The Temple
The 17th-century temple of Shrinatji is not very striking in terms of architecture or grandiose associated normally with Hindu Temples. It is more like a house. It is believed that the temple design is based on the house of Nanda Maharaj( Krishna's father) in Vrindavan. Atop the temple, there is a kalasha (spire) on which lies the Sudershan Cakra( Lord Krishna’s weapon) along with Saptadhwaja(seven flags). Inside the main sanctum, well-decorated frescoes can be seen. these illustrate the story of the lord and saint Vallabhacharya.
The idol
The idol of Shrinathji here is of black stone and believed to have been self-manifested. The idol with the left hand raised and the right hand confined in a fist appears majestic as new cloth (Vastra) with intricate Zari works are used daily. A dazzling diamond gifted by Emperor Akbar adores the Lord`s chin which is quite visible from a distance. The lord here represents the form of Krishna who lifted the Govardhana Hills with his finger and humbled Lord Indra, the king of Devas(Gods). Surrounding the idol are images of two holy cows, a lion, a snake, a parrot by the god`s head and two peacocks.
Myth and History
Behind the establishment of the Shrinathji Temple also known as ‘Haveli of Shrinathji` at Nathdwara lies stark historical facts and some legends which are interwoven and difficult to sift one from the other. Vallabhacharya the great Vaishnava saint was once visiting northwest India, there the Lord appeared in his dream and asked him to come to Mount Govardhan and meet Him. Asking for direction, around MountGovardhan, Vallabhacharya found that a cow was going to the hills every day and releasing here milk at a particular point. On the point, the Lord revealed himself as Shree Nathji.
Then after him Vitthalanathji his able son took up the worship of the deity. Gusainji as the head of the Vaishnava sect is called was making a pilgrimage to Dwarka on his way he spotted a place called Sinhad in Mevar, of modern Rajasthan. Then and there he made a prediction that in future Shreeji will come to reside here.
Princess Ajaba Kunwari took initiation from Gusain ji, as he left she was upset. She was pacified only when Gusain Ji proclaimed “Shreeji Himself would come here and give you Darshans.". It is believed the present temple is in the same location where Ajaba Kunwari’s Haveli stood once.
Coming to the history part, in the 17th century after Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb ascended the throne of Delhi he was bent upon to destroy Hindu temples and architectural marvels. In 1669-70 Aurangazeb trained his eyes on Mathura -Vrindavan where the idol of Shrinathji was consecrated earlier. Efforts were made to safeguard the idol and finally Rana Raj Singh of Mewar took the cudgels for its safe passage. After Agra and different places the idol finally reached Mewar somewhere around 1671 AD.Sinhad village where the lord finally rested came to be known as Nathdwara.
Regarding the location of the Temple it is believed that as the idol was being transferred to an unapproachable and secluded place, the wheels of the bullock cart sank deep down in the mud. Those accompanying the idol deciphered that perhaps it was some divine dictum that the Lord wants to reside here. Thus, in the same spot, the temple got constructed.
Darshan Timings
Unlike other Temples, Shreeji’s Darshans are not open throughout the day. There are a total of 8 Jhankis or Darshans fixed for the day. This starts through the morning when he is woken and the time in the evening he is put to bed like a small child.
Each Darshan has a special significance and it is considered ideal to do all the 8 Darshans of Shreeji of Nathdwara. Kirtans( devotional compositions) of illustrious Saints are sung by different Kirthankara( song master) during each Darshan in a particular order. Let’s take a look at each Darshan.
Mangala Darshan
During Mangala, the lord is awakened by blowing a Conch. Mangala Darshan timings vary according to season. During summers Darshans open a bit late while in winter Darshans start early. Compositions of Shri Parmanand Das are rendered in this Darshan.
During summers, the Shringar is lighter and the Lord is attired in a simple Adbandha without his flute. In winters his costumes are heavy and he is covered totally in a Rajai (blanket). His face remains only visible. A sigri (coal fire) keeps him warm. The rest of the year he is attired in an Uparna. Milk, Mishri, Butter, Thord seera are offered as bhog. Aarti is done in this Darshan.
Shringar Darshan
Shringar Darshan takes place an hour after Mangala. The lord is dressed up according to different seasons and festivals. The flute is given to him. As per ritual, after Shringar a mirror is placed in front of him so that he can check his dress. During this Darshan composition of poet Shri Nand Das is sung.
Gwal Darshan
Gwal Darshan signifies that the lord now assumes his Cowherd role and takes his herd out to graze. Dhunni-Dhoop is lit, Aarti with `Dou Vaat Batti` (2 standing wicks) is also performed. Bhog is offered in the form of milk and sweets. Compositions of Shri Govind Swami are sung in this Darshan.
Note: This Darshan is normally not open during the Festivals.
Raj Bhog
Raj Bhog the most elaborate Darshan of the day is also the *longest Darshan. The lord is offered an elaborate meal without chilies. Devotional songs of Shri Kumbhan Dasji are sung. Aarti is also performed in this Darshan. After this it is time for the lord to take a rest and Shreeji’s Haveli is shut for the afternoon.
Utthapan Darshan
Utthapan Darshan commences 3 hours later with the blowing of the Conch. This Darshan is open for a short duration. Now compositions of illustrious Saint Surdas are rendered. Bhog is offered in the form of Fruits and milk products.
Bhog Darshan
This Darshan commences normally half an hour after Utthapan. The lord is now dressed up in Moghul attire. In summers small fountains are placed before him and in winter a stove is placed to warm him. Compositions by Shri Chaturbhuj Das fill sanctify the atmosphere. Bhog now composes fruits, Thor and light snacks.
Sandhya Aarti
Sandhya Aarti succeeds immediately the Bhog Darshan. The Shringar and Vastra become lighter, thus preparing for sleep. Shreeji is offered his flute. Aarti is performed. Sudarshan Chakra is also offered Bhog. The seven flags are also wrapped around and rested for the night.
Shayan & Sleep
The eighth and last Darshan of the day, Shayan signifies that the lord is now retiring for the day. Shayan is not always performed openly. The Shayya( Bed Chamber) of the lord is prepared. Kirtans of poet Shri Krishna Das are now sung. Bhog and Jal(water) are offered along with Pan(Betel leaves).
Timings
The Darshan timings are more or less of a fixed duration. Sometimes they may vary by 20-30 minutes, depending upon the seasons. The daily timings are announced outside the gate. Devotees can see them in a blackboard and also in an electronic board and plan accordingly. During extreme rush as in a festival two Darshans are combined. The tentative timings of each of the Darshan is given in the table.
