Nathdwara
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| ?Nathdwara Rajasthan • India |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
• 585 m (1,919 ft) |
| District(s) | Rajsamand |
| Population | 37,007 (2001) |
Nathdwara is a town in Rajasthan state of western India. It is located in the Aravalli hills[1], on the banks of the Banas River in Rajsamand District, just north of Udaipur. This holy town is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the Shrinathji, a 12th century image (murti) of Krishna. The image was moved in the 17th century from Govardhan hill, near Mathura, to protect it from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's campaign against Hindu worship in his empire. The Haveli of Shrinathji (as the temple is called), was once a royal palace of the Sesodia Rajput rulers of Mewar.
Shri Nathdwara (a pathway to Lord Shri Krishna) lies 48 km from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the Lord. This great Vaishnavite shrine was built in the 17th century on spot exactly defined by the Lord himself. The legends have it[who?] that the image of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to safer place from Vrindaban to protect it from the destructive wrath of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The image when it reached the spot it vehicle the bullock carts wheel sank axel deep in mud and refused to move further. The accompanying priest realised that this was lord's chose spot and the image did not want to travel any further. Accordingly a Temple was built here. This is a temple and place of pilgrim amongst believers. Devotees throng the shrine in large number during occasions of "Janamashtmi" the day of Lord's birth and other festivals like Holi. The priests treat if like a living deity and tend to the lord with daily normal function like bathing- dressing meals called "prasad" and the resting times in regular intervals. The main attractions are the Arties and the Shringar. The formal prayer offered with diya, insentsticks, flowers, fruit and other offerings with local instruments and devotional songs of the Lord according to the demand of the time and occasion. The intricately woven shaneels and silk cloth have original zari and shredded work done upon them along with tones of real jewelers. The view of the idol after the pardha (curtain) is removed is a spectacular sight that is simply mesmerizing leading to a melee (gully) of visitors, crowding divine lord. The mystic, spirited aura of India comes alive. Nathdwara has a small but throbbing township around the temple. Its shopping in the bye lanes is a great revelation. It is famous for its 'pichwani' paintings, which Shri Krishna in the centre and is recognized for profuse use of gold colour.
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[edit] Geography and Transport
Nathdwara is located at [1]. It has an average elevation of 585 metres (1919 feet).Being located just 48 km north of Udaipur in Rajasthan this town is easily reached by air or road. A steady stream of pilgrims have ensured a plentiful supply of transport and accommodation at Nathadwara. Set amid idyllic hills, it provides a welcome respite from the scorching heat of Rajasthan.
[edit] History
Shri Vallabh Acharya the founder of Pushti Sect of Vaishnav Along with the help of vraj vasi located the lord shrinathji on the top of Govardhan hills of Vraj bhoomi Shri Vallabh and his deciples constructed a huge temple on the Govardhan hill and installed the murti for Vaishnavs who follow the Pushtimarg. Till today Shrinathji is worshipped by decendents of Shri Vallabh The installation was accompanied by Annakuta ceremony, a huge feast offered to the Lord.
This modest temple attracts Krishna devotees from all over the world including various parts of India, but is significantly important to the Gujarati people of India, thereby making it one of the wealthiest temples of India. The town is often called Shrinathji rather than its original name, Nathdwara. During any major Hindu festival it is common to see enormous crowds packing the entire town and the temple complex.
Life in this town revolves around the Haveli, the term used for all the temples of the Pushtimarg Vaishnavism. Interestingly, this is one of the most colorful sects within the devotional side of Hinduism which also happens to be one of the few that do not advocate renunciation for spiritual growth. It is this worldly, practical and realistic view of life that lends itself to the colorfulness of the sect.
Shrinathji was evidently quite popular with other medieval devotees as well as there were Gaudiya preachers who founded Shrinathaji temples in present-day Pakistan (Dera Ghazi Khan). Shrinathji was even worshiped as far away as Russia (in the lower Volga region) and other places on the Central Asian trade routes. Tradition holds that he will one day return to Govardhana.
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India census[2], Nathdwara had a population of 37,007. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Nathdwara has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 65%. In Nathdwara, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] Artists of Nathdwara
Nathadwara Artists are a group of artists working around the precincts of the famous Nathdara temple in Rajasthan. They are renowned for splendid Rajasthani style paintings, called “picchavai” paintings belonging to the Mewar School. The paintings revolve around the image of Shri Nathji, the enigmatic black-faced figure of Krishna who is shown holding up Mount Govardhan. Over the centuries these artists have produced a work of gorgeous illustrations. Several authoritative books have been published on this subject[2]. Apart from picchavai paintings, the artists also produce small-scale paintings on paper. Themes from the Krishna legend predominate. Some of the famous artists[3]who have won accolades/awards in the past, are mentioned under notable citizens.
[edit] Notable citizens
- Shri Ghasiram (1869-1931), the town's most famous painter [3]
- Kundanlal (c.1860-c.1930) studied for three years at the Slade School in London, worked in a style influenced by European art.
- B G Sharma, Famous miniature painter was born in Nathdwara on 5 August 1924[4]. The Shri B.G. Sharma Art Gallery is located 50km away in Udaipur[5].
- Dr Girija Vyas - Political leader (Chairperson of National Women Commission)
- kamal paliwal - Information about nathdwara than send mail. kamalmailto@yahoo.co.in
- Pradeep Sethi - To visit Nathdwara and surroundings and more details on Nathdwara, send email to pradeep.sethi@yahoo.co.in
[edit] See also
- Shrinath Temple
- Govardhan hill
- Vallabh Aashram
- Ganesh Tekri
- Lal Bag
[edit] External links
- ShriNathji.com
- Nathdwara Temple Information
- Nathdwara Information
- Modern Temple of Radha-Gopinatha & Sri Nathji in Mumbai
- [4]
- [5]
- Vallabh Aashram
[edit] References
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Nathdwara
- ^ Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns. (Provisional). Census Commission of India. Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
- ^ Shri Nathji at Home
- ^ Udaipur Plus biography retrieved June 1, 2007
- ^ Fodor's Rajasthan: B. G. Sharma Art Gallery in Udaipur retrieved June 1, 2007
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