Shrinathji Temple

Shrinathji temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to shrinathji in Nathdwara. It is a very important pilgrimage of vaishnavs. It is located 48 kilometres north-east of Udaipur city in Rajasthan. Shrinathji is the central presiding deity of Vaishnava known as pushti marg (the way of grace). It was established by shri vallabhacharya. Shrinathji is worshiped mainly by the Vaishnava’s of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Vitthal nathji, son of shri vallabhacharya institutionalised the worship of shrinathji in nathdwara. On account of the popularity of nathdwara is itself famous from the name of ‘shrinathji’.

Structure and design of the temple:

The temple has been designed in the lines of temple of nanda maharaja (Krishna’s father) in vrindavan. It is also known as nanda bhavan or nandalaya.

Structurally, a kalasha on the sikhara marks the top of the temple, on which seven flags are flown along with the sudharshana chakra. The seven flags represent the clothes of the seven sakhis of Krishna. The temple is also popular by the name of shrinathji ki haveli. The nathdwara temple has some subsidiary temples dedicated to deity madan mohan and naveet priya.

Image of shrinathji:

Shrinathji symbolizes a form of Krishna, when he lifted the govardhan hill with one arm raised. The image is in the form of a single black marble, when the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and his right hand at the waist with a large diamond placed beneath the lips. The idol is made up of marble stone with images of two cows, one lion, one snake, two peacocks and one parrot engraved on it.

Festivals and rituals at the temple:

Janmashtami is the most famous festivals celebrated in shrinathji temple. The deity is treated like a living image and is attended with daily normal functions like bathing, dressing, meals and resting. Since the deity is believed to be infant Krishna, according to that special care is taken. The main attractions are aartis and shringar i.e. the dressing and beautifying of the idol of shrinathji which changed several times a day. The formal prayers are done with diya, incense sticks, flowers, fruit and other offerings with local instruments and devotional songs of shrinathji.