Places To Visit in Nathdwara

The 17th-century temple of Shrinatji is not very striking in terms of architecture or grandiose associated normally with Hindu Temples. It is more like a house. It is believed that the temple design is based on the house of Nanda Maharaj( Krishna's father) in Vrindavan. Atop the temple, there is a kalasha (spire) on which lies the Sudershan Cakra( Lord Krishna’s weapon) along with Saptadhwaja(seven flags). Inside the main sanctum, well-decorated frescoes can be seen. these illustrate the story of the lord and saint Vallabhacharya.

The idol of Shrinathji here is of black stone and believed to have been self-manifested. The idol with the left hand raised and the right hand confined in a fist appears majestic as new cloth (Vastra) with intricate Zari works are used daily. A dazzling diamond gifted by Emperor Akbar adores the Lord`s chin which is quite visible from a distance. The lord here represents the form of Krishna who lifted the Govardhana Hills with his finger and humbled Lord Indra, the king of Devas(Gods). Surrounding the idol are images of two holy cows, a lion, a snake, a parrot by the god`s head and two peacocks.

Behind the establishment of the Shrinathji Temple also known as ‘Haveli of Shrinathji` at Nathdwara lies stark historical facts and some legends which are interwoven and difficult to sift one from the other. Vallabhacharya the great Vaishnava saint was once visiting northwest India, there the Lord appeared in his dream and asked him to come to Mount Govardhan and meet