Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara (Rajasthan)

Shreenathji Temple  is a famous Hindu temple of Lord Krishna, located in Nathdwara, a town in the state of Rajasthan (India). The temple is also known as Shreenathji Mandir or shreenathji Haveli and is famous for its sophisticated  architecture and beautiful idols of Lord Krishna.

The idol worshipped at the temple is a 14th-century black stone idol , which is believed to have been brought to Nathdwara from Mathura during the Mughal era to protect it from destruction. The idol is decorated with intricate jewellery and clothing, and it is believed that devotees get spiritual blessings and fulfillment by offering prayers and performing rituals to the deity. The temple attracts a large number of devotees and tourists every year, especially during festivals like Holi, Janmashtami, and Diwali.

 

 History of the Shreenathji Temple:

The history of the Shreenathji Temple in Nathdwara dates back to the 17th century. The temple was built to house the idol of shreenathji, which was brought to Nathdwara by the followers of the Pushti Marg, who were seeking to escape persecution in their home town of Mathura.The idol of Shreenathji, was originally enshrined in a temple in Vrindavan, but was brought to Nathdwara to protect it from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who had a policy of destroying Hindu temples and idols.

The idol of Shreenathji was installed in the temple in Nathdwara in 1672 CE, and since then, the temple has been an important center of worship for the followers of the Pushti Marg . The temple has undergone many renovations and additions over the years, with the current structure dating back to the 19th century.The temple is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful idols of Lord Krishna. The idol of Shreenathji is made of black marble, and is believed to have been carved by the great sage Madhvacharya. The temple also has many other idols and shrines dedicated to different deities, including Radha-Krishna, Ganesha, and Hanuman.Over the years, the Shreenathji Temple has become one of the most visited and revered temples in India, with thousands of devotees flocking to Nathdwara to seek the blessings of shreenathji. The temple has played an important role in the history of the Pushti Marg, and continues to be an important center of worship for its followers today.

 Attack on Nathdwara Temple :

Attack on Nathdwara temple by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the late 17th century is a significant event in the history of the Shrinathji Temple.According to historical accounts, Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of the temple in Nathdwara and the idol of Shrinathji. The temple was ransacked, and the idol was hidden in a secret location to protect it from the invaders. The priests and devotees of the temple also fled to neighboring areas to escape the wrath of the Mughal army.During this time, the idol of Shrinathji was temporarily housed in various locations, including Udaipur and Ghasiyar. The idol was kept hidden in a cave in Ghasiyar, which was guarded by a group of devotees.After several years, when the threat of the Mughal army had subsided, the idol was brought back to Nathdwara and the temple was rebuilt. The arrival of the idol in Nathdwara was celebrated as a triumph over the forces of destruction and a symbol of the resilience of the devotees of Shrinathji.

The attack on Nathdwara by Aurangzeb and the subsequent hiding of the idol of Shrinathji are seen as a testimony to the deep devotion of the followers of the Pushti Marg sect, who were willing to risk their lives to protect the object of their worship. The incident is also a reminder of the persecution faced by Hindus during the Mughal era and the importance of religious tolerance and freedom.Today, the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara continues to be an important center of worship for devotees of Lord Krishna, who come from all over the world to offer their prayers and seek his blessings.

Stories associated with the origin and history of the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara :

There are many stories associated with the origin and history of the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. Here are some of the most popular stories:

 ·        The discovery of the idol: According to legend, the idol of Shrinathji was discovered by a devotee named Madhavendra Puri in Govardhan hill. Madhavendra Puri had a dream in which Lord Krishna instructed him to go to Govardhan hill and find his idol. When Madhavendra Puri reached Govardhan hill, he found the idol of Shrinathji and brought it back to Vrindavan. Later, the idol was brought to Nathdwara by the followers of the Pushtimarg tradition.

 ·        The miracle of the temple construction: Legend has it that the construction of the Shrinathji Temple was a miracle. The temple was being built in the 17th century, but the workers were facing many obstacles in completing the construction. One day, a group of cows arrived at the site and started to push the stones and bricks with their horns. The workers were surprised to see the cows working alongside them, and with their help, they were able to complete the temple construction.

 ·        The story of Annakut: The festival of Annakut, which is celebrated in Nathdwara and other parts of India, is associated with the story of Shrinathji. According to legend, Lord Krishna once asked his devotees to offer him food in the form of a mountain. The devotees collected a large amount of food and offered it to Lord Krishna, who miraculously consumed it all. This incident is commemorated every year on the day of Annakut, when devotees offer a large variety of food to Shrinathji.

 ·        The story of the stolen idol: In 1672, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb attacked the temple and ordered the destruction of the idol of Shrinathji. However, the priests of the temple managed to hide the idol and replaced it with a copy. The stolen idol was later smuggled out of the temple and taken to Udaipur, where it was kept in secret for many years. Eventually, the stolen idol was recovered and brought back to the temple, where it is now worshipped alongside the copy.

These stories are an integral part of the history and tradition of the Shrinathji Temple, and are often retold by devotees and visitors to the temple.

 

Manifestation of lord shreenathji :

The manifestation of Lord Shreenathji is believed to have occurred in the 16th century in the village of Sihad or Sinhad, located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India.According to legend, the idol of Shreenathji was discovered by a cowherd named Madhavendra Puri, who was a disciple of the great saint and philosopher, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Madhavendra Puri was a devotee of Lord Krishna and would often wander the forests of Vrindavan in search of him.

One day, Lord Krishna appeared to Madhavendra Puri in a dream and instructed him to go to Sihad, where he would find a hidden idol of him. Madhavendra Puri followed the instructions and found the idol of Lord Shreenathji hidden under a bush.Madhavendra Puri was overjoyed at the discovery and established a small temple to house the idol. He also started the tradition of offering milk to the idol, which continues to this day.

Over time, the fame of the idol spread, and many devotees started visiting the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shreenathji. Eventually, the idol was moved from Sihad to Nathdwara, where it was enshrined in the temple that is now known as the Shreenathji Temple.

The manifestation of Lord Shreenathji is considered to be a divine intervention to bring peace and prosperity to humanity. The devotees of Lord Shreenathji believe that his presence in the form of the idol is a source of comfort and solace, and that his blessings can help them overcome their troubles and lead a fulfilling life.

Shrinathji's Arrival at Nathdwara:

The arrival of Shrinathji at Nathdwara is an important event in the history of the temple and the Pushti Marg .According to legend, the idol of Shrinathji was brought to Nathdwara by a group of devotees led by the famous saint and poet, Vallabhacharya, in the late 17th century. The idol was originally enshrined in the temple of Govardhan Nathji in Vrindavan, but was brought to Nathdwara to protect it from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who had a policy of destroying Hindu temples and idols.Vallabhacharya and his followers faced many challenges during the journey from Vrindavan to Nathdwara, including a flood that threatened to sweep away the idol. However, they persevered, and the idol was finally installed in the temple in Nathdwara in 1672 CE.The arrival of Shrinathji at Nathdwara was a momentous occasion for the followers of the Pushti Marg , as it marked the establishment of a new center of worship for the sect. The temple in Nathdwara soon became known for its unique rituals and practices, including the tradition of offering milk to the idol, which was started by the cowherd Madhavendra Puri.

Today, the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara is one of the most revered and visited temples in India, attracting thousands of devotees from all over the world. The arrival of Shrinathji at Nathdwara is celebrated every year with great pomp and splendor, as devotees come together to offer their prayers and seek the blessings.

Shrinathji Swrup :

Shrinathji is a form of Lord Krishna worshipped in the Pushtimarg tradition of Hinduism. According to legend, the idol of Shrinathji was discovered in Govardhan hill by a devotee named Madhavendra Puri. The idol is said to be a self-manifested form of Lord Krishna, and is worshipped in the form of a child.

The idol of Shrinathji depicts Lord Krishna as a seven-year-old boy holding a flute in his hand. He is shown wearing a yellow dhoti, a turban, and is adorned with jewellery and flowers. The idol is made of black stone and is about 14 inches tall. It is kept inside the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.

The idol of Shrinathji is considered to be very sacred and is worshipped with great devotion by the followers of the Pushtimarg tradition. It is believed that the idol has a divine presence and responds to the devotion of its worshippers. The followers of the tradition believe that by worshipping Shrinathji with love and devotion, one can attain salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

In addition to the idol of Shrinathji, the temple also houses several other idols and deities, including Radha Krishna, Gopis, and various other forms of Lord Krishna. These idols are also worshipped with great devotion by the followers of the Pushtimarg tradition.

Shrinathji idol shringar or decoration :

Shrinathji is adorned with different types of shringar or decorations, which are an important part of the daily worship and darshan. The shringar of Shrinathji is believed to be an expression of the devotee's love and devotion towards the deity. Here are some of the main types of shringar that are offered to Shrinathji:

 ·        Mukut or Crown: The crown worn by Shrinathji is made of gold and precious stones, and is a symbol of his divine royalty.

 ·        Pitambar or Yellow Cloth: Shrinathji is draped in a yellow cloth, which represents his divine energy and purity.   

 · Jewellery : Shrinathji is also adorned with different types of Jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. These ornaments are made of gold and precious stones, and are a symbol of his divine wealth and abundance.

·        Flower Garlands: Shrinathji is adorned with flower garlands of different colors and types, which represent the beauty and fragrance of nature.

  ·        Chandan or Sandalwood Paste: Shrinathji is often smeared with sandalwood paste, which is considered to be a symbol of purity and a cooling agent.

 ·        Abhishekam or Holy Bath: Shrinathji is bathed with different substances, including milk, curd, honey, and rose water, as a part of the daily worship rituals. This is considered to be a purifying and nourishing act, which is believed to bestow divine blessings upon the devotees.

These are some of the main types of shringar that are offered to Shrinathji, and they vary depending on the specific practices and traditions of the temple. The shringar of Shrinathji is an expression of the devotee's love and devotion towards the divine, and it is considered to be a way of connecting with the divine presence.

 Structure and Design of shreenathji Haveli :

The Shrinathji Temple, also known as the Shrinathji Haveli .The temple has a unique architectural design and is renowned for its intricate carvings and paintings. Here are some of the key features of the temple's structure and design:

·  Main Gate: The temple has a grand entrance gate called the Singh Dwara, which is adorned with beautiful carvings and paintings.

·  Courtyard: After entering the main gate, visitors reach a large courtyard known as the Haveli. The courtyard is surrounded by galleries and rooms, which are used for various activities such as prayer, music, and dance performances.

 ·  Sanctum Sanctorum or garbhagriha : The sanctum sanctorum, or garbhagriha, is the main shrine of the temple. It is located at the end of the courtyard and houses the idol of Shrinathji. The garbhagriha is decorated with precious stones, gold, and silver ornaments, and is considered the most sacred part of the temple.

 ·  Mandap: The Mandap is a large hall that connects the courtyard to the garbhagriha. The Mandap is supported by intricately carved pillars and is used for various activities such as prayer, meditation, and religious discourses.

 ·  Paintings: The walls and ceilings of the temple are covered with intricate paintings, depicting various episodes from the life of Lord Krishna. These paintings are considered to be some of the finest examples of Pushtimarg and the paintings  used to adorn the walls behind deities represents Pichwai art .

 ·  Architecture: The temple's architecture is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The temple is constructed using marble, sandstone, and lime plaster, and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

The Shrinathji Temple's structure and design is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and the devotion of Pushtimarg tradition. It is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic abilities of the artisans who built the temple.

How many types of darshan are there in shreenathji temple of  nathadwara?

In the Shreenathji temple of Nathdwara, there are three types of darshan available to the devotees:

 ·        Nij Darshan: This is the closest darshan of the main deity of Shreenathji. It is considered to be the most sacred and intimate form of darshan where the devotees can have a direct physical contact with the idol by standing in front of it. However, the nij darshan is only available for a limited time and it is offered to the devotees in a queue.

 ·        Purushottam Darshan: This is the second type of darshan, which is offered to the devotees through a silver-plated window, where the idol of Shreenathji is visible from a distance. It is considered to be the most preferred and auspicious way of offering darshan, and it is available for a longer duration compared to the nij darshan.

 ·        Utsav Darshan: This is the third type of darshan offered to the devotees, where the idol of Shreenathji is taken out in a procession and carried around the temple. This darshan is considered to be the most vibrant and colorful, and is usually offered during festivals and special occasions.

 These three types of darshan are available to devotees who visit the Shreenathji temple of Nathdwara, and each type of darshan provides a unique experience of connecting with the divine.

 Festivals and rituals in shreenathji haveli :

There are many festivals and rituals that are celebrated in the Shrinathji Haveli throughout the year. Here are some of the major ones:

 ·        Janmashtami: Janmashtami is the festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. It is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Shrinathji Haveli. The temple is decorated with flowers, and devotees offer prayers, sing devotional songs, and perform aarti (worship with lamps) to Lord Krishna.

 ·        Holi: Holi is the festival of colors that celebrates the victory of good over evil. In the Shrinathji Haveli, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Devotees throw colors at each other and sing devotional songs to Lord Krishna. The temple is decorated with flowers and colorful decorations.

 ·        Annakut: Annakut is the festival that celebrates the abundance of food and the harvest season. In the Shrinathji Haveli, Annakut is celebrated by offering a variety of food items to Lord Krishna. Devotees prepare and bring various dishes, which are arranged in a pyramid-like structure in front of the deity.

 ·       Diwali: Diwali is the festival of lights that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. In the Shrinathji Haveli, Diwali is celebrated by lighting diyas (lamps) and candles in and around the temple. Devotees offer prayers, sing devotional songs, and perform aarti to Lord Krishna.

 ·        Ekadashi: Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the Hindu calendar. In the Shrinathji Haveli, Ekadashi is celebrated by observing a fast and offering prayers to Lord Krishna. Devotees also listen to religious discourses and sing devotional songs.

These are just a few examples of the festivals and rituals celebrated in the Shrinathji Haveli. For devotees, these festivals and rituals are a way to connect with the divine and to deepen their devotion to Lord shreenathji.

 

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