subject: Shrinathji Temple, a show of pious devotion [print this page] Shrinathji Temple, a show of pious devotion
According to Hinduism Shrinathji is a deified form of the seven year old Lord Krishna, the idol of whom resides in the Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara in the form of a black marble statue. Shri Nathdwara is translated as gateway to the Lord Shrinathji'. This famed Hindu shrine lays claim to a rich history.
By the year 1665 Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ruled Northern India and displayed a great aversion to Hindu places of worship, mercilessly destroying one temple after another. The Shrinathji idol was brought from Govardhana to Rajasthan to protect it from the Mughal onslaught. When the army of the Mughals reached Govardhana, the Hindu devotees showed the gifts and titles bestowed on their temple by former Mughal sovereigns. Unmollified, the Mughal army commander decreed that the idol be removed from Govardhana.
The statue languished in Agra for nearly six months before the guardians of the idol departed in search of a new haven for their treasure. Many princes were unwilling to provide a refuge for the statue, until finally Mewar's Maharana Rajsingh displayed courage to provide a resting place for the idol.
The story goes that it took 32 months for the idol to be transported to Mewar. According to legend the wheel of the chariot transporting the idol became immobilized in mud at an area called Sihar; the Rana construed this as a sign that the temple should be constructed on this spot, and this was accordingly done. Eventually the sacred town of Nathdwara sprang up surrounding the temple. In the year 1672 the Shrinathji idol was relocated to a new refuge in the village called Sihad on River Banas' banks, which too is now referred to as Nathdwara.
Sometimes acclaimed as the second richest temple on the globe, the Shrinathji Temple features imposing art and architecture befitting the reverence shown to its idol by devotees. Its exteriors present a spotless white faade, and numerous paintings of doorkeepers, horses, elephants and beautiful maidens adorn the doorways. Live classical music performances are regularly held to entertain the deity.
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