Nathdwara – an Excursion to a Sacred Site

Nathdwara an Excursion to a Sacred Site

Nathdwara an Excursion to a Sacred Site

The Indian state called Rajasthan nestles in a beautiful city called Udaipur, christened with sobriquets like the City of Lakes, Venice of the East and the Lake City, for in is found Udaipur some beautiful lakes such as Fateh Sagar Lake and the Lake Pichola.

About 48 kilometres from Udaipur towards the northeast rests one of the most famous pilgrimage sites of Rajasthan known as Nathdwara. The name of this town literally means Doorway to Nath, which houses the Nathdwara Temple also known as the Residence of Sri Nathji and Apollo of MewarNathdwara sits on the shore of Banas River and boasts a history that runs back to the 17th or 18th century. This town nestles a sacred Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to the Sri Nathji, one of the iconic forms of Lord Krishna. The image of Sri Nathji was under a threat of destruction from the then Mughal ruler. Hence the followers of Vaishnavism, Vaishnavas, planned to relocate the image to a safe site in Mewar.

During their journey at one point the cart that carried the deity's sculpture sunk deep into the muddy ground. The cart refused to budge and the Vaishnava priest predicted that this was an omen that says the Lord Krishna's image wishes to be enshrined at the very spot. And so they built the Nathdwara temple enshrining the Sri Nathji image. The temple is covered in impressive Rajasthan architecture where arched colonnades adorn its exterior.

Sri Nathji image at Nathdwara is carved exquisitely from a jet black marble stone. As in all Hindu temples, the Vaishnavite deity too is treated like a living being. The image of Sri Nathji is daily bathed and dressed. Specially prepared food called prasad is offered and intervals for respite are also provided. The image is embellished in garlands and ornate carvings, displaying the craftsmanship of the locals.

The shrine of Sri Nathji is a perfect example of a haveli in Rajasthan. A haveli is a private mansion of India. On festival days, the Nathdwara premises are swarmed with devotees, so if you are looking for an unruffled retreat avoid the festive days. The temple also takes care of more than 500 cows, designated as sacred. Among them, one particular cow is chosen to be Sri Nathji's sacred cow, bred from a special lineage, where its milk is only served to the deity.

Nathdwara temple also houses other temples in its premises dedicated to different deities. The complex comes to life and becomes full of vigour during major celebrations like Annakuta Festival and Rose Festival. Among the other attractions at Nathdwara are the Pichhwai paintings, painted by Brahmin artists on cloth or paper materials. These are intricate designs featuring Lord Krishna in striking costumes, and are sometimes accompanied by milkmaids and sacred cows.

Apart from them, you can also look forward to browsing some handmade terracotta and folk art that made Nathdwara a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan. Hire a taxi or board a bus from Udaipur and conveniently reach this sacred and serene pilgrimage site.

There are many hotels in Udaipur offering you great retreats away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you prefer a luxury hotel Rajasthan then why not try The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur? Wrapped in enthralling vistas of the Lake Pichola and the Aravali Mountains, this elegant hotel flaunts Rajasthan artistry and palatial traditions. Whether you are a leisure or business traveller you can look forward to indulging yourself in sumptuous amenities spiced with the Leela hospitality.

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