Gangotri - Gomukh Char Dham Pilgrimages | Gangotri Temple - Gomukh - Gangotri Glacier Tourist Places | Gangotri Glacier Trecking

Gangotri is a town and a Nagar Panchayat (municipality) in Uttarkashi District in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is a Hindu pilgrim town on the banks of the river Bhagirathi (Ganga). It is on the Greater Himalayan Range, at a height of 3,100m.

 

This small town of Gangotri is centered around the temple of the goddess Ganga. It is visited by lakhs of pilgrims every year. A number of ashrams are located on the other side, some of which provide accommodation facilities to the visitors. Ritual duties are supervised by the Semwal family of priests. The Aarti ceremony at the Gangotri is especially impressive, as is the temple, a stately affair that sits on the banks of the rushing Ganges. Adventurous pilgrims can make an overnight 18 km trek to Gaumukh, the actual current source of the river Ganges. For a large number of tourists, Gangotri town serves as the starting point of the Gangotri-Gaumukh - Tapvan and Gangotri- Kedartal trekking routes.

 

Places of Attractions

 

Gangotari Temple:

 

Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges and seat of the goddess Ganga, is second of the four Char Dham Temples in the Chardham Yatra in Himalayas or Chardham Pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. Gangotari is located at at distance of 99 kms from Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand, approximately 300 kms from Dehradun and 250 kms from Rishikesh. Couched in the magnificent Garhwal hills, Gangotri is at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level. It is on the northernmost part of the state of Uttrakhand and is very near the Indo-Tibetan border. The summers are relatively cool and winters are freezing cold, with rains in the months of May and June. For the devotees and tourists, the gates of the temple are open only in the months of May to November.

 

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and was constructed on the banks of Bhagirathi in the 18th century. The temple of Gangotri is located at a 20-feet high structure of white granite, and is around 300 years old. The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga (the Ganges) from Devprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri. 

 

The legend is, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagiratha's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries. But earth could not sustain the immense flow of Ganga and soon it was water everywhere. Lord Shiva then took the flowing Ganga in his hair locks to reduce the impact, henceforth, it flowed down in 12 streams of water. The stream at the source came to be known as Bhagirathi (named after Bhagirath), flowing like this since centuries, absolving the sins of mankind. The Bhagirathi, 'Shila' is located near the temple of Ganga where the holy Ganga first descended on earth from heaven. Hence the place is known as Gangotri. The temple of Bhagirathi was erected by the Gorkha General, Amar Singh Thapa in 18th Century at the source of Ganga.

 

Gangotri can be reached in one day's travel from Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun, or in two days from Yanunotri, the first site in the Char Dham circuit. More popular and important than its sister site to the east, Gangotri is also accessible directly by car and bus, meaning that it sees many more pilgrims than Yamunotri.

 

Submerged Shivling:

 

Submerged in the river, this natural rock shivling is the place where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted locks. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases. The other places of pilgrimage are Surya Kund, Vishnu Kund and Brahma Kund located in the vicinity of Gangotri.

 

Gomukh:

 

Gomukh is also referred to as "Gaumukh" or "Gomukhi". The word "Gomukh" literally means "Mouth of a Cow". According to some sayings, earlier the snout exactly looked like "Mouth of a Cow". It is 18 km from Gangotri in the foot hills of Bhagirathi at a height of 4255m. Gomukh is the terminus or snout of the Gangotri Glacier, from where Bhagirathi River originates. The Bhagirathi River here is pretty speedy. Around the snout, nature presents a wild topography. There are bolders scattered here and there with some pieces of broken snow, along with the hard clayey snow of the glacier. The place is situated at a height of 13,200 ft. It is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometers.

 

Bhavishya Badri Temple:

 

Bhavishya Badri, also spelt as Bhabisya Badri, is located in a village called Subhain at a distance of 17 kilometres from Joshimath, beyond Tapovan and approach is through dense forest, only by trekking. It is situated on an ancient pilgrim route to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar, along the Dhauli Ganges River. The idol of Narsingha (the god with the head of lion) is enshrined here. Traditionally, it is believed that a day will come when the present route to the Badrinath will be inaccessible and the Lord Badrinath will be worshipped here and this is why the place is called Bhavishya Badri.

 

Nandanvan:

 

Nandanvan is a 6-km tough trekking route along the glacier and gives a view of the Shivling. Across the snout of the Gangotri glacier is the sylvan Tapovan, which is known for its exquisite verdure encircling the base of the Shivling peak. From here, one can go to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, at a height of 5590 meters and reach Badrinath.

 

Gangotri Glacier:

 

Gangotri glacier is straightforwardly accessible. It is well linked by motor able road up to Gangotri temple. From Gantotri Temple there are steps upto the main trail going to the ice cave of Gaumukh and one has to take these steps to reach Gomukh. The about 19 km long restrain path follows along the right bank of the Bhagirathi river to Gaumukh, the nose of the glacier. There are no temples at Gaumukh. The terrain is rough and the path is narrow and the fall is steep. The first step involves a walk up to Chirbasa (7 km) which is slow as the ascent is very steep. From here to Bhojbasa which is another 5 km is a relatively smooth walk. The mountain view changes dramatically but remains breathtaking nonetheless.

 

Gangotari, the origin of the sacred river Ganges, is a famous glacier in Garhwal division of the Uttarakhand, located in Uttarkashi district. Gangotri glacier originates at the northern angle of Chaukhamba range of peak. This Glacier is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometers. The Glacier is about 30 kilometers long and 2 to 4 kms wide. Gangotri Glacier is not a solitary valley glacier, but it is a grouping of various other glaciers that are feed to it and form a huge accumulation of ice. Around the glacier are the peaks of the Gangotri Group, including several peaks notable for extremely challenging climbing routes, such as Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi III. It flows roughly northwest, originating in a cirquie below Chaukhamba, the highest peak of the group.

 

It is one of the most significant glaciers in Garhwal district as it is dependable for feeding the head tributary of the holy river Ganga.

 

The terminus of the Gangotri Glacier is said to resemble a cow’s mouth, and the place is called Gomukh or Gaumukh. Gomukh, which is about 18 km (11.2 mi) from the town of Gangotri, is the precise source of the Bhagirathi River, an important tributary of the Ganges. Gomukh is situated near the base of Shivling; in between lies the Tapovan meadow.

 

The Gangotri glacier is a traditional Hindu Pilgrimage site. Devout Hindus consider bathing in the icy waters near Gangotri town to be a holy ritual, and many make the trek to Gomukh and Tapovan.

 

Gangotri glacier flows at a moderate gradient apart from for a few ice stockade and crevices developed in the higher regions of the glacier where, as in the lower part of the glacier is roofed by fragments, which imparts a grubby emergence to its surface.

 

Reaching to Gangotri Gaumukh Glacier

 

The distance between Uttarkashi to Gangotri is 105 km which can be covered by bus or taxi. Buses are available daily during season from Haridwar to Uttarkashi via Bhaldiana. The distance is 173 km and takes about 6 hrs by taxi.

Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple Visit | Varanasi Shiva's Mandir Tour | Varanasi Tourist Attractions | Varanasi Ganges River Ghats Tourism

Varanasi is a beautiful and more than 10 century old city. The city has very old heritage, culture and places to visit. It is famous for many places like Sarnath, Banks on Ganga, Temples etc.

 

The original name of present ‘Varanasi’ city was 'Kashi’, which was derived from the word 'Kasha' meaning brightness. The present name Varanasi has its origin in the two tributaries of the Ganges – ‘Varuna’and ‘Asi’, which flank its northern and southern borders. ‘Banaras’ or ‘Benaras’,as it is popularly known, are the name local popular name of official name ‘Varanasi’.

 

Historians have now ascertained that the Aryans first settled in the middle Ganges valley and by the second millennium BC, Varanasi became the nucleus of Aryan religion and philosophy. The city also flourished as a commercial and industrial center famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, ivory works, perfumery and sculptures.

 

In the 6th century BC, Varanasi became the capital of the kingdom of Kashi. During this time Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, just 10 km away from Varanasi. Being a center of religious, educational, cultural and artistic activities, Kashi drew many learned men from around the world; the celebrated Chinese traveler Hsüan Tsang, is one of them, who visited India around AD 635.

 

Present Varanasi or better known locally as “Banaras”is situated on the banks of River Ganges. The city is also considered as one of the holiest city of India. The place is believed to be a sacred city with very old tradition and culture. Varanasi or Banaras is a place which still holds its old traditional cultural values. The city has all those major amenities which a modern advance city requires.

 

Varanasi is famous for spiritualism, mysticism, Indian philosophy and Hinduism. All these are reflected in numerous sects, temples, Ashrams and Ghats. Varanasi is associated not only with Hinduism but also with Buddhism and Jainism. Varanasi also boasts of Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples. Varanasi is mainly associated with Hinduism, temples form the main attraction. The Ganges Ghats (river fronts) are the main center of religious activities and rituals and also form one of the main attractions of Varanasi. The most important temples of Varanasi are Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple and the Bharat Mata temple.

 

Kashi Vishwanth Mandir

 

Varanasi is place strewn with temples across the city. The place has great spiritual importance with may spiritual attractions like Art, Dance, Music etc. Varanasi is the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India. The most famous temple Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is located on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva Temples. It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one most famous Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Holiest existing Place of Varanasi, where at least once in life a Hindu is expected to do pilgrimage, and if possible, also pour the remains of cremated ancestors on the River Ganges.

 

The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. The Gyanvapi Mosque, which is adjacent to the temple, is the original site of the temple. The current structure was built by the Maratha monarch, Ahilya Bai Holkar of Infore in 1780. Since 1983, the temple is being managed by Govt. of Uttar Pradesh. During the religious occasion of Shivratri, Kashi Naresh (King of Kashi) is the chief officiating priest and no other person or priest is allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum. It is only after he performs his religious functions that others are allowed to enter.

 

The temple is visited every day by thousand of devotees. The temple roof is clad with Gold. The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines, located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli, near the river. The Shiva Linga of the main deity at the shrine is 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference housed in a silver altar. There are small temples for Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri in the complex. There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi (the wisdom well) and it is believed that the Jytorlinga was hidden in the well to protect it at the time of invasion. It is said that the main priest of the temple jumped in the well with the Shiv Ling in order to protect the jyotir Ling from invaders.The architecture and temple interior comes alive with mesmerizing effect during the main prayers.

 

The Temple has great importance in Hindu Religion. The temple is widely recognized as one of the most important places of worship in Hindu religion and most of the leading Hindu saints, including Adi Sankaracharya, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Goswami Tulsidas, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Gurunanak have visited this site. A visit to the temple and a bath in the river Ganga is believed to lead one on a path to Moksha (liberation). Thus, people from all over the nation, try to visit the place at least once in their lifetime. There is also a tradition that one should give up at least one desire after a pilgrimage the temple, and the pilgrimage would also include a visit to the temple at Rameswaram in South India, where people take the water samples of Ganga to perform prayer at the temple and bring back the sand from near that temple. Due to the immense popularity and holiness of this temple, hundreds of temples across the nation have been built with the same style and architecture. Many legends establish that the true devotee achieves freedom from death and samsara by worship of Shiva. Shiva's devotees on death are directly taken to Mount Kailash by his messengers to his abode and not to Yama. The superiority of Shiva and his victory over his own nature - Shiva is himself identified with death - is also ascertained. There is a popular belief that Shiva himself blows the mantra of salvation into the ears of people who choose to end their lives at the Vishwanath temple.

 

A Visit to River Ganges ‘Ghats’:

 

A bath in Ganges River followed with visit to the Temple has deep importance for Hindu’s. The century olds Ghats which are located 4 kms along the river Ganges is spectacular sight, especially with importance of each Ghat and its history and timeless appeal. The long string of bathing steps leading down to the water on the western bank of the Ganges itself tells its spiritual story. Most are used for bathing but there is also located is ‘Marikarnika’ Ghat or the cremation Ghat for Hindus. There, one can often experience watching funeral processions threading their way through the backstreets to this ghat. The best time to visit the ghats is at dawn when the river is bathed in a mellow light as pilgrims come to perform puja (literally ‘respect’; offering or prayers) to the rising sun, and at sunset when the main ‘ganga aarti’ ceremony takes place at Dasaswamedh Ghat. One can explore a trip from Dasaswamedh Ghat south to Harishchandra Ghat and can have a great knowledge about the place Varanasi. The Ghats are best approached by Dashashwamedha ghat, where boats are available on hire.

 

Varanasi is mainly popular for these ghats and the spiritual environment over here. People here come to explore about the Hindu culture, tradition and religion. Thus this place is very famous and full of tourists from across the world throughout of year.

 

Reaching Varanasi

 

By Air: This oldest city of the world is properly linked and reachable to main Indian cities. The daily domestic flights are the easy source to reach Varanasi in few hours. Various Airline operators including India Airlines operates their daily flight to Varanasi

 

By Rail: the direct train from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other states of India's help people to reach the destination easily. The Railways has started direct train to Varanasi from Delhi.

 

By Road: The flat and clean road of Varanasi highway allows people to travel through road as well. Public and private transport vehicles are available for Varanasi as it is properly connected with major cities of India.

 

Puri Krishna Dham | Puri Jagannath Temple | Puri Sea Beaches | Puri Places of Attractions | Puri Rath Yatra - Lord Jagannath

 

Puri is a city of God and the district headquarters of Puri district, situated on the Bay of Bengal. The city famous for its best swimming beaches and is approximately 65 kilometres south of the state capital Bhubaneswar in the Indian State of Orissa. It is also known as Jagannath Puri after the 11th century Jagannath Temple located in the city. Puri is a one of the holy city of the Hindus faith as a part of the Char Dham pilgrimages. According to Hindu teachings, a pilgrimage of the temples of India is not considered complete unless the journey to Puri made.

 

Puri is endowed with one of the best beaches for swimming in India with its fine white sands, roar of breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal and countless devotees flocking the place for a purification dip. It is one of the popular beach resorts among the tourist. The beach is continued to be a sacred venue for an endless number of pilgrims coming to pay homage to Lord Jagannath.

 

 

In the month of November, annually there is organized beach festival which has become a favorite haunt both for Indian and foreign beach lovers. The beach is geographically positioned in such a way that both sunset and sunrise can be viewed from the beach. A comparatively clean and quite place for sunbathing and a relaxed swim can be found at the eastern end. On the Chakratirtha side, the long stretch of golden sand is more tranquil and pleasant place to stroll. However, the swimmers to take enough precaution while swimming as the currents can be treacherous in Puri.

 

The beaches of Puri are also renowned for the sand sculptures created particularly by the internationally famed Sudarshan Patnaik. The subjects are generally inspired by sculptures covering the temple walls, characters and episodes from the mythology and also the contemporary events. An entire beach stretch can be completely yours given the immense number of beaches in Odisha (Orissa) and a comparatively lower number of fun lovers, the city being a popular pilgrimage point for Indians.

 

Places of attraction in Puri:

 

Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a famous Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath and located in the coastal town of Puri. The name Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of) . The temple is an important pilgrimage destination for many Hindu traditions, particularly worshippers of Krishna and Vishnu, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimages that a Hindu is expected to make in one's lifetime . The temple was built in the 1135 AD atop its ruins by the progenitor of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. This shrine is elaborately shaped with high shikhars. Internal chamber of the temple is sustained by 16 pillars. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or Chariot festival, in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. Since medieval times, it is also associated with intense religious fervour.

The temple is sacred to the Vaishnava traditions and saint Ramananda who was closely associated with the temple. It is also of particular significance to the followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism whose founder, Chaitanaya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath, and lived in Puri for many years.

 

Puri – Rath Yatra (Car Festival): Ratha Yatra, the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannatha is celebrated every year at Puri, the temple town in Orissa, on the east coast of India. According to legends Lord Jagannath expressed his desire to visit his birthplace “Gundicha Ghar” ones every year. Moreover Subadra wanted to visit her parents place –Dwarka, therefore his two brothers Jagannath and Balbhadra took her there on this day. Another legend is that Lord Krishna and Balram went to Mathura on this day to participate in the competition on the invitation of king Kans.

 

 

Puri Rath Yatra festival comes in the month of June – July of every year. It starts on the second day of bright fortnight of month Ashada according to Hindus month calendar. On this day three chariot Nandigosha (Yellow colored), Taladwaja (Blue Colored) and Deviratha lined up in front of Jagannath Temple. The presiding deities of the main temple (Sri Mandira) Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, with the celestial wheel Sudarshana are taken out from the temple precincts in an elaborate ritual procession to their respective chariots. The huge, colourfully decorated chariots, are drawn by hundreds and thousands of devotees on the bada danda, the grand avenue to the Gundicha temple, some two miles away to the North. After a stay for seven days, the deities return to their abode in Sri Mandira.

 

Markandeshvara Tank: as per Legends of India Lord Vishnu become the Neem tree situated close to the temple. This religious spot is having some more temples surrounding such as Gundicha, the Sunaragauranga, the Lokanath, the Tota Gopinath and the Daria Mahabir temples. Religious people visit the temple regularly and dip into this holy tank.

 

 

Sudarshan Workshop and Museum: Tourist here can watch the replicas of the holy chariots. God idols in different shape are also available at this workshop.

 

Excursion near Puri City

 

Konark (35 kms away): Konark is the very well-known place for the only big Sun Temple in India. The Sun Temple was built in the 13th century and designed as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, Surya, with twelve pairs of ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses. Some of the wheels are 3 meters wide. Only six of the seven horses still stand today. The big 12 pair wheeled chariot tired by seven strong horses is the dignity of this small city.

 

Balighai Beach: The incredible beach where the tourist can take pleasure of most alluring beach side ornaments is Balighai, though visitors have to travel 8 kms to reach the destination. The beach is situated by the side of the Bay of Bengal and at the mouth of the river Nuanai, Balighai, provides wonderful opportunity to experience confluence of the calm river with the turbulent sea. Most part of this place is fringed by lovely causarina trees. This place is also famous for shy Baliharina deers who reside in this area. Now its very rare to sopt a deer in this area, if you are lucky then you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Baliharina deer. Another special attraction of this beach is the Sea Turtle Research Centre, where you can watch the large turtles fluttering around in their tanks.

 

Balighai sea beach attracts lots of domestic and overseas visitors to enjoy the natural scenery. The magnificent sunrise and sunset site of the beach is an unforgettable experience for tourists’. Tourists can also enjoy sunbath on the neat and clean sea beach and explore the gift of nature by boat riding on the Nuanai River. The scenic beauty of this place is ideal for group picnic with family, friends and your beloved.

 

Sakshigopal Temple: The next wonderful spot is the temple of Lord Sakshi Gopal located at distance around 20 Kms from Puri. The legend is that Lord Gopal who came to bear witness known in Sanskrit as Sakshi is worshipped in the Temple. This Lord Krishna temple is world-known for architectural grandeur.

 

Raghurajpur (10 kms away): the next famous Indian tourist place near Puri is Raghurajpur where a tourist can enjoy paintings and art galleries.

 

Pipli (36 kms away): the craft and handmade items at Pipli are most demanding even in abroad. The cloth pouches and various craft items are supplied to different countries as well. The embroidered covers with obscure appliqué are fine examples of work done by Puri workers.

 

Best time to reach puri is between Octobers to April as the temperature in summer season goes to 30 degrees or more, whereas winter average temperature is 17 degrees.

 

Reaching Puri City:

 

By Air: BPA (Biju Patnaik airport) situated at Bhubaneswar is the big air head to reach Puri. This airport is only 56 kms away from the city. Bhubaneswar airport is directly connected with almost every big airport of India such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

 

By Train: the big railway station of Puri junction is connected with almost every city of India. Frequent and direct trains from the different cities allow travelers to reach the spot easily. The big railheads connected to Puri are New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.

 

By Bus: OTDC (Orissa Tourism Development Corporation) buses are available linked with diverse cities of Orissa to Puri. Direct and regular buses from Bhubaneswar, Konark and Cuttack are attainable for the tourist.

 

Shri Nathji Temple | Shri Nathji of Nathdwara | Temples of Rajasthan | Lord Krishna in Nathdwara

Shri Nathji located in Shri Nathdwara is a town in Rajasthan state of western India. It is located in the Aravalli hills, on the banks of the Banas River in Rajsamand District District, 48 kilometres north-east of Udaipur. This town is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the idol of Shrinathji, a 14th century, 7-year old "infant" incarnation of Krishna, is an absolutely beautiful black marble Deity of Lord Krishna, standing with his hand upraised lifting Govardhana hill. The idol was originally worshipped at Mathura and was shifted in the 1672 from Govardhan hill, near Mathura along holy river Yamuna after being retained at Agra for almost six months, in order to protect it from anti- Hindu fanatic policies of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb’s. The word Nathdwara is made up of two terms, one being Nath that means the Lord and the other is Dwara, which suggests gate. Thus, Nathdwara implies the gate of the lord. Shrinathji forms an important pilgrimage site for the Vaishnavites. Nathdwara is a significant Vaishnavite shrine pertaining to the Pushti Marg or the Vallabh Sampradaya or the Shuddha Advaita founded by Vallabh Acharya, revered mainly by people of Gujarat and Rajasthan, among others. Vitthal Nathju, son of Vallabhacharya institutionalised the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara. Nathdwara town itself is popularly referred to as ‘Shrinathji’, after the presiding deity. Initially, the child Krishna deity was referred to as Devdaman (The conqueror of Gods – Referring to over-powering of Indra by Krishna in the lifting of Govardhan hill). Shri Vallabhacharya named him as Gopala and the place of his worship as ‘Gopalpur’. Later, Vitthal Nathji named the deity as Shrinathji. Many devotees who visit Nathdwara do service for the Deity, such as carry wood, cut vegetables, sweep the temple, or make garlands.

 

Shrinathji Temple

 

According to myths, the Srinathji deity self-manifested from stone and emerged from the Govardhan Hills. Historically, the idol of Shrinathji was first worshipped at Govardhan hill, near Mathura. As per the religious myths, the shrine at Nathdwara was built in the 17th century at the spot as exactly ordained by Shrinathji himself. The legend is that the idol of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to a safer place from Vrindaban to protect it from the anti- Hindu, iconoclastic and barbarian destruction of the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. When the idol 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 and could not be moved any farther. The accompanying priests realised that the particular place was the Lord's chosen spot and accordingly, a temple was built there under the rule and protection of the then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. Shrinathji Temple is also known as 'Haveli of Shrinathji’ (mansion) because like a regular household it has a chariot for movement (In fact the original chariot in which Shrinathji was brought to Singhar), a store room for milk (Doodhghar), a store room for betel (Paanghar), a store room for sugar and sweetmeats (Mishrighar and Pedaghar), a store room 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). There are several prominent temples around the world that play homage to Shrinathji.

 

The Image of Shrinathji at Nathdwara (The Haveli)

 

The icon of Shrinathji is specific as the deity symbolizes that form of Krishna, when he lifted the Govardhan hill. The striking idol of Shrinathji gets the major attraction and is actually worth seeing. A glimpse of Lord makes one to feel the aesthetic world. Shrinathji represents the form of Lord Krishna, when he raised the Govardhana (a hill). Made out in black stone, the image of the Lord appears majestic with his left hand raised and the right hand confined in a fist. The Lords chin is adorned with a dazzling diamond, which is visible from a distance.

 

 

The idol is carved in Bas-relief out of a monolithic black marble stone, with images of two cows, one lion, one snake, two peacocks and one parrot engraved on it and three sages placed near it. The idol of Shrinathji wears exquisitely worked jewels, some dating back to pre-Mughal period. Shinathji is adorned with intricately woven shaneels and silk clothe having original zari and embroidery works. The Nathdwara temple is referred to as the Haveli, term used for the temple because it was situated in a fortified mansion, or Haveli, once a royal palace of the sesodiaRajput rulers of Mewar. Accordingly, Shrinathji is referred to with the honorific Thakurji in local area and customarily the name Shrinathji is not uttered as a matter of respect and reverence. The religious tradition holds that Shrinathji would return to Govardhan some day.

 

Festivals and Rituals at the Temple

 

The Shrinathji temple at Nathdwar celebrates, on an average, three festivals in a week. As regards to daily routine, the inner sanctum is opened 8 times a day for the devotees undertake sacred darshan of the deity. Very elaborate and complex rituals have emerged around the worship of Shrinathji due to confluence and inter-mixing of cult of Krishna as well as that of Pushti Margi Shri Vallabhacharya. The main attractions of Shrinathji are the Aartis and the Shringar, i.e. the dressing and beautifying of the idol of Shrinathji, treating it as a living child, adorning it with the appropriate dresses commensurate to the time of day or night. The formal prayers are offered with diya, flowers, fruit and other offerings, with local instruments and devotional songs of the Shrinathji, according to the demand of the time and occasion. The view of the idol after the parda (curtain) is removed is called jhakhi.

 

The priests in the Havelis of Shrinathji are believed to be from the kul (descendants) of Vallabhacharya, the founder of this deity's idol at Govardhan hill, near Mathura. Presently, Shrinathji is worshiped by priests from this kul (genealogical descendants) of Vallabh Acharya, in all Havelis around the world, which have also been established exclusively by them. Devotees throng to the shrine in large numbers during occasions of Janmashtami and other festivals, like Holi and Diwali. The deity is treated like a living image, and is attended with daily normal functions, like bathing, dressing, meals called "Prasad" and the resting times in regular intervals. Since, the deity is believed to be a child form of Krishna, special care is taken and attention is given to the deity.

 

Daily ritual of 8 darshans a day

 

The gopies of Vraj used to love the Lord so much, they would be at Yashoda’s door at all hours, finding any excuse to see their beloved Nanda Gopal. Mother Yashoda was very protective of her darling child. Concerned that with all these adoring gopies, hanging around her house at all hours of the day, her darling child will never get any time to rest or play properly with his friends. So she decided that all those who wish to visit her beloved Bala Gopal, could do so after he had finished a snack or a meal, and was resting before going out again.

 

Taking this as his cue, MahaPrabhu Shri Vallabhacharyaji decided to open the haveli, his own version of the Nandalay (House / Palace of Nanda, foster father of Lord Krshna), at specific times of the day only. The great Acharya set aside eight times of the day when the doors of the inner sanctum would be left open for the people to catch a glimpse ("jakhi") of the Lord. Rest of the time, the Lord was allowed to go out and play with his friends - gpoas and gopies of Vraj.

 

The Nathdwara Town

 

Nathdwara town is also famous as the Apollo of Mewar. In the town of Nathdwara, Shrinathji temple is the centre of attraction, but the town is also famous for its 'pichhwai' paintings, handmade terracottas, ivory articles and milk-made sweets. During the times of Holi, Diwali and Janmashtmi, people throng in large numbers and the place gets overcrowded. Apart from festivals like Holi and Janmashtmi, Annakutta (Linked to Krishna lifting Govardhana Hill) is a major festival that is celebrated in the temple with full gusto and fervor. Nathdwara is known for Pichwais (Large paintings on cloth depicting legends from the life of Lord Krishna ) and Haweli music (devotional music, akin to dhrupad singing with composition meant for various seasons, festivals and sections of the day).

 

 

Nathdwara has a small, but throbbing township around the temple. Its shopping in the by-lanes is a great revelation. It is famous for its ‘Pichwari Paintings’, with Krishna in the centre of various raas-lila (pictures depicting godly acts, instances and dances) and is recognised for profuse use of pure gold color.

 

A steady stream of pilgrims has ensured a plentiful supply of transport and accommodation at Nathdwara. It is set amid idyllic hills. The temple town is also connected to nearest rail head Mavli Junction which is 28 km from Nathdwara. Mavli Jn is located on Udaipur City- Chittaurgarh Section of NWR. Recently, BG line has been extended from Mavli Jn to Maniana a village located between Mavli Jn and Nathdwara. However, there is no daily trains on mavli Jn- Maniana (Nathdwara Road section). The nearest Airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, Dabok (Udaipur) located at a distance of 56 km via Mavli Jn.

 

How to reach Nathdwara

 

Nathdwara is only 48 kms from Udaipur, which well connected to all major cities through buses, trains and flights.

 

By Air : Indian Airlines and Jet Airways connects Udaipur with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Mumbai.

 

By Rail : Western Railways connects Mavli Junction on the meter gauge with direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Khandwa. Mavli Junction is 38 km. and Chittorgarh is 110 Km.

 

By Road: State Government and Deluxe buses connects Nathdwara with all major tourist station of Rajasthan. City Bus station is 1.5 km.