Vaishnav Sampraday (sect) has a sub sect called Pushti Marg. For all Pushti Margiya Vaishnavs, Nathdwara (popularly known in Gujarat as Shrinathji) pilgrimage once a year is a must.
Expounding his philosophy of ’’Vishudhadvaita’’, MahaPrabhu Shri Vallabhacharyaji set up the Pushti Marg, the Path of Grace, with divine blessing in Gokul in 15th Century. The sect flourished under his son Shri Vitthalnathji (popularly called Shri Gosaiji).
The Haveli (temple in Pushti Marg is called Haveli) in Nathdwara where Svarup (Idol) of Shrinathji dwells is a 16th century mansion. The Haveli in itself gives you a feeling of sacredness and one cannot but feel overwhelmed by the divine effect of this sacrosanct place the moment one steps in for darshan of the Lord.
The Svarup of Shri Nathji is representing Shri Krishna at the age of seven. He with His left arm holds Mount Goverdhan while his right hand rests on His waist. The Deity wears a large diamond on its chin.
Early in the morning the vina is played to awaken Shrinathji and classical songs and music is sung during other Jhankis. Normally there are eight Jhanki’s every day. Each Jhanki has a particular meaning and purpose. The first Jhanki in the day is called Mangla, followed by Shringar, Gval, Raj Bhog, Utthapan, Bhog, Sandhya Aarti and Shayan. I request you to refer to the review by Nirwa (crimemastergogo) for description of each Jhanki.
The svarupa of BalaKrishnalal and Navnit-Priyaji, is that of the Lord as Yashodaji’s baby. The Lord is shown as an adorable infant with a ball of butter in his right hand. As the Lord is so small, how could he possibly be expected to wake up early?
Hence, Mangala darshan in Navnit-Priyaji’s haveli takes place much after dawn. Typically, Navnit-Priyaji wakes up when Shri Nathji has finished the Shringar darshan. After bathing and getting dressed, the Lord swings in his ’’palana’’ (crib). Priests play with various toys to amuse the Lord and temple musicians sing to entertain the Lord. Rest of the darshans take place as described above.
Shrinathji’s left hand was first seen in 1410 on the summit of Mount Goverdhan. It was offered milk because the inhabitants worshipped as a single deity. The face (Mukharvind) of the Lord emerged in 1479 when Vallabhacharya was born.
In 1493 Vallabhacharya found Lord Shrinathji at midnight in Gokul. He was overcome with emotion and garlanded Lord Shrinathji with pavitra and offered misri.
Anyor is the village below the hill at Mount Goverdhan. A Brahmin known as Sadhu Pande was staying. He had a cow of Nandvash (Gumer) who was grazing on the hill with other cows. One fine morning Gumer poured milk and offered to Lord Shrinathji while he was feeling hungry. Gumer gave less milk and hence he doubted on Gumer that people were pilfering milk. Next day Pandeji secretly followed Gumer offering milk to Lord Shrinathji. He was surprised to see this incident and was glad to have his Darshan.
The next morning everybody climbed the hill and saw that the divine child running forward and embracing Vallabhacharya, lord then asked him to place him in a shrine so that regular seva could be performed, and said that divine grace would descend on those who worshipped him further adding “That is why I have revealed myself here.”
The Svarup was brought here in 1672 AD from Mathura, during the reign of Aurangzeb. Goswami Dev, a Vaishnava chief, fled with the idol from Mathura to escape from the Mughal emperor — who had prohibited idol worship — and carried it in a chariot with the intention of taking it to Udaipur.
However, the chariot got stuck enroute, which he took as a message from God, and decided to build a temple at that spot itself. This place is now known as Nathdwara (gate of god).
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From Tourist Point of View…
~Nathdwara is located about 50 km north of Udaipur. Several travel agencies run bus service from Udaipur. It takes approximately an hour to travel to Nathdwara from Udaipur.
~Best option is to reach Nathdwara early morning (about 5:00 am) to catch the Mangla Darshan. There is usually 2 hours of time between Mangla and Shringar to take a shower and have breakfast in Manek Chawk. You can get some delicious Gujarati dishes and hot Rabdi.
~Best option for lunch would be traditional Gujarati Thali offered at several locations near Manek Chawk or the best would be at Hotel Poonam in New Cottages, managed by the Mandir Mandal.
~You have two options post lunch. First would be to catch a good nap in your hotel room. Second would be to explore the Market. The market offers traditional Rajasthani Bandhani clothes and Jewelry. You can also find hand painted Pichhwais of Shrinathji in different Svarups to grace your home.
~After the Shayan Darshan, it’s time to have some delicious Pav Bhaji in Manek Chawk. Also, don’t forget the Bhang, a type of Milkshake rich with saunf and cardamom, absolutely delicious.
~That is all you need, a day. While on your tour thru culturally opulent Rajasthan, a day in Nathdwara is a welcome addition.