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Nathdwara (Shrinathji)

Nathdwara (Shrinathji)

pilgrimage site · Rajasthan

Nathdwara, on the banks of the Banas river in Rajasthan, is the principal Pushtimarg pilgrimage town in India, home to the revered Shrinathji Temple.

State
Rajasthan
Type
Pilgrimage Site

Nathdwara, on the banks of the Banas river in Rajasthan, is the principal Pushtimarg pilgrimage town in India, home to the revered Shrinathji Temple. The deity, a form of Krishna as a seven-year-old lifting Mount Govardhan, was brought here from the Mathura region in the 17th century, and the town is also famed for its pichwai devotional paintings.

When to go

October to March is the most comfortable time; Janmashtami, Holi and Annakut are celebrated here with great splendour.

Why visit

Take darshan of Shrinathji at the day's timed viewings, look closely at the town's pichwai painting, and spend time in one of the Pushtimarg tradition's holiest centres.

Cultural notes

Nathdwara is the seat of the Pushtimarg (Vallabh) sect and a home of the pichwai painting tradition, whose cloth artworks depict Shrinathji against seasonal backdrops.

How to reach

By Road: Nathdwara is about 48 km from Udaipur on the highway towards Ajmer, an easy taxi or bus ride. By Air and Train: Udaipur's airport and railway station are the nearest major gateways; Mavli Junction is closer by rail.

Nathdwara (Shrinathji) guide & itineraries

Shopping

The bazaars are known for pichwai paintings, terracotta, silver jewellery and local milk sweets.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Shrinathji?

Shrinathji is a form of Lord Krishna as a young boy lifting Mount Govardhan; the deity is the presiding idol of Nathdwara and the focus of the Pushtimarg tradition.

How far is Nathdwara from Udaipur?

About 48 km, roughly a one-hour drive, making it an easy day trip or pilgrimage stop from Udaipur.

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