Shrinathji Mandir
“If Krishna is for you it doesn’t matter who is against you”. – Rachna Sharma
Jai Shri Krishna…. The Eighth avatar of God Vishnu, Lord Krishna is the most popular hero of Hindu Mythology. HE had an adventurous youth with a GOD disguised as a mortal and a prince disguised as a commoner. Indeed HE in his dual role was THE PUNISHER OF HUMAN DEEDS BUT ALSO A BRINGER OF ENLIGHTENMENT as described by Mark Cartwright in his definition of Lord Krishna.
Welcome to Shrinathji mandir, established about 300 years ago in the 17th century, and located about 48 km north – east of Udaipur in the city of Nathdwara and on the banks of river Banas.
The mandir is dedicated to Shrinathji (a form of Krishna) and is an imperative pilgrimage center for the Vaishnav sect known as the Pushti marg or the Vallabh Sampradaya or Shuddhadvaita established by Shri Vallabhacharya.
History
Shrinathji represents the seven year old childhood of Krishna famously known as Gopala. As per the legend, the deity is self-manifested from the stone and emerged from the Govardhan region. It was worshipped by the Vallabhacharya in the Govardhan region of Vrindavan.
Many temples were under the threat of loot by Mugals and foreign settlers. Therefore when Aurangzeb invaded Vrindavan, the people shifted the idol to a predetermined destination. When it reached the village of Sihad / Sinhad, the wheels of the cart holding the statue sank in mud and could not be moved further. The accompanying priests realized that this particular spot is chosen by Lord himself and accordingly the temple was built here under the protection of then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar.
As per another legend, the attacks of the Holkars of Indore, the Medas and the Pindaris led to the shifting the idol to many different cities like Jaipur, Kota and Jodhpur. But no king was willing to establish the idol for the fear. At the end, Mewar took the responsibility and promised to safeguard the idol in the original position in Nathdwara. It was temporarily established at Udaipur and Ghaisyar under the patronage of Maharana Bheem Singh of Mewar.
Other Legends associated with the temple
Legends and temple go hand in hand. As per one of them, Shrinathji used to visit Mewar with his young princess Ajab Kunwari, so whenever they went back to their home in Vrindavan, the princess used to become sad. So one day Shrinathji promised her daughter that when the time is right, he will make Mewar his permanent residence.
As per another legend, Vitthalji, son of Vallabhacharya dreamt of god and HE instructed him to establish an idol of younger Lord Krishna near the city of Udaipur.
About the temple
Shrinathji temple bears a resemblance to Nanda Maharaj Temple in Vrindavan, the abode of Krishna’ foster father. It is also known as Nanda Bhavan or Nandalaya. Surprisingly, Shrinathji is referred as Nathdwara which suggests ‘the gate to the lord’. The temple has a simple architecture but the rich carving found on the white marbles enhances the appeal.
A Kalasha or the Shikhara marks the top of the mandir with seven flags flowing along with the Sudarshan Chakra. The 7 flags represent the 7 ‘houses’ of Pushti marg of Vallabh Sampradaya. Locally the temple is called ‘Shrinathji Ki Haveli’. The foundation on which the magnificent temple is built used to be fortified mansion of the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar.
Interestingly the deity is not considered as a GOD here, but the Head of the household and the idol is recognized as “Thakurji”. “Sewa” (service) is rendered rather than the worship. As a normal household would have, the temple has different rooms , a store room for milk ( Dhoodghar) , a store room for betel (Paanghar), a store room for sugar and sweetmeats ( Mishrighar and Pedaghar) , a store room for flowers(Phoolghar) , a functional kitchen ( Rasoighar) , a jewellery chamber ( Gahnaghar) , a treasury ( Kharcha Bhandaar) , a stable for horses of chariot ( Ashvashala), a drawing room (Baithak) , a gold and silver grinding wheel ( Chakki). For the movement of all these things the original chariot is used still.
The temple is open throughout the year for all. In ancient times, the worshippers were exclusively Vaishnav’s- but as the popularity gained by the temple pilgrims of various faiths have been attracted to the temple.
The Nathdwara temple has subsidiary temples of Madan Mohan and Navneet Priya (forms of Lord Krishna) in the main complex.
Today, Shrinathji has a great power and impact like the Sai baba Mandir of Shirdi and Tirupati Temple. It is one of the richest temples in India. It houses approx. 500 cows and milk from these cows is used for the preparation sweets and milk products. Amongst these cows, there is one that is considered as Shrinathji’s cow. It is believed that this cow’s lineage has served the Lord from ages.
Image of Shrinathji
The image of Shrinathji symbolizes a form of Krishna when he lifted the Govardhan hill, with one arm raised and the right hand made into a fist resting on the waist and a large diamond placed below the lips, known as chibuk. The swaroop of Shrinathji is four feet high. The idol is carved in Bas-relif out of monolithic black marble with images of one lion, two cows, one snake, and two peacocks and one parrot engraved on the square Pithika and three sagas placed near it. Earlier the child Krishna deity was referred as Devdaman ( conqueror of Gods ) . Vallabhacharya named him as Gopala and the place of worship as Gopalpur. Later Vithhalnathji, named the deity as “Shrinathji”.
The idol is treated as Bal Krishna and thus taken care of as child only. Not only is HE worshipped daily by the priests but also bathed, fed and dressed up. The Lord is draped in rich silk and zari embroidered clothing which is changed seven times daily, treating it as a living person and adorning it with the appropriate dresses for the time of day and night. The prayers are offered with diya, incense sticks, flowers, fruit and other offerings with local instruments and devotional songs according to the time and occasion. The view of the deity after the parda is removed is called Jhakhi.
Festivals
Annkuta
Major festivals like Janmashtami, Holi and Diwali are celebrated with great joy and zeal. Amongst all the festival Annkuta is celebrated with grandeur as it is main festival of Shrinathji. It is celebrated on the 5th day of Diwali and it memorializes the ancient time where the people of Vrindavan worshipped Govardhan Parvat (Hill). Literally, Annkuta means “mountain of food” and symbolizes an offering of food to God and the love and devotion that has gone into preparing it. It is celebrated to honor the victory over Lord Indra where Lord Krishna saved the people of Gokul from the wrath of Lord Indra with the help of Govardhan Parvat.
On this day, 56 types of varied food is prepared and is offered as a ‘Bhog’ to Lord Krishna. The term “Chappan Bhog” comes from here J. Prior to the food preparation the idol is bathed with milk and then festooned with bright clothes and beautiful Jewels. This is followed by Govardhan Aarti and after that the Bhog is shared with the family and friends.
Janmashtami / Gokulashtami
Krish Janmashtami / Gokulashtami are celebrated on eighth day after the full moon in the month of Shravan. This festival is known by two names and is celebrated on two different days by different Hindu sects. The first day is known as Gokulashtami and the second day is called Janmashtami.
People not only from Rajasthan but also from Gujarat and Maharashtra visit to celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. Entire temple is decorated with lights. The city of Nathdwara is in joyous mood and sound of drum, trumpet echoes the temple.
The devotees fast on the Janmashtami day and break it after the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight. They prefer to eat milk products. Some devotees keep “Nirjal fast” meaning fast without having water throughout the day. There are other ardent followers who keep fast for two days also. The image of infant Lord Krishna is bathed with Panchamrit and is cradled at midnight. The conch shell is blown and the devotees celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna by singing devotional songs and by dancing.
One of the major attractions is the 21 Gun salute given to Shrinathji at 12 AM on the night of the birth.
Holi / Dhuleti
These are two most colorful festivals celebrated at Shrinathji. Huge crowd gathers from all over the state. Use of colors is not limited to the people but virtually the whole town is colored pink. Due to the huge crowds the Darshan of the Lord is kept open longer and each devotee is given a chance to do darshan.
Darshan and Aarti Timings
The temple has a whole day ritual planned, which is always a pleasure to watch. The inner sanctum is opened 8 times a day (8 Darshans) for the devotees for the darshan of the deity. The arrangements of the rituals are very detailed. The main attraction of Shrinathji is the Aartis and the Shringar. The service begins early in the morning and ends in the evening.
Mangala – This is first darshan which happens between 5.15 AM to 6.00 AM. The Lord is revealed for the first time of the day.
Shringar – The second aarti of the day between 7.15 AM to 7.45 AM, here the idol is re-decorated and dressed up in new and fresh clothes.
Gwal – The third aarti of the day for the mid morning snack of God. This is done between 9.15 AM – 9.30 AM.
Rajbhog – The fouth aarti of the day between 11.15 AM to 12.05 AM. It is the lunchtime of God.
Uthapan – The fifth aarti of the day which is the siesta time of the Lord. It happens between 3.30 PM – 3.45 PM as the Lord wakes up.
Bhog – The sixth aarti of the day which happens to be the dinner time of Shrinathji. It begins at 4.45PM and ends at 5.00PM
Sandhya Aarti – This is the last aarti of the day. It happens between 5.15 PM to 6.00 PM
Shayan – Quiet time of God which is from 6.50 PM to 7.30 PM
Each Aarti has it significance starting from Mangala. Devotees become part of these rituals as early as 5.15 and feel rejoiced. Most of the devotees attend all of them as it deemed to purify your soul and bring happiness
The mandir opens at 5.15 in the morning and ends at 7.30 in the night.
How to reach
You can reach the town of Nathdwara via a car / cab or a state transport / private bus. It is a one hour drive from the city Udaipur on the National Highway 8. You will pass by the temple of Eklingji on the way. Once you enter the town limits you will need to park your car / cab in the designated area and then traverse the zig zag lane which leads to the main temple. The nearest railway station is of Udaipur which is 50 kms from the temple. The airport also is at the same distance.
If you are coming from Ahmedabad from which most tourists come, you can take a luxury coach which will drop you in Nathdwara. The timings of these coaches are timed for the Mangala aarti. There are many hotels / dharamshalas for a comfortable stay. In the evening you can proceed to Udaipur.
What more can you do?
The town offers a plethora of things to do than just the darshan. The GOD has ensured that all your needs including your cravings are fulfilled at one place. Whether it be food or shopping, the offers are irresistible. By the time you come out of the main temple you will not be able to resist the mouth watering prasad. You will find variety of prasad being offered cooked in Desi Ghee. One helping of it will end your hunger pangs. But by the time you come out of the premises your stomach will be ready for the second innings. You can start with sipping the pudhina tea served in Kullads, along with the kachoris, poha and the mix bhajiyas and what not… Some meters away from the main temple complex is an area called the Chowpatty where you will find the mouth watering Rataloo bhajiyas. The famous Thandai is also available for your taste glands to enjoy. And if you are still hungry, there are various restaurants who offer great food especially the Gujarati Thali.
Pichhwai paintings, handicrafts, terracotta handworks, pottery, jewelry, wooden toys, puppets, antique items, and paintings are some of the common things you can shop in Nathdwara. The list goes on…
The well known Pichhwai paintings illustrate Shrinathji in different attires and moods. Apart from this Nathdwara is also known for its traditional 2000 year old terracotta handworks which depicts local deities and various Gods. The Meena Work of Nathdwara is a worthy treasure and is a must buy.
Things to remember when you visit
- The temple will be overcrowded on festival days. So be prepared for that. In case you want to enjoy the Darshan avoid those days.
- Mobile phones, wallets and bags are not allowed in the temple.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
- The mandir doors opens at specific timings, so do have check on them before visiting the temple, otherwise you will need to wait for long.
Places nearby Shrinathji
You can visit many places for sightseeing after your visit of Nathdwara including Haldighati famous for the battle between Maharna Pratap and Mugal king Akbar. You can continue your onward journey to Jodhpur and Jaisalmar after spending divine time at Shrinathji.
So as famously quoted “Set your heart upon your work, but never on rewards”. The rewards will follow you automatically. Visiting this Gopala is making your heart pure for work…