Nathdwara - The abode of Lord Shrinathji

Nathdwara - literally meaning Doors to the abode of owner of the world, Lord Shrinathji. Nathdwara is a little explored Gem as a cultural destination, although it is famous religious must visit destination for the followers of Vaishnavite sect. Located about 48 kms from the city of Lake ,Udaipur, on the right bank of Banas River, Nathdwara is famous for the temple of Lord Krishna, in the form of Srinathji.

Nathdwara, as a city and centre of the religious importance for the followers of Lord Krishna, came into existence in 17th century. It is believed that during the oppressive Rule of Mughal King Aurangzeb, who was hell bent on destroying all Hindu Temples, to protect the Idol of Lord Srinathji, which was worshipped at Govardhan Hill near the Pious city of Vrindavan - the play ground of Lord Krishna, it was decided to shift the idol further south. First it was moved to Agra, from where after six months waiting, it was decided to move it further south. While being carried through the state of Rajasthan on a Bullock Cart, as it reached the spot at village Sihad or Sinhad, the wheels of bullock cart in which the idol was being transported sank axle-deep in mud. Even after various efforts it could not be moved any farther. The accompanying priests inferred that this particular place is the Lord's chosen spot to stay at and accordingly, a temple was built there under the rule and protection of the then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. Since then it is a significant Vaishnavite Shrine especially for the Pushti Marg OR Vallabh Sampradaya also known as Shuddha Advaita. Vallabh Sampraday was founded by Vallabh Acharya, who is revered mainly by people of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Vitthal Nathji son of Vallabhacharya was the fist to institutionalize the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara.

The idol of Shrinathji depicts a 14th century, 7-year old infant  incarnation of Krishna. Legend is that in 1409 AD, near Govardhan Hill on Mathura an image of lord Shrinathji, the mountain lifting form of Krishna, was discovered when a cow worshiped the lord with offerings of milk. Lord Shrinathji symbolizes a form of Lord Krishna, when he lifted the 'Govardhana' (a hill). In this large Blackstone idol, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right is bunged in a fist.  Images of two cows, a snake, a lion, two peacocks and a parrot by the god's head are imprinted on the idol. The idol is treated like a living deity by the priest and they tend to the lord with daily normal function like bathing- dressing meals called "prasad" and the resting times in regular intervals. The idol in itself is decorated with  fine intricately woven shaneels & silk cloth with real original zari and shredded work done upon them along , tones of real jewelers, which are of antique value. The view of the idol (you get to see it only after the parda (curtain) is removed) is a spectacular sight that is simply mesmerizing and dazzling.

The structure of this temple is simple, but the aesthetic appeal of this temple, the religious atmosphere , especially during the Aarti and Shringar when formal prayers with vedic hymns are offered with diya,incense sticks, flowers, fruit and other offerings, while at the background the devotional songs of the demand are sung with local instruments according to the demand of the time and occasion. The festivals of Holi, Diwali and Janmashtmi are celebrated with full gusto, with the idol being specially decorated. A large number of believers visit Nathdwara during this period. Another major festival to be celebrated is  Annakutta ( a festival which marks the occasion of Lord Krishna lifting Goverdhan ( Govardhan) Hill on his little finger).

The temple authorities have about 500 cows and among them; one is regarded as Shrinathji's cow. It is considered that this cow has come from the pedigree that served the lord for centuries. The Temple does not allow entry to foreigners, but the Indian cultural aura can be felt by just visiting the vicinity of the temple.

Shrinathji Temple is not the only thing which Nathdwara had to offer. This small city,is also famous for its 'pichhwai' paintings, handmade terracotta, ivory articles, milk-made sweets and haveli Music. Pichwai Paintings, are a form of paintings on cloth from the school of Nathdwara of Mewar style paintings. The centre of theme for all Pichwai Paintings is Lord Krishna and the incident related to his life. Here Lord Krishna is always depicted in the form of Shrinathji, his childhood incarnation carrying Govardhan Hill on his little finger. Profound use of Gold Color, the image of Krishna with large eyes, broad nose and a heavy body, similar to the features on the idol of Shrinathji is the aspect which separates Pichwai Paintings from others. Pichwai paintings are works of art that are used to adorn the walls of temples, behind the idol. First a rough sketch is made on the starched clothes and natural colors are then filled in the spaces. Traditionally natural colours and brushes made of horse, goat or squirrel hair were used, but now faster and less expensive material have replaced them. The use of pure gold in the paintings adds to their value and charm. For one painting, it may take 3-4 days to just prepare colour from pure gold.Apart From Pichwai Paintings, the artist also produce paintings on the paper, but the predominant theme is Lord Krishna.

Apart from the Pichwai Paintings, it is also famous for classical form of singing, often referred to as Haveli Gharana whose most famous exponent is Pandit Jasraj. Haveli Sangeet is Vaishnava temple music practiced by the 'Pushti Margi Sampradaya.' Nathadwara is the main seat of the Vaishnava devotional cult which created a rich historical tradition of temple-based music. 'Haveli' here is referred to a palace that the deity chooses to live in. If compared to Dhrupad, Haveli Sangeet, as it is known in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, claimed superior resilience as it claimed that Lord Krishna himself was the very audience for its performances. In this school of music every activity revolves around Lord Krishna  and is sung in the form of Kirtans, Bhajans, Samaj Gayan and Bhava Nirtya. It incorporates a fusion of classical and folk music,but the dominant style of singing is still Dhrupad and Dhammar. The temples of Radha Vallabh at Vrindaban, Krishna at Nandgaon, Shri Radha Rani at Barsana, and Sri Nathji at Nathdwara all reverberate with Haveli Sangeet

Nathdwara can be reached by an hour of scenic drive from Udaipur, which further is connected with all major cities in India through Rail, Road and Air.