Nathdwara is a town in India’s western state of Rajasthan. It is located in the Aravalli hills, on the banks of the Banas River in Rajsamand District, 48 kilometres north-east of Udaipur. This town is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the deity of Shrinathji, a 14th-century, 7-year-old “infant” incarnation of Krishna. The deity was originally worshiped at Jatipura 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. Literally, Nathdwara means ‘Gateway to Shrinathji (God)’. Nathdwara is a significant Vaishnavite shrine pertaining to the Pushti Marg or the Vallabh Sampradaya or the Shuddha Advaita founded by Vallabha Acharya, revered mainly by people of Gujaratand Rajasthan, among others. Vitthal Nathji, son of Vallabhacharya institutionalised the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara.
The town itself is popularly referred to as ‘Shrinathji’, after the presiding deity.
As per the religious beliefs, the shrine at Nathdwara was built in the 17th century at the spot as exactly ordained by Shrinathji himself. The idol of the Lord Krishna was being transferred from Vrindaban to protect it from the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb who, according to sectarian literature, wished to have the deity reside with him in Agra. 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).
Legend of Shrinathji Temple
As per the scriptures of Pushtimarg – the sec of Vaishanavism started by Vallabhacharya, Shrinahtji used to come to Mewar to play Chaupar with his beloved princess Ajab Kunwari and it made her sad whenever he had to leave her place to go back to Vrindavan. So, the Lord promised her that one day, he would reside here permanently when the time and situation is right. The story of the cart getting stuck in the mud at this place is considered to be the Lord’s way of making sure that his promise is kept.
Architecture
The temple has been designed in the lines of temple of Nanda Maharaj in Vrindavan. Therefore, it is also known as Nanda Bhavan or Nandalaya. Structurally, a kalasha on the shikhara marks the top of the temple, on which seven flags are flown along with the Sudarshana Chakra. The seven flags represent the 7 houses of Pushti Marg or Vallabh Sampradaya. The presiding deity idol was beautifully carved out of single black marble. Shrinathji idol is in the form of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill with his left hand and his right hand resting on his waist. Images of two cows, a snake, a lion, two peacocks and a parrot by the god’s head are imprinted on the idol.
The huge temple complex is divided into many sections, like the main shrine, Kitchen, Priests’ lodges and stitching department, where tailors stitch marvellous dresses of Shrinathji.
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. Apart from these festivals, Annakutta (Linked to Krishna lifting Govardhana Hill) is a major festival that is celebrated in the temple.
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). Apart from Pichwai Paintings, the artists also produce small-scale paintings on paper. Themes from Krishna legend predominate.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathdwara
https://www.trawell.in/rajasthan/udaipur/shrinathji-temple-nathdwara
https://www.holidify.com/places/nathdwara/shrinathji-temple-sightseeing-5436.html
https://www.sahapedia.org/nathdwara-paintings-shrinathji-cult-haveli-traditions-and-bazaars