Experiencing the Divine at the City of Shrinathji

For generations, my family has been devout followers of the Vaishnav religion. We have a deep-rooted connection to Nathdwara. It holds immense significance for us, and we make it a point to visit this sacred place at least twice a year. As a child, Nathdwara was more than just a religious destination for us; it was our vacation spot. I have fond memories of my father driving us all the way from our hometown of Surat. Back then, the journey used to take us around 15 to 16 hours. However, with the development of infrastructure, the travel time has been significantly reduced to just 10 hours. Being a lover of road trips, I always look forward to traveling to Nathdwara by car. The scenic route, with its picturesque landscapes and charming villages, adds to the overall experience. It gives me a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the journey. This time, our visit to Nathdwara coincided with one of the biggest festival celebrations in the town - Diwali. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and spiritual significance. The entire town comes alive with vibrant decorations, illuminated temples, and a festive atmosphere. In the past, finding suitable accommodation in Nathdwara was quite challenging. However, with the increasing number of tourists visiting the town, several three-star and four-star hotels have sprung up in recent years. These hotels offer a range of amenities and services, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors.

As the sun rose on a crisp morning, I embarked on a journey from Surat to Nathdwara, eager to explore the spiritual essence of this revered town. The drive was long but filled with anticipation, and after several hours, I arrived at my destination around 3 pm.

Upon setting foot in Nathdwara, I couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance to the streets of Vrindavan and Gokul. The traditional houses, the presence of cows, and the familiar Vraj language all served as a testament to the deep connection between these sacred places. The presence of similar streets, language, and religious practices served as a reminder of the deep-rooted bond between Nathdwara, Vrindavan, and Gokul. It was fascinating to witness how these towns, despite their geographical distance, shared a common thread of devotion and reverence for Lord Krishna. The pilgrimage to Nathdwara offered a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions that have been passed down through generations. The streets of Nathdwara were a vibrant tapestry of colors, bustling with people adorned in traditional attire. The air was filled with a sense of devotion and reverence as pilgrims flocked to the various shops lining the streets.

Write yoAfter freshening up, we embarked on a journey to witness the bhog-aarti darshan of Shrinathji. As we approached the temple, it became evident that it was bustling with devotees. In the past, managing such large crowds was a challenge, but the temple authorities have made significant improvements to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

Stepping inside the temple, I was immediately overwhelmed by a sense of tranquility and spirituality. Time seemed to stand still, and a profound silence enveloped the air. In front of me stood Shrinathji, radiating a serene smile that seemed to beckon me closer. It felt as though he had summoned me to partake in the festivities and celebrate in his divine presence. With folded hands, I stood before Shrinathji, chanting the name of Krishna. The atmosphere was charged with devotion, and a deep connection was established between my soul and the divine. In that moment, all worldly worries and distractions melted away, leaving only a profound sense of peace and contentment. As I immersed myself in the divine aura, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and grace of Shrinathji. Every detail, from the intricate adornments to the gentle expression on his face, exuded a divine presence that transcended the physical realm. It was a truly humbling experience. For a while, I lost track of time, engrossed in the spiritual energy that permeated the temple. The outside world seemed distant and inconsequential compared to the profound connection I felt with Shrinathji. It was a moment of pure devotion and surrender.

After the darshan of Shrinathji, I decided to visit the Navneet Priyaji and Vitthalnathji Temple for further darshan. Each temple had its own unique ambiance and devotees, but the underlying thread of faith and devotion was the same. People from all walks of life had come together to seek solace and find meaning in their lives. After completing my darshan, I took a walk along the main temple road. The street was bustling with activity, with vendors selling religious artifacts and devotees offering their prayers. It was a vibrant scene, with the sights and sounds of devotion filling the air.

One of the highlights of Nathdwara was the abundance of shops dedicated to Shrinathji and Krishna. These shops offered a wide array of items, ranging from intricately crafted photo frames of Shrinathji to exquisite shringar (decoration) items for his portrait.

As I explored the shops, I was captivated by the aromatic allure of ittar, a concentrated perfume available in various flavors such as gulab (rose), moghra (jasmine), and kasturi (deer musk). The fragrant notes wafted through the air, creating an ambiance of tranquility and devotion.

Additionally, the shops also offered a delectable assortment of prasad, including bundi laddu, besan laddu, mohanthaal, and mathadi. These sweet delicacies were not only a treat for the taste buds but also symbolised the divine blessings bestowed upon the devotees.ur text here...

Our visit to Nathdwara was a day before Diwali, on Kaali Chaudash. This day holds special significance as it marks the beginning of the festivities. On this day, a traditional ritual called Gaw Charan or Khan Jagai or Gaay Khel Darshan takes place. This ritual involves playing with cows on the streets of Nathdwara. As we walked through the streets of Nathdwara, we were amazed to see the vibrant and lively atmosphere. The roads were filled with soil to recreate the ambiance of Gokul, the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. The cows, adorned with colorful decorations, were running freely on the streets, guided by the people who were dressed in traditional Gopal attire. It was a sight to behold as the streets came alive with the sound of laughter and joy. People from all walks of life had gathered to witness and participate in this unique celebration. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and a sense of unity as everyone came together to enjoy the festivities.

For the safety of the participants and the spectators, wooden rods were placed to block the roads. This ensured that the cows could roam freely without any hindrance. The organisers had taken great care to ensure the well-being of the participants and to create a safe environment for everyone. The celebration of playing with cows not only brings joy to the people of Nathdwara but also holds a deeper significance. It is believed that playing with cows brings good fortune and prosperity. It is a way of seeking blessings from the divine and expressing gratitude for the abundance in life. As I walked through the bustling streets, I couldn't help but notice the joyous atmosphere that enveloped the surroundings. People were cheering and shouting, "Krishna Kanhaiya Laal Ki Jay!" It felt as though Krishna himself was playing with the cows right there on the street. The sight of the cows wandering freely brought a sense of serenity and purity to the scene. Their gentle presence added to the vibrant energy of the festivities. However, after some time, the cows made their way to the goshala, a shelter for cows, and the people began to clean the roads.

After participating in the community effort to clean the streets, we made our way to the Shrinathji Temple, Navneet Proyaji Temple, and Vitthalnathji Temple for the sayan darshan. The temples were adorned with beautiful lights, creating a mesmerising sight. The flickering glow illuminated the surroundings, giving the temples an ethereal aura. Devotees, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, gathered to seek the blessings of the deities.

On the day following Diwali, a significant festival called Govardhan Puja is celebrated in temples all over the country. The origins and significance of this festival can be traced back to the holy town of Vrindavan, as mentioned in my previous blog post. During the Govardhan Puja, a unique ritual takes place in temples where a large hill is created using cow dung. This hill represents the famous Govardhan Hill, which holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu mythology. The creation of this replica hill is a way of paying homage to Lord Krishna and his divine connection to Govardhan. The main priest of the temple, known as the Mukhyaji, performs the puja of the cow dung hill. The puja involves the offering of milk and water to the replica hill, similar to how Govardhan Puja was performed by Lord Krishna in ancient times. This ritual is a way of reenacting the divine act and seeking blessings from Lord Krishna. When we think of festivals and celebrations, one name that inevitably comes to mind is Krishna. His teachings, his love, and his divine presence have left an indelible mark on our culture and traditions. Even today, people continue to follow the customs and rituals associated with Krishna, keeping his memory alive in their hearts. As the evening sets in, the air becomes filled with a sense of anticipation and joy. People gather in their homes and shops to perform puja, seeking the blessings of the divine. It is a time when families come together, exchanging warm wishes and greetings for a happy Diwali One of the most beautiful traditions during Diwali is the lighting of lamps on windows and doors. These lamps symbolise the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. As the flickering flames illuminate the surroundings, they remind us of the eternal light that Krishna represents. In temples, the atmosphere is vibrant and alive with devotion. The devotees, who serve the deity, take on the roles of Nand and Yashodaji, recreating the divine playfulness of Krishna's childhood. They engage in the ras, a traditional dance form, and sing folk songs in front of the sacred idol of Shrinathji.

As the music fills the air, the devotees lose themselves in the joyous celebration, immersing themselves in the divine presence. It is a moment of connection, where the boundaries between the mortal and the divine seem to fade away, and the spirit of Krishna permeates every heart.

Annakut Darshan: A Unique Ritual

The next day after the New Year's Eve, we were all excited to start our day by going for Mangla Darshan at Nathdwara. This day held a special significance as it was the only day in the year when Annakut Darshan took place in the Shrinathji temple. Annakut Darshan is a grand spectacle where a large hill of rice is created inside the temple premises. This hill is adorned with various food items and delicacies offered to Shrinathji, the presiding deity. It is a sight to behold as devotees gather to witness this magnificent display of devotion and gratitude. During the evening, a significant number of tribal people from the surrounding areas come to Nathdwara to participate in the darshan. They bring with them their unique traditions and rituals, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the temple.

The Ritual of Rice Stealing

One of the most intriguing rituals that take place during Annakut Darshan is the rice stealing ceremony. At midnight, when the temple is closed to the public, only tribal people are allowed to enter the premises. They participate in a thrilling game of hide and seek, searching for two gold bangles hidden inside the hill of rice by the temple authorities. This tradition, known as the rice stealing ritual, has been passed down through generations. It is believed that finding the hidden gold bangles brings good luck and blessings from Shrinathji. The excitement and anticipation among the tribal people are palpable as they eagerly search for the hidden treasures. Annakut Darshan attracts a massive influx of devotees to Nathdwara. On this auspicious day, nearly 50,000 to 100,000 people visit the town to seek the blessings of Shrinathji. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, joy, and a sense of unity as people from different walks of life come together to celebrate the beginning of a new year.

Visitors can be seen dressed in their finest attire, carrying offerings and prayers in their hearts. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and the air is filled with the sound of hymns and chants dedicated to Shrinathji. Despite the large crowd, we persevered and finally made our way into the temple. The sight that awaited us was nothing short of breathtaking.

On that particular day, the shringar (decoration) of Shrinathji was the most elaborate I had ever seen. The deity was adorned with a plethora of jewellery, including gold, silver, diamonds, and rubies. The shimmering jewels reflected the light and added to the divine aura of the temple. Not only was Shrinathji bedecked in precious gems, but the deity was also dressed in sumptuous silk clothes. The vibrant colors and intricate designs of the attire added to the regal appearance of the deity. As I looked around, I couldn't help but notice the magnificent pichwai paintings adorning the walls. Pichwai is a traditional art form where hand-drawn paintings are created on cloth. The paintings depicted various scenes from the life of Lord Krishna and added to the overall aesthetic appeal of the temple. Moreover, the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers. Garlands of vibrant flowers were draped around Shrinathji, further enhancing the divine ambiance of the temple. Shrinathji himself appeared like a king of a city. The opulence and grandeur emanating from his form were mesmerising. It was as if the deity had stepped out of a royal palace and graced us with his presence. In front of Shrinathji, there was a massive hill of cooked rice. This symbolic offering, known as Annakut, represents the abundance and prosperity bestowed upon devotees. Although we were not allowed to touch the rice, its presence served as a reminder of the deity's benevolence. After completing our darshan at Navneet Proyaji and Vitthalnathji, we decided to conclude our visit with a satisfying dinner. The spiritual experience had left us feeling content and grateful for the opportunity to be in the presence of Shrinathji.

Conclusion

If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend experiencing Diwali in Nathdwara. It is an experience that will stay with you forever and leave you with memories that are filled with love, joy, and the spirit of Diwali.

ॐ कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने। प्रणत क्लेशनाशाय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः॥