Nathdwara has the famous Sri Nathji Temple which is an important shrine for Vashnavites. The black stone Krishna image that is housed in the temple was brought here from Mathura in 1669 to protect it from the destructive impulses of Aurangzeb. According to legend, the getaway vehicle, a wagon, sank into ground up to the axels as it was passing through Nathdwara. The priests realized that this was a sign from Lord Krishna - the image did not want to travel any further! Accordingly, the Sri Nathji temple was built on the spot.

Attendants treat the image like a delicate child, getting it up in the morning, washing it, putting its clothes on, offering it specially prepared meals and putting it down to sleep, al at precise times throughout the day. It is a popular pilgrimage site and the temple opens and closes around the image's daily routine. It gets very crowded around 3.30 and 4pm when Lord Krishna wakes up after a siesta. Photography is not allowed.

At about 90 min. drive (about 48 kms) from Udaipur in Rajasthan lies a very popular dham, Nathdwara set amidst idyllic hills on the left bank of the Banas river, where one can see devotees in large numbers flocking for worship. The place is most popular for its sacred Vaishnava temple of Lord Srinathji, the manifestation of Lord Krishna.Sri Nathdwara or the gateway leading to the Srinathji is also the centre of the Pushtimarg Sampradaya, a doctrine created by Jagat guru Sri Vallabhacharya. One can find the idol of Srinathji, sculpted out of one piece of black marble belonging to the 12th century and was first installed by Sri Vallabhacharya in a small temple at Jatipura, near Mathura. The little town is a honeycomb of lanes and alleys leading to the hub of activity, the Srinathji temple. The Haveli of Srinathji(as the temple is called), was once a royal palace of the Rajput rulers. Over 1000 devotees reach the temple early in the morning to serve the Lord, each day of the year. Getting up during the early hours for the first darshan is a regular observation where Lord Sir Nathji resides in regal splendour. Darshans or glimpses of Srinathji can be sought 8 times in the day. Collectively known as Ashtaya, the 8 darshans are Mangala, Shrungar, Gwal, Rajbhog, Uthhapan, Bhog, Sandhaya Aarti and Shayan. In each of them the leelas (divine manifestations) of the Lord are described and harmonized with His daily routine. Groups of devotees constantly flush into the temple, pushing, pulling and reaching out, sometimes even getting hurt in the process. The darshan is like a matter of life and death for them, and they endure it bravely eight times in a day just for those few seconds.

Facts and Figures:

Location: South of Jaipur.
Distance: Jaipur ( km), Jodhpur ( km), Udaipur (48 km)
STD Code: 02953
Area: 9.8 sq km.
Language: Hindi, English & Rajasthani
Altitude: 413 meters
Clothing: Summer light tropical (cotton) for summer & Light woolen for winter

Photos of Sabarimala


Shrinathji	Nathdwara Temple

Prime Sites of Nathdwara

The Srinathji Temple
Shrinathji represents the form of Krishna, in which he lifted the Govardhana hill and subdued Indra the king of Devas who was sending an incessant downpour of rain, causing immense hardship to the cowherds of Gokul. The image of Srinathji is believed to have been a self manifested one. It was originally worshipped in a humble shrine and then moved to a larger temple in its vicinity. Vallabhacharya made arrangements for the worship of this deity and this tradition was continued by his son, Vittalesh Goswami.
It is believed that Taj Bibi, a wife of Akbar had visited this temple. It was during the 17th century that this image was shifted to Rajasthan. Nathdwara is a place of Hindu pilgrimage; it contains a 17th-century Vaishnavite shrine that is one of the most famous in India. Within the temple is a celebrated image of the god Krishna, popularly said to date to the 12th century BC. The town is an agricultural market and has a government college affiliated with the University of Rajasthan.

EXCURSION
- Rajsamand lake (66 kms):
  Close to Kankroli, is the dam, built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660 A.D. Many ornamental arches and chhatris adorn the embankment.
- Nav chowki :
  On the banks of the lake is this pillared edifice which is paved with marble and has beautifully carved arches and chhatris.

Tourist Attraction Near Nathdwara

Shri Vitthalnathji’s Temple
Shri Dwarikadhishji’s Temple (Kankroloi) – 15 kms
Shri Hariraiji’s Bhaithak (Khamnor) – 15 kms
Chetak Smarak (Haldi Ghaati) - 17 kms
Shri Ekling Mahadevji – 35 kms
ShriNathji’s Charan-Chowki(Ghasiyaar) – 40 kms
ShriNathji’s Charan-Chowki(Udaipur) – 50 kms
Chaar Bhujaaji – 52 kms
Ranakpur – 108 kms
Rushabdevji (Kesariyaji) – 110 kms
Shri Aavri Mataji – 110 kms
Chittodgadh – 112 kms

Mount Abu – 190 kms

How to Reach There :

Air :
Air-Indian Airlines and Jet Air are having flights up to Udaipur, from where it is one hour drive in Taxi or Bus.
Road :
Nathdwara is well connected by Mumbai/ Surat/ Baroda/ Ahmedabad with good motorable roads.
Rail :
Mavli rail junction is the closest to Nathdwara. Road: Well connected by road with Udaipur.

ACCOMMODATION

RTDC Hotel, Gokul, Tel #02953-30917.

Hotels :Following hotels are available for staying in Nathdwara :
- Hotel Vallabh Darshan
- Hotel Vrindavan
- Hotel Bombaywala

The Nathdwara Temple Board are having dharmashals for the devotees around the temple. The famous and good places to stay are as follows:
- Dhiraj Dham-Located in the Market.
- New Cottages-Located in the Market.
- Chitalwala and Balasinor -Located in vegetable Market.
- Vallabh Cottages-Very near to Temple

SHOPPING

Nathdwara abounds in souvenir shops and it is also possible to see the “pichwai” being painted. One can even pick up good silver items from here.

Holy Destinations of India

EXCURSION