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.