Shrinathji Temple, Nathwara
The
temple of shrinathji or Lord Krishna, belonging to the Vaishnav religion is located
at Nathdwara, 48 kms. north of Udaipur. As thousands of tourists and pilgrims
from all parts of the world pass the lofty mountains and serene lakes of Udaipur,
it is impossible for them to resist visiting this important pilgrim centre.
In the temple, enshrined is a unique image of Lord Krishna, which has been
sculptured from a single piece of black marble.
It is believed that during
the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Lord Krishna's image was brought to
Mewar from Mathura by Goswami Daoji and enshrined with complete vedic rites and
tradition at Shrinathji by the ruler of Mewar.
One of the arms of the
life size image is raised in a manner so as to give an impression of holding the
Govardhan mountain. The other arm rests at the waist which seems not only a dance
posture but also as if God is blessing the devotees.
In Shrinathji temple,
worship (puja) is replaced by servitude (seva). The temple priests change the
vestments and ornaments of Shrinathji daily with love and reverence. It is believed
that he appears to his devotees in many forms: the divine child inspiring parental
love, the flute playing good in the forests of Vrindavan luring maidens with the
melody of his flute.
Places worth seeing in the temple include the Moti
Mahal. Sudarshan Chakraraj, Dhwajaji, Kamal Chowk, Ratan Chowk, Mani Kotha and
the temples of Shri Navnit Priyaji. The Shri Krishna storehouse has silver and
golden mills.
Apart from that, the Shakghar milkboth and the outlets
having roses, betel leaf, sweets and clothes as well as the gardens are worth
a visit. The temple has three entrances. The first is through the red door at
Chaupati from where the Govardhan worship place can be reached.
Surajpol
is an entrance excludively for women and leads to Kamal Chowk through Singhpol.
Various religious festivals are celebrated at the temple like Janmashtmi, Phooldol
and Diwali. The annakootritual is famous worldwide where cooked rice is hurled
at the devotees after the ceremony and is 'looted' by them. This important pilgrim
centre is well connected by rail and road.
" Shrinathji Temple - Nathwara, Rajasthan
Pilgrim Places Reservation Form "
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