Rajasthan
Pilgrimages
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Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara |
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About
Shrinathji Temple
Shrinathji Temple is one of the most revered
shrines of Lord Krishna. Located at Nathdwara
in Rajasmand district, Shrinathji Mandir is
easily accessible from anywhere in Rajasthan.
Nathdwara is small town that is truly famous
for this temple. Shrinathji lies at a distance
of 48 kms from Udaipur, the city of lakes
in Rajasthan. Udaipur is well-connected to
the major cities of the country by road, rail
and air. From Udaipur, one can take regular
buses or hire taxis in order to reach Nathdwara.
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.
Built in the 17th century, Shrinathji Temple
is dedicated to Lord Shrinathji (form of Lord
Krishna). 'Haveli of Shrinathji' is the synonymous
phrase used for Shrinathji Temple. The word
'Nathdwara' is made up of two terms, one being
'Nath' that means 'the Lord' and the other
is 'Dwara', which suggests 'gate'. Thus, Nathdwara
implies the 'gate of the lord'. Shrinathji
forms an important pilgrimage site for the
Vaishnavites.
Like other temples of India, Shrinathji Temple
also has a story behind its foundation. As
per the story, the idol of Shrinathji was
consecrated in Vrindavan (land related to
Lord Krishna). In the 17th century, Aurangzeb
attacked the Hindu temples in rant and rave.
To safeguard the idol of Shrinathji, many
Rajput rulers tried their best, but all in
vain. In 1672, Rana Raj Singh made an effort
to liberate the idol from the monarchy of
Aurangzeb.
It is believed that when the idol was being
transferred to an unapproachable place, the
wheel of the cart sank deep down in the mud
at a particular place. The escorting priest
perceived that this place has been chosen
by the Lord himself. Consequently, the temple
was constructed on the same spot. The temple
is built in simple terms of architecture,
yet the divine aura of this temple is eternal.
The striking idol of Shrinathji gets the major
attraction and is actually worth seeing. A
glimpse of Lord makes one to feel the aesthetic
world. Shrinathji represents the form of Lord
Krishna, when he raised the 'Govardhana' (a
hill). Made out in black stone, the image
of the Lord appears majestic with his left
hand raised and the right hand confined in
a fist. The Lord's chin is adorned with a
dazzling diamond, which is visible from a
distance.
Shrinathji Temple is one amongst the richest
temples of India. It receives millions of
rupees as offering to the Lord. The temple
authorities possess approximately 500 cows
and the milk of these cows, is used for the
preparation of sweets and milk products. Among
these cows, there is one cow that is considered
as Shrinathji's cow. This cow is believed
to have come from the lineage, which served
the Lord from ages.
Formerly, the temple used to receive wagon-loads
of food and these were whispered to be consigned
by and consigned to Lord Shrinathji. The temple
has food-grinders made of gold and silver.
It is also said to have four wells of 'Desi
Ghee'. The huge temple complex is divided
into many sections, like the main shrine,
food, Prasad, Priests' lodges and stiching
department, where tailors stitch marvelous
dresses of Shrinathji.
During the festivities of Holi, Diwali and
Janmashtami, devotees come in large numbers.
Besides Holi and Janmashtami, Annakutta is
a major festival that is observed here with
a whole-hearted passion. Non-Hindus are allowed
to visit this temple, however with the exception
of foreigners. Undoubtedly, Shrinathji Temple
is a place worth-visiting and feeling the
spiritual delight. |
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