Nathdwara also is known as Shrinathji, located 48 kilometers north-east of Udaipur city in Rajasthan, The hills of the Aravalli range on the banks of the Banas River in Rajsamand District.
Nathdwara is famous for its 17th-century temple of Lord Shrinathji (Lord Krishna). In 1672 Lord Shrinathji was placed in a new Temple built in village Sihad, now its famous as Nathdwara.
The name ‘Nathdwara’ suggests the ‘Nath’ meaning The Lord and ‘Dwara’ meaning a gate that means ‘gate of the lord’.
Shrinathji Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shrinathji, It is considered an important pilgrimage center by Vaishnavs. ‘Haveli of Shrinathji’ is the synonymous phrase used for Shrinathji Temple.
History of Shrinathji’s Arrival at Nathdwara
ShreenathJi is a Bal Swaroop (child form) of Lord Krishna and is also known as Balak Swaroop. Shrinathji is the central presiding deity of the Vaishnava sect known as the Pushti Marg.
According to the legend, the Srinathji deity self-manifested from stone and emerged from the Govardhan Hills.
Historically, the idol of Shrinathji was first worshipped at Govardhan hill also called Mount Govardhana or Giriraj Ji near Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
Shri Nathji’s left hand first manifested on top of the Govardhan Hill in 1410 A.D. In 1479, when Shri Vallabhacharya appeared, Shri Nathji’s face manifested from the Hill. Shri Nathji’s left hand first manifested on top of the Govardhan Hill in 1410 A.D. In 1479, when Shri Vallabhacharya Ji appeared, Shri Nathji’s face manifested from the Hill. And in 1493 A.D. Shri Vallabhacharya Ji was called by Shri Nathji to come to the sacred hill and establish His seva.
Shri Vallabhacharya ji named Him Gopalji, keeper of the cows. Shri Gusainji’s called Him Shri Govardhan Nathji and his son later called Him, Shri Nathji, a name which continues to be used.
Shrinathji’s idol was brought to Mewar region of Rajasthan from Mount Govardhana or Giriraj Ji to protect it from the hands of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Rana Raj Singh was the Maharana of Mewar Kingdom, Rana Raj Singh is also known for giving protection to the Shrinathji idol of Mathura, he placed it in Nathdwara.
Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar was the only gallant, who made an effort and ready to take the Shrinathji idol in his kingdom as it would mean to oppose the most powerful man in Asia Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The decision to settle the Lord here at Nathdwara involves an interesting story. When the wheel of the chariot carrying the Lord got stuck in the mud and could not be moved any farther at a place called Sihar, the Rana saw it as a divine sign that Lord Krishna wished to settle here, and thus a temple was built at this spot and the holy township of Nathdwara grew around the temple.
The temple is also popularly called Shrinathji’s Haveli because like a regular household it has a chariot for movement (In fact the original chariot in which Shrinathji was brought to Singhar), a storeroom for milk (Doodhghar), a storeroom for betel (Paanghar), a storeroom for sugar and sweetmeats (Mishrighar and Pedaghar), a storeroom 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).
Know About Shrine of Shrinathji:
The striking idol of Shrinathji is specific as the deity symbolizes that form of Krishna when he lifted the Govardhan hill. In the idol, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right hand made into a fist resting at the waist, with a large diamond placed beneath the lips which are known as chibuk.
The holy shrine of Shrinathji is carved in Bas-relief out from monolithic black marble stone, Near the main idol are carved figures of three sages, two peacocks, two cows, one lion, one snake and one parrot. The deity is treated like royalty and is respectfully addressed as Thakurji.
Vitthal Nathji, son of Vallabhacharya institutionalized the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara. On account of the popularity of Shrinathji, Nathdwara town itself is referred to as ‘Shrinathji’.
How to reach Nathdwara:
Shrinathji Mandir is well connected and easily accessible from anywhere in Rajasthan and Gujarat by air, rail, or road.
BY AIR: The nearest airport is located in Udaipur around 52 km from where taxis and bus services are easily available to reach Nathdwara. Many domestic airlines connect the city to most of the major cities in India including Kolkata, Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai
BY TRAIN: Nathdwara does not have a train station or airport, and The nearest Railway Station is Mavli Jn. which is 30 km. far from Nathdwara and Udaipur City Railway Station is 52 km. Regular Trains from Udaipur City and Mavli Jn. are available for Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Gwalior, MP and Jaipur city and also available alternate day for Mumbai & New Delhi.
BY BUS: Nathdwara can be accessed by state-owned Rajasthan Roadways operates public bus services between Udaipur and other major cities in Rajasthan and Ahmedabad. Government and Private A.C, Sleeper and Volvo Buses are also regularly available from different parts of Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara to reaching Nathdwara.
Nathdwara Distance from Major City of India
- Ahmedabad to Nathdwara distance is around 310 km (approx 6 hrs by road)
- Udaipur to Nathdwara distance is around 46 km (approx 54 min by road)
- Jaipur to Nathdwara distance is around 350 km (approx 5 hrs and 45 min by road)
- Delhi to Nathdwara distance is around 620 km (approx 10 hrs and 30 min by road)
- Mumbai to Nathdwara distance is around 808 km (approx 14 hrs and 30 min by road)
Accommodation in Nathdwara – Samaj, Dharamshala and best budget Hotels
Nathdwara is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site and may best accommodation options available Samaj, Dharamshala and best budget Hotels in Nathdwara. Also, Nathdwara Temple Board provide better accommodation New Cottage, Shri Damodar Dham, Dhiraj Dham, Balasinore Sadan, Chitalwala Vishranti Gruh, Agrawal Cottage and Dharamshalas for the pilgrims visiting Nathdwara
Book online Cottage Visit: https://www.nathdwaratemple.org/CottageBooking
Shree Saurashtra Leuva Patel Samaj – Nathdwara Address: OPP Binani College, Udaipur highway, Rajsamand (kakroli), Nathdwara 313301
Phone: 02953 231 440
Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple Darshan Timing
- Mangla: 05:45 am to 06:15 am
- Shringar: 07:15 am to 07:40 am
- Gwal: 09:15 am to 09:30 am
- Rajbhog: 11:15 am to 11:55 am
- Uthapan: 03:45 pm to 04:00 pm
- Bhog: 04:45 pm to 05:00 pm
- Aarti: 05:15 pm to 05:55 pm
Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple Address
Shrinathji Mandir – Nathdwara, Rajasthan – 313 301
Phone: +91 02953 233484
Fax: +91 02953 232482
Visit: https://www.nathdwaratemple.org/
