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paintings,
jewellery, sweets and attars (oil based natural perfumes).
Nathdwara's strategic, central position and cheap
accommodation makes it an ideal tourist destination. Nathdwara
enshrines the temple of Shrinathji, Lord Krishna.
Major Attraction of Nathdwara
The major attraction of Nathdwara is Shrinathji Temple.
Shrinathji Temple
Nathdwara enshrines Shrinathji - an image of Lord Krishna,
which was originally enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount
Govardhana near Mathura. Shrinathji represents the form of
Lord Krishna in which he lifted the Govardhana Hill and saved
the people of Mathura. The image of Srinathji is believed to
have been a self manifested one. The image of Lord Krishna was
brought to Mewar, for the sake of protection during the period
of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The chariot carrying the image
is said to have gotten stuck here, and hence a temple was
established with the permission of the then Rana of Mewar, at
Nathdwara. Nathdwara is very closely associated with the
Vallabha Sampradaya of Vaishnavism. It is also believed that
Taj Bibi, wife of Akbar had visited this temple.
The haveli is the centre of attraction in the town. Its inner
sanctum is opened only eight times a day when devotees throng
to catch a glimpse of the sacred form of the Lord Shrinathji.
Rest of the time, it is relatively free of crowds, ideal for
those who want to explore the beauty of Rajasthani art and
architecture. At regular intervals, classical music is played
live in its many halls as pilgrims float through its perfumed
marble halls and courtyards. Pankhwalas still manually pull on
the large fans to cool the interior. Drums and trumpets are
still played to announce the mid day's "Royal Darshan".All
doorways are painted and are often flanked by drawings of
elephants, horses, beautiful maidens and
doorkeepers.Shrinathji, the main deity of the sect, resides in
regal splendour, always immaculately dressed and jeweled.
Everything in the inner temple, from Chinese to Silver or
Goldware, paintings, wall hangings, clothes and furniture, are
of the finest quality.
Best Time to Visit Nathdwara
Nathdwara celebrates on an average, minimum three festivals a
week, providing plenty of interest to visitors throughout the
year. |
