Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara
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π Nathdwara, Rajasthan
β Featured National SignificanceThe sacred abode of Shrinathji, a 7-year-old child form of Lord Krishna, Nathdwara Temple is one of the most important Vaishnavite temples in India, known for its elaborate seva traditions and exquisite Pichhwai paintings.
π Practical Information
ποΈ Spiritual Details
Shrinathji (Lord Krishna)
Pushtimarg Temple (Haveli)
Shrinathji, Govardhan Nath, Thakurji
β¨ Spiritual Highlights
The temple is believed to grant unconditional divine grace and pure devotion. Devotees believe that Shrinathji's darshan removes all sorrows and fills hearts with divine love. The temple is said to provide protection from all difficulties and bless devotees with prosperity, happiness, and spiritual fulfillment. The deity is especially compassionate toward sincere devotees.
The miraculous event of the chariot wheels getting stuck in Nathdwara is considered the Lord's divine will. Many devotees have experienced spiritual transformations and divine visions of Shrinathji. The elaborate daily sevas are believed to have magical effects on devotees' lives. The temple is famous for fulfilling devotees' heartfelt prayers, especially those related to children and family welfare.
Attending the eight daily darshans (Mangala, Shringar, Gwaal, Rajbhog, Utthapan, Bhog, Sandhya Aarti, Shayan), offering bhog to Shrinathji, singing devotional songs (kirtans), viewing and collecting Pichhwai paintings, offering makhan mishri (butter and sugar candy), and participating in seasonal celebrations with appropriate attire changes.
Receipt of divine grace (Pushti), enhancement of pure devotional love, spiritual joy and contentment, protection from difficulties, fulfillment of family-related wishes, development of artistic and musical sensibilities, emotional and mental peace, and attainment of Krishna consciousness.
π About Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara
Shrinathji Temple, located in Nathdwara (meaning "Gateway to Shrinathji"), Rajasthan, is a highly revered temple dedicated to Shrinathji, a manifestation of Lord Krishna as a 7-year-old child lifting Govardhan Hill. The temple was established in 1672 CE when the idol was being transported from Mathura to protect it from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's iconoclasm. According to legend, the chariot carrying the deity got stuck in mud at Nathdwara, which was interpreted as the Lord's wish to stay there permanently. The temple belongs to the Pushtimarg (Path of Grace) tradition founded by Vallabhacharya and is managed by his descendants. The deity is unique as it shows Krishna with his left hand raised, holding the Govardhan Hill on his little finger. The temple is famous for its elaborate daily seva rituals performed eight times a day, each with different attire and decorations for the deity. Nathdwara is also renowned as the birthplace of Pichhwai paintings, intricate cloth paintings depicting Shrinathji in various moods and seasons. The temple follows strict rituals and photography of the main deity is strictly prohibited. The Haveli-style architecture and the devotional fervor make Nathdwara one of the most spiritually significant pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavites.
ποΈ Architecture & Heritage
Haveli Architecture (Rajasthani) (Medieval (1672 CE))
Traditional Haveli-style architecture, intricate marble work, painted walls and ceilings, narrow lanes leading to the temple, the main sanctum (Garbha Griha), beautiful courtyards, and the famous Pichhwai painting galleries
The main Shrinathji idol in black stone, the sacred Govardhan Shila, original Pichhwai paintings, traditional ornaments and garments for the deity, ancient manuscripts, and musical instruments
π Festivals & Celebrations
Janmashtami: August-September, Annakut: October-November (day after Diwali), Holi: February-March, Nand Mahotsav: August, Sharad Purnima: October, Diwali: October-November
Elaborate Annakut celebration with 500+ food items offered, grand Holi celebrations with colors, seasonal seva changes, special decorations during festivals
Hindola (swing) seva during monsoon, Sharad Purnima celebrations with moonlight darshan, seasonal attire changes for the deity matching weather and festivals
π Rituals & Traditions
Eight elaborate daily sevas with costume changes, abhishekam with panchamrit, offering of 56 bhog items (Chhappan Bhog), aarti ceremonies, kirtan sessions, and seasonal decorations
Eight daily sevas with complete costume and decoration changes, strict prohibition on photography of the deity, elaborate seasonal celebrations, tradition of Pichhwai paintings, offering of Chhappan Bhog (56 food items), and the unique incomplete idol showing only face and left arm
Traditional bhog prasadam including peda, laddu, makhan mishri, mohanbhog, panchamrit, seasonal fruits, and the famous Nathdwara pedas distributed to devotees
π Visitor Guidelines
Traditional Indian attire required. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or western casual wear. Men should wear dhoti-kurta or traditional dress. Women should wear saree or traditional dress. Remove shoes before entering. Photography of the main deity strictly prohibited.
Can be crowded during peak times. Limited wheelchair accessibility due to crowds. Special arrangements for elderly and disabled devotees available with prior arrangement.
π₯ Videos
ποΈ Divine Snapshot
Shrinathji (Lord Krishna)
Pushtimarg Temple (Haveli)
Varies by darshan: 5:30 AM β 10:00 PM (with breaks between sevas)
Nathdwara, Rajasthan
Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313301, India
βοΈ How to Reach
Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (48 km)
Mavli Junction Railway Station (28 km), Nathdwara Railway Station (2 km)
Nathdwara Bus Stand (1 km)
By Road: Well connected via NH-58 from Udaipur and Ahmedabad. By Train: Nathdwara and Mavli Junction are nearest stations. By Air: Udaipur airport is the nearest. Best time to visit: October to March. Plan visits according to darshan timings. Be prepared for crowds during festivals. Respect photography restrictions.
π¨ Accommodation
Extensive accommodation options including dharamshalas, guesthouses, and hotels near the temple. Many Pushtimarg followers offer accommodation to devotees. Budget to luxury options available.
πΊοΈ Nearby Attractions
Eklingji Temple, Haldighati, Rajsamand Lake, Kankroli, Udaipur City Palace and Lake Pichola (48 km), Kumbhalgarh Fort (80 km)
π Associated Deities
π§ Audio Guide Available
Audio guide is available for this temple to enhance your spiritual experience.