Shrinathji Temple is a 17th century Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna. This temple is situated in a small town called as Nathdwara which is some 48 kilometres to the northeast of Udaipur. It is one of the important pilgrimage centres for Vaishnavas. The deity of Shrinathji is considered to be a self manifested. It was during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, the idol of Shri Krishna was transferred to a safe place to protect it from the iconoclastic, anti-Hindu and barbarian destruction.
When the cart carrying the idol reached a particular place in the village of Sinhad or Sihad, the cart sank in the mud to axle deep and could not be moved. The accompanying priests realized that the Lord has chosen that particular place and they constructed a temple during the rule of Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. Nathdwara means “gate of the lord’ and the temple is known as “Haveli of Shrinathji” and is an important pilgrimage centre for Vaishnavas/Hindus.
The idol comes with the imprint of two cows, snake, two peacocks, lion and a parrot on the God’s head. The temple also has nearly 500 cows and out of those 500 cows, one is considered as the cow of Lord Shrinathji believing that it has come from the pedigree which served the Lord for many centuries. During ancient times, a large amount of food used to arrive at the temple to be consigned by Lord Shrinathji. This temple is not only famous in Rajasthan but also in other parts of the country and this temple is visited by a large number of Vaishnavas.
Festivals like Diwali, Janmashtami and Holi are celebrated with great pomp and show. During these periods, pilgrims from all over the world throng this place. ‘Annakutta’ is yet another festival that is celebrated with great fervor. It is ideal to avoid visiting this temple during these days. It is also to be noted that only Hindus will be allowed into the temple except the foreigners.
Though Nathdwara town is famous for the Shrinathji Temple, but it is also renowned for pichhwai paintings, ivory articles and luscious sweets. You can buy some memorabilia from the town in memory of your visit to this temple. All the Hindus must visit this temple to be blessed by Lord Shrinathji and also enjoy the spiritual bliss.
When the cart carrying the idol reached a particular place in the village of Sinhad or Sihad, the cart sank in the mud to axle deep and could not be moved. The accompanying priests realized that the Lord has chosen that particular place and they constructed a temple during the rule of Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. Nathdwara means “gate of the lord’ and the temple is known as “Haveli of Shrinathji” and is an important pilgrimage centre for Vaishnavas/Hindus.
Structure of Shrinathji Temple in Udaipur
Though the temple structure is simple, but it has been aesthetically designed. The whole temple is made out of pure white marble and comes with intricate carvings. The devotees can feel the celestial beauty of the God from the idol. Lord Shrinathji revealed with a raised left hand and with the right hand bunged in a fist. This idol is said to symbolize Lord Shri Krishna holding the “Govardhana” hill. The idol is made out of the single large black stone.The idol comes with the imprint of two cows, snake, two peacocks, lion and a parrot on the God’s head. The temple also has nearly 500 cows and out of those 500 cows, one is considered as the cow of Lord Shrinathji believing that it has come from the pedigree which served the Lord for many centuries. During ancient times, a large amount of food used to arrive at the temple to be consigned by Lord Shrinathji. This temple is not only famous in Rajasthan but also in other parts of the country and this temple is visited by a large number of Vaishnavas.
Festivals like Diwali, Janmashtami and Holi are celebrated with great pomp and show. During these periods, pilgrims from all over the world throng this place. ‘Annakutta’ is yet another festival that is celebrated with great fervor. It is ideal to avoid visiting this temple during these days. It is also to be noted that only Hindus will be allowed into the temple except the foreigners.
Though Nathdwara town is famous for the Shrinathji Temple, but it is also renowned for pichhwai paintings, ivory articles and luscious sweets. You can buy some memorabilia from the town in memory of your visit to this temple. All the Hindus must visit this temple to be blessed by Lord Shrinathji and also enjoy the spiritual bliss.
