdwara is not only one of the six Nath Temples ,dedicated to Lord  Vishnu but also the  main centre of the followers of  Vallabh Sampradaya. This very important temple, is located about 50 km from Udaipur. The architecture of the temple looks like a large Haveli in which the sacred idol of Sri Nathji is caressed like a child by their devotees. It is believed that on the Govardhan Parvat, located at the border of states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, a cow while grazing over the hill used to pour her milk at a particular place every day. During a course of time people found an idol of Lord Srinathji emerging at that place. After complete appearance of the deity, the idol was originally installed at a temple at Jatipura village, where Lord Krishna  spent his childhood. During Moughal period when Aurangzeb attacked the Mathura-Vrindavan and his army started destroying the temples, the idol of Srinathji was moved to Agra and there after to so many places in Rajasthan for safety, before reaching to his final destination Sinhad,presently known as Nathdwara.It is said that the wheels of chariot carrying the deity struck at earth in this place and then the people believed that Srinathji finally wants to stay at this place.

                  Srinathji is a living deity in Nathdwara.  It will be necessary to mention  the traditional Puja  and offerings  performed during the different Jhankis or Darshan. During  Mangla in early morning, Lord is awakened and offered butter, snacks and fruits. During  Sringar darshan Lord is  dressed in a magnificent way and afterwards a mirror is shown to him and dry fruits are offered to  Srinathji. During Gwala darshan,at a time when Lord Krishna take exit with his cows, sweets and milk are offered to the deity.During Rajbhog(lunch time), Srinathji is offered different varieties of food. During Uthaapam,  when Lord Krishna is again awakened after his nap, fruits and milk is offered to him. Afterwards during Bhog, more food is offered to Srinathji.In evening, Sandhya Arti is performed and at Shayan ,Srinathji  is also offered betel(Paan) with food.

                      During unrest and attack at Nathdwara, Srinathji  also stayed  in a fort type temple at Ghasiyar,which is located in the Aravalli  hills, and was a dense forest in those days.This temple at Ghasiyar is located at Udaipur- Mount Abu national high way. Srinathji stayed at Ghasiyar for more than five years, afterwards  Lord returned  back to Nathdwara.

This temple at Ghasiyar 

 

This temple at Ghasiyar

                        Devotees visiting Nathdwara may also visit Shri Vallabh Sangharalaya (Museum) at Lalbagh,which is located about two kms from the main temple. Visitors can look here the  chariot (Rath) ,doli, old paintings and other antique items, which help them to understand the great culture and traditions of Nathdwara.

                                                                                             


Shri Vallabh Sangharalaya

                        Visitors, if they can spare some time , may also visit the famous temple of  Ekling  Mahadev temple,which is located about 25 kms from Nathdwara. This temple, at the bank of Indra Sarovar , has a impressive four faced Shiva Linga in black marble ,as main deity.