Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara, Rajasthan – A Guide to Nathdwara Temple

This is a complete guide to the famous Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara in Rajasthan including the history and legends associated with the temple.

Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara is a famous religious site in Rajasthan. The western Indian state of Rajasthan is an endearing mosaic that incorporates in its intricate and exquisite design, not only royal palaces, majestic forts, enchanting lakes, and forests, but also places of spiritual solace. It is in Rajasthan where the lakes and palaces of Udaipur rub shoulders with those of Jaipur, where the shifting sand dunes of Jaisalmer tango with the tigers of Ranthambore. Another aspect of Rajasthan is its spiritual and religious side.

It is the land where Mirabai drowned in her devotion to Sri Krishna, the land of Ajmer Sharif, and the land where even rats are worshipped at the Karni  Mata Temple in Bikaner. Rajasthan is home to the beautiful Jain temples of Delwara and Ranakpur. Krishna who is one of Hinduism’s most popular and loved Gods has a famous temple in the form of the Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara, in Rajasthan.

This place is as sacred and sacrosanct to pilgrims and devotees as other temples and places related to Krishna, like Dwarka and Bhalka Tirth in Gujarat, and Vrindavan and Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. We look at the significance of the Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara, its history and legends, as well as other useful information in this Nathdwara travel blog post.

This is a complete guide to Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara in Rajasthan including the history and legends associated with the temple, temple timings, temple darshan timings, and hotels.

Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara, Rajasthan – Guide to Nathdwara Temple

Nathdwara draws devotees in huge numbers to its Shreenathji temple which is also known as Shreenathji Ni Haveli. Nathdwara is situated around 46 kilometers from the city of Udaipur. The Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna in the form of a 7-year old child. The idol is of black stone which has an interesting and intriguing history and many legends associated with it.

Where is Nathdwara situated?

Nathdwara is situated in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Nathdwara to Udaipur distance is about 46 kilometres. Nathdwara is located near the Banas river, surrounded by Aravalli hills in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. Nathdwara is near to many of the tourist places and attractions of Rajasthan.

• Nathdwara to Mount Abu distance is about 191 kilometers
• Kumbhalgarh to Nathdwara distance is about 51 kilometers
• Nathdwara to Ranakpur distance is about 81 kilometers
• Ajmer to Nathdwara distance is about 220 kilometers
• Udaipur to Nathdwara distance is about 46 kilometers
• Chittorgarh to Nathdwara distance is about 100 kilometers

Nathdwara Map

Get directions to travel by road from Udaipur to Nathdwara or Jaipur to Nathdwara

Address

Shrinathji Temple,
Nathdwara.
Rajasthan – 313301

Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara – Nathdwara Temple history

It is believed that the idol that is worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum of Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara was self-manifested from the Govardhan Hill that is located near Vrindavan in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh.

Legend has it that Krishna as a boy once lifted the Govardhan Parvat ( Govardhan Hill ) with the little finger of his left hand to provide refuge to the people of Vrindavan against heavy rains unleashed by an angry Lord Indra, the king of Gods. The idol worshipped in the Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara depicts this form of Krishna as a child with his left hand raised to hold the Govardhan Hill.

The idol of black stone is believed to have materialized with its face and left hand from Govardhan Hill.  Vallabhacharya, a saint and philosopher who lived in the 15th century, and founded the Pushti sect of Vaishnavism, is believed to have had a dream where he was directed to the idol that had manifested itself from the Govardhan Hill. Vallabhacharya then started the worship of the idol in Vrindavan, where the tradition continued.

But those were the days of religious persecution and it is believed that the idol was shifted from Vrindavan to Agra on the river Yamuna, where it stayed for about six months and then onwards, further south towards Mewar. It was finally established in what is present-day Nathdwara where. The temple in Nathdwara is the epicentre of the entire economy of the small town.

Shrinathji the avatar of Shri Krishna  

Some accounts say that Shrinathji is an avatar of Krishna, however, he is a form of Krishna himself, an avatar of Vishnu, who took birth in the Dwapara Yuga and gave the message of the Geeta to the world. Shrinathji is Krishna in the form of a 7-year old child lifting the Govardhan Hill with the little finger of his left hand.

Legends From Shrinathji Temple History

There are various legends and myths associated with the Nathdwara Temple in Rajasthan as well as the idol of its presiding deity.

One of the interesting legends tells the story of how the stone idol of Shrinathji came to be installed at the Nathdwara Temple near Udaipur. The idol was being transported southwards from Vrindavan to Agra and onwards in a chariot or bullock cart, to ensure its safety from the religious persecution unleashed by Aurangzeb. Near a village named Sihad or Sinhad, the wheels the vehicle bearing the idol sank in the ground and refused to budge. This was taken as a signal that the Lord wanted to reside in this place. This is how the Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara came to be.

Another legend is drawn from the annals of the Pushtimarg, the sect of Vaishnavism founded by Vallabhacharya. According to it, Shrinathji (Krishna) was in the habit of visiting the region of Mewar to play Chaupar, an ancient Indian game of dice, with a princess named Ajab Kumari.

As Shrinathji had to leave to return to his home in Vrindavan, the princess used to get upset and would urge him to stay back. Shrinathj consoled her by saying that at an appropriate time, he would come and stay there permanently. The movement of the idol of Shrinathji and its installation in Nathdwara is believed to be the redemption of this promise that the Lord gave to the princess.

The Architecture of Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara

It is believed that the architectural design of the Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara is similar to that of the Nand Maharaj temple in Vrindavan. The architecture of the Shrinatji temple is unlike any other temple. It is not designed as per the typical temple architecture of India. In fact, it is more like a palatial house, in keeping with the belief that it is the house or Haveli of Shrinathji.

Shrinathji haveli has many paintings depicting Shrinathji miracles and Shreenathji stories. The temple is made up of different rooms which have their own functions like any other residential place. Passages and courtyards connect the rooms. The only element of temple architecture is the Shikhara with the Kalasha that marks the top of the temple. There are seven flags fluttering atop the Shikhar along with a Sudarshan Chakra which is symbolic of the Pushtimarg sect of Vaishnavism founded by Vallabhacharya.

Shrinathji Darshan Time – Rituals at Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple

Shrinathji temple is open all days, throughout the year. The rituals at the Shrinathji temple begin at 5.15 am in the morning and it ends at 7.30 pm in the evening. Shrinathji temple timings i.e. Shrinathji darshan time is from morning 5.00 AM to 12.30 PM and in the evening from 4.00 PM to 8.30 PM.

The deity of Shri Krishna – Shrinathji is offered 56 varieties of food items in Bhog which is later distributed as Prasad to the devotees. It is known as the Chhappan Bhog. Chhappan means 56 in the Hindi language. The idol of Shrinathji is dressed in the finest clothes and jewellery.

There are 8 Jhankis (services) during the day at Shrinathji Temple and each Jhanki represents a purpose and has a meaning to it. Shrinathji is royally dressed and different types of food along with sacred water of Yamuna is served to Shreenathji.

8 Jhankis / Shrinathji Temple timings – Nathdwara Temple timings are mentioned below:

Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara Daily Darshan Timings:

Mangala            5.15 AM – 06.00 AM IST
Shringar            7.15 AM – 07.45 AM IST
Gwal                   9.15 AM – 9.30 AM  IST
Rajbhog             11.15 PM – 12.05 PM IST
Uthapan             3.30 PM – 3.45 PM IST
Bhog                   4.45 PM – 5.00 PM IST
Sandhya Aarti   5.15 PM – 6.00 PM IST
Shayan               6.50 PM – 7.30 PM IST

Best time to visit Nathdwara

Being a religious place anytime would be the best time to visit Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara for devotees. However, the Nathdwara weather is extreme and very hot in summers, making winter the best time to visit Nathdwara. The Nathdwara temperature during this period could result in oppressive and unbearable heat.

The months from September to March are ideal for visiting the Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara. One can also visit during festivals like Krishna Janmasthami, etc., to experience the vibes of the place in all its colour, however, this would be the time with maximum crowds and one would need to plan accordingly.

What to eat in Nathdwara

Nathdwara trip is incomplete without tasting the Temple Prasad and the Street food of Nathdwara.

Nathdwara Temple prasad – Don’t miss to have Sagar Prasad from the temple. It is made of almonds, sugar and ghee ( clarified butter).

Food to try out in Nathdwara are Rabdi, Pudina Chai, Masala Milk, Thandai, Poha, Dhokla, Bhajiya, Sabudana Vada, Nimbu soda, Gujarati thali and Rajasthani Thali. Apart from the street food, one can check out the top places to eat in Nathdwara here.

Shopping in Nathdwara – Things to buy in Nathdwara

If you are wondering what to shop in Nathdwara then here are a few things that should be on your Nathdwara shopping list:

• Pichwai paintings ( also known as Pichhwai, Pichhavai, Pichhvai, Pechhavai etc.)
• Antique items
• Handicrafts
• Terracotta products
• Gujarati and Rajasthani dress like Chaniya choli with Bandhini, Mirror work, Embroidery etc.
• Leheria and Gota Sarees
• Imitation jewellery
• Silverware
• Shrinathji Prasad like Saagar, Bundi Ladoo, Mohanthal, Kopra Pak

You can buy online Shrinathji Pichwai paintings from Amazon or Flipkart. You can order online Shrinathji Prasad from here or here.

Shrinathji images

Here are a few photos of Shrinathji.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara and also about Nathdwara

♦  Who is Lord Shrinathji?

Lord Shrinathji is the child form of Shri Krishna as worshipped in the Nathdwara Temple Rajasthan.

♦   Who built Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara?

The Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple was built during the reign of Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar.

♦  How do I get to Shrinathji? How can I reach Shri Nathdwara?

The most convenient way to reach Nathdwara is by road from Udaipur.
There are buses plying to  Nathdwara from Udaipur as well as many cities of Gujarat like Ahmedabad.

♦  How far is Nathdwara from Udaipur?

Nathdwara to Udaipur distance is about 46 kilometres only.

♦  How can I go from Udaipur to Nathdwara?

You can reach Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara, Rajasthan by road from Udaipur, either by taxi or other public transport or by private car.

♦   How far is Nathdwara from Udaipur airport?

The distance between Nathdwara and Udaipur airport is about 59 kilometres.

♦  How much time does it take for darshan at Nathdwara Temple?

There are 5 different Darshan slots when one can take darshan of Shrinathji. The time for darshan depends on the crowds and can vary. There are no special darshan tickets available in the temple. One can opt for special darshan or Shrinathji VIP Darshan for speedy darshan of Srinathji Nathdwara with the help of the Pandits / Pandas.

Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara Online Booking

There are a few services that can be booked online through the Shrinathji Temple Official site. Here are a few links:

• Cottage booking online
• Shriji Seva online ( donation )
• e-Manorath Seva online ( different rituals )
• Shriji Samagri Seva Bhent online ( donation of items like fruits, dry fruits etc. )

How to reach Nathdwara

• Nathdwara is around 46 kilometres from Udaipur in Rajasthan

By Air

• The nearest airport to Nathdwara is the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur located around 59 kilometres away
• Udaipur is well connected by Air to other cities in India
• One can travel by road from Udaipur Airport to Nathdwara by Taxi, private car, or bus

By Road

• Nathdwara is well connected by road to Udaipur and other cities of Rajasthan and Gujarat
• There are buses from Udaipur and other places in Rajasthan to Nathdwara
• Many buses operate from Ahmedabad and other places in Gujarat to Nathdwara
• One can also travel by taxi or private car

By Rail

• The nearest railway station is Mavli at a distance of about 30 kilometres, however, this is not a major railway junction
• The next nearest station is Udaipur at a distance of about 49 kilometres from Nathdwara
• One can travel by train to Udaipur and then by road to Nathdwara

Are you thinking of paying a visit to Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara in Rajasthan, India? Then you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here and reach Udaipur. You can fly to Udaipur and then from there you can travel to Nathdwara by road. You can reach Nathdwara by self-drive car or cab or bus.

Where to stay in Nathdwara

Nathdwara can easily be visited as a day trip from Udaipur. However, if you want to visit the temple at leisure you can stay over at any of the Nathdwara hotels. There are ample accommodation options at Nathdwara including Cottages and Dharamshala. All the Nathdwara Dharmashalas are managed by the Nathdwara Temple Board. There are many private hotels as well. You can do your Nathdwara hotel booking right here. If you are looking for a luxury stay then you can book your stay in The Marutinandan Grand, Nathdwara. Another alternative would be to stay at Kumbhalgarh. Nathdwara to Kumbhalgarh distance is 50.5 kilometres. Drive from Kumbhalgarh to Nathdwara would take around an hour and a half.

One can book hotels in Nathdwara right here through, TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and avail handsome discounts.

Places to visit near Nathdwara

If you are looking for day trips from Udaipur then you can easily visit Nathdwara from Udaipur. If you are staying for a few days in Nathdwara then you can cover a few places near Nathdwara. There are quite a few tourist attractions in and around Nathdwara:

• Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara
• Charbhuja Temple, Nathdwara
• Rana Pratap Memorial – Maharana Pratap Memorial in Haldighati
• Dwarkadhish Temple of Kankroli
• Charbhuja Temple near Nathdwara
• Molela Terracotta Village
• Eklingji Temple – Shri Eklingji Mandir
• Nand Samand Dam
• Ranakpur Jain Temple
• Kumbhalgarh Fort
• Phalodi
• Bundi
• Mt.Abu
• Banswara
• Ajmer
• Chittorgarh
• Sawai Madhopur
• Udaipur

The World’s tallest statue of Shiva is being built here and very soon the 351 feet tall Nathdwara Shiva statue dubbed as the Statue of Belief will tower over Nathdwara

Some Useful Tips – Things to know before visiting Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, India

• Avoid visiting Shrinathji Temple on weekends and busy days
• A lot of people visit Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara during festivals. Main festivals are Janmasthami, Holi, Diwali, Annakutta, Rose festival and Pechwai festival
• If you are visiting Shreenathji temple Nathdwara with elderly people and /or with small kids then be wary of long queues and take necessary precaution
• If you are visiting the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara during the festivals, the temple will be overcrowded
• If you are visiting the Shreenathji Temple in Nathdwara during the festivals, then make sure you have booked well in advance your flight tickets, train tickets etc. Book your stay in Nathdwara hotels before reaching Nathdwara
• If you plan to cover all the darshan at Shreenathji temple Nathdwara then plan to stay for 2-3 days
• Photography is not allowed inside the temple premises
• Mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple premises
• Cameras are not allowed inside the temple premises
• Lockers are available outside the temple to deposit your mobile phones, cameras and other valuable items
• Remove your footwear/ slippers, shoes, sandals before entering the temple premises. There is a designated shoe stand to leave your footwear
• Respect the sentiments of the temple visitors/pilgrims
• Dress modestly. Avoid wearing shorts, mini skirts etc.
• General darshan is free. There is no entry ticket for General darshan at Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara
• To beat the queue, one can reach out to the Pandits / Pandas who can help get you special darshan / VIP darshan at Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara. There is no special darshan entry tickets available at the ticket counter outside the temple
• Parking space is available to park your vehicles. There is a minimal charge to park your vehicles in the parking lot
• One can either walk or hire an auto-rickshaw ( tuk-tuk) to reach Shreenathji Temple Nathdwara from the parking area. Shreenathji temple Nathdwara is around 1 to 1.5 kilometres from the parking area
• A Trip to Shreenathji temple Nathdwara is incomplete without having the famous Rabdi on the streets of Nathdwara
• It is believed that on the 11th day of Hindu calendar – Ekadashi, the crowd in the Nathdwara temple is comparatively less
• Details about Temple accommodation, various Sevas like Nathdwara Rajbhog rates etc. are available in the Nathdwara temple official website

We hope you find our blog post about Shreenathji temple Nathdwara useful and it serves as a Nathdwara Travel guide when you plan a visit to the place. Do let us know your thoughts through our comments section.

Do You Love Traveling?

Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very useful travel resources page with best travel tips. Go check it out now.

Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com and taking the time to read this post!

If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected]

We’d love if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends.

[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”27413782″]

Follow our journey on our social media channels:
Facebook   Twitter   Instagram  Pinterest  YouTube

60+ Million Users Trust TripAdvisor With Their Travel Plans. Shouldn’t You?