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Read More on Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple
History
The Nathdwara temple history is filled to the brim with ups and downs. The Nathji is known to be Krishna’s seven-year-old incarnations. He is lovingly referred to as Gopal, Nathji, Gopala, and many more names follow. The idol was carved on a megalith of black rock. It is said that the megalith was self-manifested in the 12th century B.C. from the Goverdhan mountain. This idol that now resides in Nathdwara was originally worshipped in Goverdhan, Vrindavan by Vallabhacharya.
When the Mughal warriors invaded the city of Vrindavan under the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb, the idol was moved to safeguard it from the wrath of the Mughals. Nathdwara was in the route that lead to the city where the idol was to be placed. However, when the idol reached Nathdwara the wheel of the cart got stuck in the mud, even after multiple attempts the priests failed to move it. That is when the priests realized that, Nathji wanted to reside at this location. The temple which we visit now is built on the same location where the cart got stuck. This Shrinathji temple was constructed in 1672 and is worth visiting.
Architecture
The structure of the Shrinathji temple in Nathdwara resembles the Nanda Maharaj Temple which is in Vrindavan. The seven flags placed on the top of the temple hold significance too. This must have made you curious, well why don’t you visit the temple yourself and satiate your curiosity. Here we can see Shreenathji holding the holy Goverdhan Parvatha in one hand while his other hand rests on his waist.
The temple foundation was earlier a mansion of the Sisodia Rajputs and is now referred to as ‘ Shrinathji ki Haveli’. Here the almighty is considered to be the head of the household. The temple is a royal mansion in itself, that possesses a gigantic storeroom, a kitchen, stable, drawing-room, and treasury.
Activities
You can attend the various prayer ceremonies held during the day at the Shrinathji Nathdwara Temple, Udaipur.
The day at Nathdwara temple begins with:
- Mangala when the idol is revealed for the first darshan.
- The second ceremony for the day is Shringar
- Then comes Gwal, the mid-morning snack time for the deity
- Gwal leads to Rajbhog which screams luxury and royalty.
- The Utthanpan is the afternoon nap session.
- The day comes to an end after that Bhog which is the Lord's dinner,
- Sandhya Aarti is the final puja and Shayan bedtime for the Lord marks the end of the daily cycle of the temple.
The Nathdwara temple timings mentioned below may change from time to time and you can check it on the temple website.
- Mangala - 5:15 am - 06:00 am
- Shringar - 7:15 am - 07:45 am
- Gwal - 9:15 am - 9:30 am
- Rajbhog - 11:15 pm - 12:05 pm
- Uthapan - 3:30 pm - 3:45 pm
- Bhog - 4:45 pm - 5:00 pm
- Sandhya Aarti - 5:15 pm - 6:00 pm
- Shayan - 6:50 pm - 7:30 pm
You can even go site seeing, enjoy the rawness and purity the city still possesses. Other than the Nathdwara mandir the city has a huge idol of Lord Shiva. The city is a unique blend of old yet modern with a tinge of traditions and a streak of cultures.
Visit the market to shop till you drop. The market here offers a huge variety of items from accessories to showpieces and from clothes to bedsheets, you can easily get it all here.
Tips for visiting
- Avoid visiting the temple during festivals. However, if you want to be a part of the festivity then remember to plan your trip. Book the hotels and tickets early.
- Wear appropriate clothes and do not cause chaos in the temple premises.
- Take care of your belongings and avoid carrying pricey valuables.
- Do not litter around the temple premises.
- Click pictures only if it is permitted by the temple authorities.
Best time to visit
There is no such thing as ‘the best time to visit when it comes to visiting a Pilgrim site. However, if you want to explore the city then the winter season is a perfect time to plan your trip. The summers are a bit harsh and may cause hindrances in your plans. If you are not affected by crowded areas then you can come here during a festival to experience the celebration. You can come here during Holi, Diwali, or Annakutta.
Nearby Atractions
- Charbhuja
- The Eklingji Temple
- The Dwarkadheesh Temple
- Giriraj Parvat
If you plan to visit nearby cities or districts then you can club your trip to Nathdwara with:
- Ranakpur
- Chittorgarh
- Kumbhalgarh
- Pali
- Haldighati
- Rajsamand
- Alsigarh
Nearby market/ shopping places
The most famous good sold in Nathdwara is the Picchavi painting. Even if you do not plan on purchasing them you should have a look at these paintings. These are paintings that depict the idol of Shreenath Ji in various stances. These majestic paintings are made on various canvases. You may find some painted on a silk cloth, some on ivory and paper and so on. The terracotta showpieces and attar are worth purchasing. Attars are oil-based natural perfumes. If you like to experiment with clothing then you should for sure try on the tie and dye clothes sold here.
The silver jewelry of Nathdwara will add newness to your jewelry collection. The local market here even offers toys made of silver and gold, these products are famous because of the uniqueness they possess. The lane which leads to the Nathdwara temple has local shops on both sides, so you may end up purchasing a few souvenirs on your way.
Nearby Hotels
- Hotel Bansuri
- Hotel Shriji Arpan
- The Sky Imperial- Hotel Gopal Darshan
- Hotel Dwarika by Vrinda
- Hotel Sanmukh
Interesting Facts About Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple
- The divine sanctum is said to own 500 cows. The milk drawn from these cows is used to bathe the idol and is also served to him.
- This incarnation of Krishna is treated as a child. It is said that the idol never repeats clothes.
- The temple foundation was earlier a mansion of the Sisodia Rajputs and is now referred to as ‘ Shrinathji ki Haveli’.
- It is said that this idol was transferred from Vrindavan to safeguard it from the wrath of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
