Nathdwara Temple in Udaipur

Nathdwara is a small town in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Situated at a distance of 48kms in the north-east of Udaipur, Nathdwara is sited on the right bank of Banas River. Nathdwara is famous for its 17th century temple that is dedicated to Lord Shrinathji (Lord Krishna). The term 'Nathdwara' suggests the 'gate of the lord'. Shrinathji Temple is also known as 'Haveli of Shrinathji' and makes a prominent pilgrimage of the Hindus / Vaishnavas.

The temple has a story behind its establishment. According to the legend, the image of Lord Shrinath ji was enshrined in Vrindavan (land of Lord Krishna), but to protect the idol from the destructive rage of Aurangzeb. In 1672, Rana Raj Singh was the only gallant, who made an effort to rescue the idol from the domain of Aurangzeb. It is said that when the image was being shifted to an impervious place then at a particular place, the wheel of vehicle sank deep down in mud. The image refused to move further, so the escorting priest apprehended that this was Lord's chosen spot. Thus, a temple was built on the same spot.

The structure of this temple is simple, but the aesthetic appeal of this temple is ceaseless. The image of Shrinathji is worth seeing and feeling the celestial beauty of the God. Lord Shrinathji symbolizes a form of Lord Krishna, when he lifted the 'Govardhana' (a hill). In the image, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right is bunged in a fist. The idol is carved out of a large black stone. Images of two cows, a snake, a lion, two peacocks and a parrot by the god's head are imprinted on the idol.

The temple authorities have not less than 500 cows and amongst them; one is regarded as Shrinathji's cow. It is considered that this cow has come from the pedigree that served the lord for centuries. Earlier, wagon-loads of food used to come here, which were said to be consigned by and consigned to Shrinathji. The holy shrine of Shrinathji is famous all over Rajasthan and India. People of Vaishnava community come in large numbers to visit this holy pilgrimage.

During the times of Holi, Diwali and Janmashtmi, people throng in large numbers and the place gets overcrowded. Apart from festivals like Holi and Janmashtmi, Annakutta is a major festival that is celebrated in the temple with full gusto and fervor. A visit to this temple must be avoided during these days. Shrinathji Temple can be visited by only Hindus with an exception of foreigners.

Nathdwara town is also famous as the Apollo of Mewar. In the town of Nathdwara, Shrinathji temple is the centre of attraction, but the town is also famous for its 'pichhwai' paintings, ivory articles and mouth-watering sweets. You can purchase articles from here as a souvenir of your religious trip to Shrinathji. One must visit this temple to feel the spiritual ecstasy and get the blessings of Lord Shrinathji.

History of Shrinathji Temple Udaipur
The Shrinathji image of God Krishna celebrates the seven-year-old child version of Krishna. This Swaroop of Krishna is known as Gopala, who was first worshipped by the Vallabhacharya in the Govardhan region of Vrindavan. Idol- The sculpture of Shrinathji is made on a monolith out of black stone. As per the legends, in around 12th century BC, the stone of the idol was self-manifested from the Govardhan Mountain. The Govardhan Mountain was lifted by Lord Krishna to protect people of Vrindavan from the wrath of jealous Lord Indra.

Protection- Many temples have been under the threat of loot and plunder by many foreign settlers such as Sultans and Mughals. Therefore during the invasion of Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, the people of Vrindavan shifted the idol to a predetermined destination. But as far the legends go, during the transit, the wheels of the cart holding the statue came to a standstill. The priests who were escorting the idol took this incident as Lord’s wish to stay at that very place. Therefore, at the same spot, the temple was made which is today widely known as the Shrinathji Temple of Nathdwara. Around 1672 under the keen and vigilant eye of Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar, the temple was established.

The architecture of Shrinathji Temple Udaipur
Built in the 17th century, the Shrinathji Temple is a major Lord Krishna temple in Udaipur. The temple has a simple architecture, but the rich carving found on the white marbles enhances its appeal. The architecture has a considerable resemblance to the Nanda Maharaj Temple located in Vrindavan. The local name of the temple is “Shrinathji ki Haveli.” The house has two essential features The foundation of the Shrinathji temple is laid on the fortified mansion of the honorable Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar.

The figure of Shrinathji is considered more of the head of the household rather than the temple. The people in Nathdwara have more love and respect towards the Shrinathji figure of Lord Krishna, rather than having a God and deity relationship. This kind of relationship is both rare and praiseworthy. The temple has an elaborate household structure. You can find separate storehouses for milk, flowers, sweets, decorations along with different kitchen spaces, stable, treasury as well as a drawing room.