Vaishnav Sangh of Sydney Presents
Hindu Cultural Festival 2026
Shrinath Dham (Nathdwara)
The Shrinathji Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shrinathji, a form of Lord Krishna. It is located in Nathdwara, approximately 48 km north of Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan, India.
It is considered an important pilgrimage centre for Vaishnavas. The svarup (divine form) of Shrinathji is believed to be self-manifested. According to legends, Krishna emerged from a stone at the Govardhan Hills.
Early Legends and Origin
In 1466, a resident of Braj went to Govardhan Mountain searching for his lost cow and saw the raised left arm of Shri Govardhanathji.
He informed other residents, and an elder explained that Lord Krishna had once lifted the Govardhan Hill with his left hand to protect the people, cows, and land of Braj from Indra’s wrath.
It was decided that no one should attempt to extract the deity from the mountain, and that the form would reveal itself when it wished. For the next 69 years, devotees worshipped the visible arm by bathing it with milk.
In 1535, a significant event occurred. A cow named Dhoomar would daily release milk over the spot where the arm had appeared. When Saddu Pandey followed the cow, he witnessed milk flowing naturally from the cow’s udder onto the sacred spot. Upon approaching, he saw the face (Mukharvind) of Shri Govardhan Nathji.
On the same day, Shri Vallabhacharya appeared in Champaran, Chhattisgarh. Shri Govardhannathji revealed his names as Devdaman, Indradaman, and Nagdaman.
Historical Background
Historically, the image of Shrinathji was first worshipped at Govardhan Hill near Mathura. In 1672 CE, the image was moved from Mathura along the Yamuna River and temporarily kept in Agra to protect it from the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. It was then transported further south.
When the chariot carrying the deity reached the village of Sihad, its wheels got stuck in the mud and could not move further. The priests interpreted this as the Lord’s wish to stay there, and a temple was constructed at that location.
The temple was built in 1672 by Goswami Damodar Daas Bairagi and came to be known as the Haveli of Shrinathji.
Holkar’s Attack and Protection
In 1802, Jaswant Rao Holkar advanced towards Nathdwara after being defeated by Daulat Rao Sindhia. Hearing of this, Goswamiji sought help from Maharana Bhim Singh. The deity was moved to Udaipur for safety on 29 January 1802. Thakur Vijay Singh and his men fought Holkar’s army and were killed in battle. Holkar’s forces plundered Nathdwara and demanded a large sum of money. Despite negotiations, they looted the temple and surrounding areas.
Later, a temple at Ghasiyar was built where the deity was temporarily housed before being returned to Nathdwara. The temple at Ghasiyar still exists. In 1934, the Udaipur Darbar declared that all properties dedicated to Shrinathji belonged to the shrine, with the Tilkayat Maharaj acting as custodian.
Temple Structure and Concept
The temple is known as a Haveli (mansion) rather than a traditional temple, reflecting the concept of Shrinathji as a living lord of the household.
The temple is designed like Nanda’s house (Krishna’s foster father) and is also called Nand Bhavan or Nandalay.
Key features include:
-
A kalasha on the shikhara with seven flags and Sudarshana Chakra
-
The seven flags represent the seven houses of Pushtimarg
The haveli includes various functional areas similar to a household:
-
Rasoighar (kitchen)
-
Doodhghar (milk storage)
-
Paanghar (betel storage)
-
Mishrighar and Pedaghar (sweets storage)
-
Phoolghar (flower storage)
-
Gahnaghar (jewellery chamber)
-
Kharcha bhandaar (treasury)
-
Ashvashala (stable)
-
Baithak (drawing room)
There are also subsidiary temples dedicated to Madan Mohanji and Navneet Priyaji within the complex.
Worship Philosophy
In the Pushtimarg tradition, Shrinathji is not worshipped as an impersonal deity but as Thakorji, the lord of the house. Therefore, seva (service) is offered instead of conventional worship.
The temple functions like a living household where the deity is cared for with daily routines.
Image of Shrinathji
Shrinathji represents Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill.
-
The image is carved from a single block of black marble in bas-relief
-
Left hand raised (lifting Govardhan)
-
Right hand resting at the waist
-
A large diamond is placed beneath the lips
-
Surrounding carvings include:
-
Two cows
-
One lion
-
One snake
-
Two peacocks
-
One parrot
-
Three sages
-
The iconography has inspired the famous Nathdwara paintings.
Festivals and Rituals
Devotees visit in large numbers during festivals such as:
-
Janmashtami
-
Holi
-
Diwali
The deity is treated as a living child and cared for with:
-
Bathing
-
Dressing (Shringar)
-
Meals (Bhog)
-
Rest periods
The appearance of the deity is changed seven times daily, with different clothing and adornments appropriate to the time of day.
The attire includes rich fabrics like silk and shaneel, decorated with zari and embroidery, along with precious jewellery.
Daily rituals include:
-
Aartis
-
Offerings of flowers, fruits, and lamps
-
Devotional music and instruments
The darshan after the curtain (parda/tero) is removed is called Jhakhi.
Vaishnavas hold deep devotion to Nathdwara and visit frequently.
Cultural and Devotional Significance
According to Pushtimarg traditions, Shrinathji came to Mewar to be with a princess named Ajab Kuvari, who wished for him to stay permanently. Shrinathji has remained deeply connected with devotees and continues to be one of the most beloved forms of Krishna.