Nathdwra is 48 kms in the north east of Udaipur. The Nathdwara temple is situated on the banks of Banas River. The word Nathdwara means the 'gate of the lord'. Nathdwara is a famous pilgrimage for the Hindus. The principal shrine in this temple is Shrinathji, which is again another form of Lord Krishna. The Nathdwara temple is a holy place for the Vaishnavas. It is also the center of Pushtimarg Sampradaya a principle laid down by Jagat guru Sri Vallabhacharya. The main idol of Nathdwara temple is Srinathji, which is carved out of one piece of black marble. The Nathdwara temple is also known as the 'Haveli of Srinathji'. It was once the palace for the Rajput rulers.Devotees throng the Temple at all hours to have the Lord’s darshan (audience). The Lord gives darshan at different times of the aptly attired for the hour. An early hour for the first darshan is a regular observation where Lord Sir Nathji resides in regal splendour. Darshans or glimpses of Srinathji can be sought 8 times in the day. Collectively known as Ashtaya, the 8 darshans are Mangala, Shringar, Gwal, Rajbhog, Uthhapan, Bhog, Aarti and Shayan. In each of them the divine manifestations of the Lord are described and synchronized with His daily schedule. Nathdwara is a main heart of Pichhwai paintings, a sought after art form of Rajasthan. Pichhwai paintings are painted in permanent natural colors that do not lighten for years. They are put to use in printing and embroidery also. Portrayal of the artist’s love for God makes the Nathdwara style distinct from other forms. Art takes the center stage and is a vital element of ritualistic darshan of Srinathji. A large cloth painting serves as a backdrop to the idol and is sometimes intricate enough to narrate the various leelas of Lord Krishna as Srinathji. Pichhwai have deep religious roots and painting, as a form of service, is part of devotional expression. The main themes of the paintings are based on the numerous festivals of the Srinathji temple. |
