The Divine Leela of Shrinathji: From Gokul to Nathdwara

Nathdwara, although not directly linked to Krishna's story, holds significant religious importance in India. It is one of the most visited places for devotees seeking a connection with Krishna. The town is home to the revered deity, Shrinathji, who is considered an incarnation of Krishna. Shrinathji is a symbol of one of the plays of Krishna - Govardhan Dhaaran, where Krishna holds the Govardhan Hill on his hand. The idol of Shrinathji is made of brown stone and depicts a seven-year-old Krishna holding the Govardhan Hill with his left hand. The idol's face bears a serene smile, which is said to reflect his omniscience.

Shrinathji is believed to possess a deep understanding of the devotees' worries, problems, and happiness. People from all walks of life visit Nathdwara to seek solace and guidance from this divine incarnation. The idol's presence is so powerful that it often moves devotees to tears, as they pour out their hearts in front of him. Recently, I spoke with an elderly person who was shedding tears of joy. Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked him why he was crying. His response left me in awe. He explained that after a long wait, he finally got the chance to visit Shrinathji’s Temple, and his tears were not of sadness but of sheer happiness. Nathdwara, with its spiritual aura and the presence of Shrinathji, offers a unique experience to all who visit.

Shrinathji Temple

Shrinathji’s Temple is no ordinary place of worship. It is a magnificent temple that was once a grand palace belonging to Ajabkuvari. She was one of the true devotee of Shrinathji. It is said that the Lord himself played the game “chopat” with her. The transformation of the palace into a temple adds to its allure and significance. As I entered the temple, I could feel the divine energy that permeated the air. Inside the temple, two main idols take center stage – Shrinathji and Navneet Priyaji. These idols beautifully depict the various leelas (divine plays) of Lord Krishna. Shrinathji’s idol is housed within the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), while Navneet Priyaji stands alongside, captivating devotees with his divine presence.

At the heart of the temple, atop the garbha griha, rests the Sudarshan Chakra. This divine weapon, created by Lord Shiva for Lord Vishnu, holds immense significance. During the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna wielded this powerful weapon to vanquish demons and restore peace and righteousness. The Sudarshan Chakra serves as a reminder of Lord Krishna's divine powers and his unwavering commitment to protect his devotees from evil forces. The Sudarshan Chakra, although not the same as the one held by Lord Krishna, is believed to have the power to protect temples from any attack. It holds great significance in the eyes of the people who have deep faith in its powers. Before delving into the details of visiting the temple, let's first explore the history of Shrinathji.

The Birth of Mahaprabhuji and the Discovery of Shrinathji

While we are all familiar with the birth of Lord Krishna in Mathura and his childhood in Gokul, the story of Shrinathji begins after Krishna's departure from his mortal body. It was in the year 1467 when a group of people from Gokul discovered a cave on the Govardhan Hill. To their astonishment, they found a stone with a left hand raised in an upward direction. As they approached the stone, they heard a voice cautioning them not to remove it. The voice further revealed that when the time is right, the idol would emerge on its own, presenting itself to everyone.

In the year 1479, a significant event took place in the town of Champaran. It was the birth of Mahaprabhuji, also known as Vallabhacharya. Little did the people of Gokul know that this event would mark the beginning of a new era in their devotion. During the same period, something extraordinary occurred in Gokul. The people of this town caught their first glimpse of Shrinathji, a divine manifestation of Lord Krishna. The sight of Shrinathji left the residents of Gokul awe-struck and filled with devotion. News of Shrinathji's appearance spread far and wide, eventually reaching the ears of Mahaprabhuji. Intrigued by the tales of this divine manifestation, Mahaprabhuji decided to visit Gokul and witness Shrinathji for himself.

Upon his arrival in Gokul, Mahaprabhuji was greeted with great reverence by the locals. He listened attentively as they shared their experiences and beliefs surrounding Shrinathji. Deeply moved by their devotion, Mahaprabhuji decided to educate the people about the profound connection between Lord Krishna and Shrinathji. Mahaprabhuji became a devoted worshipper of Shrinathji and imparted his knowledge to the people of Gokul, teaching them the proper rituals and practices of worshipping the divine deity. This marked the inception of the Vaishnav sect, with Shrinathji becoming the central idol of worship.

Darshan Timings

What makes this temple unique is its darshan timings, which are divided into seven parts, each representing a different aspect of Lord Shrinathji's daily routine.

Mangla - Shrinathji Wakes Up

The first darshan of the day is called Mangla. It takes place early in the morning when the temple opens.

Shringar - Shrinathji Gets Ready for Cow Grazing

After the Mangla darshan, the next part of the day is known as Shringar. This is when Shrinathji gets ready for cow grazing. The idol of Lord Shrinathji is adorned with beautiful clothes, jewellery, and flowers.

Gwal - Shrinathji Goes to Graze the Cow

Gwal is the time when Shrinathji goes out to graze the cows. This darshan represents the playful and pastoral aspect of Lord Krishna's life.

Rajbhog - Shrinathji Eats Bhog

Rajbhog is the most important darshan of the day. It is when Shrinathji is offered a grand feast. The aroma of the delicious food fills the temple premises, creating a sense of devotion and spirituality.

Utthapan - Shrinathji Wakes Up in the Evening

Utthapan is the evening darshan when Shrinathji wakes up from His afternoon nap.

Bhog-Aarti - Shrinathji Eats Bhog

Bhog-Aarti is another darshan where Shrinathji is offered a meal. The temple is filled with the sound of bells and the fragrance of incense, creating a divine ambiance.

Sayan - Shrinathji Sleeps

The last darshan of the day is Sayan, which signifies the time when Shrinathji goes to sleep.

It is important to note that the timings of these darshans may vary based on the season. The temple authorities announce the specific timings for each darshan, ensuring that devotees have the opportunity to witness and participate in these sacred rituals.

Revered Idol Of Krishna

In addition to the widely known and revered idol of Krishna, there are several other idols that represent different plays and aspects of Krishna's life. These idols hold great significance and are worshipped by devotees all over the world.

Dwarkadhish - Krishna with Four Hands

One of the idols is known as Dwarkadhish, which depicts Krishna with four hands. This form of Krishna is associated with his divine powers and represents his role as the supreme deity.

Madanmohanji - Krishna Performing Raas

Another idol, called Madanmohanji, portrays Krishna engaged in the divine dance of Raas. This form of Krishna symbolises his enchanting and mesmerizing presence.

Navneet Priyaji - Krishna Kneeling and Eating Butter

Navneet Priyaji is an idol that depicts Krishna kneeling and enjoying his favourite delicacy, butter. This form of Krishna represents his playful and mischievous nature.

Vitthalnathji - Krishna with His Wife

Vitthalnathji is an idol that portrays Krishna with his beloved wife. This form of Krishna symbolises the divine union of Swaminiji and Krishna and represents the eternal love between them.

Gokulnathji - Krishna Playing in Gokul

Gokulnathji is an idol that depicts Krishna playing and frolicking in the pastoral land of Gokul. This form of Krishna represents his carefree and joyful nature.

Mathureshji - Krishna, the King of Mathura

Mathureshji is an idol that portrays Krishna as the king of Mathura. This form of Krishna represents his leadership qualities and his role as a protector of his devotees.

Gokulchandramaji - Krishna Playing the Flute

Gokulchandramaji is an idol that depicts Krishna playing the enchanting flute. This form of Krishna represents his ability to attract and captivate hearts with his divine music.

Baalkrishnalalji - Krishna as a Baby

Baalkrishnalalji is an idol that portrays Krishna in his infant form. This form of Krishna represents his innocence and purity.

During the time of the Mughal rule, Mathura and Gokul faced numerous attacks, causing fear among the people. To protect the idol of Shrinathji, the people of Gokul decided to shift it to Nathdwara in Rajasthan. The idol continues to be worshipped with great devotion in Nathdwara.

Adjacent to the Temple of Shrinathji, you will find Vitthalnathji temple. The temples are known for their tranquil atmosphere, and many visitors find solace and peace in their serene surroundings. The architecture of these temples is similar to that of the Temple of Shrinathji, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the artisans.

Since my childhood, there has always been a strong attraction towards a particular place that holds deep spiritual significance for me. This place is none other than the temple of Vitthalnathji. Although Vitthalnathji is a different form of Lord Krishna, each form has its own unique charm and allure. I have been fortunate enough to experience this multiple times in my life. One thing that stands out about the temple of Shrinathji or Vitthalnathji is the strict adherence to timings and rituals. The darshan (viewing) of the deity opens at a fixed time and remains open for a specific duration. Once the darshan is closed, the temple authorities start preparing for the next darshan.

Whenever I find myself caught in a crowd or running late for the darshan of Vitthalnathji, a remarkable phenomenon occurs. Despite the closing time, the darshan of Vitthalnathji miraculously remains open. It is as if a divine intervention takes place, allowing devotees like me to have a glimpse of the deity even after the designated closing time. This extraordinary occurrence has happened to me on numerous occasions. It is a testament to the power and benevolence of Vitthalnathji, who goes beyond the constraints of time to connect with His devotees. The feeling of gratitude and awe that washes over me during these moments is indescribable. Vitthalnathji, in His various forms, has the power to captivate and attract devotees from all walks of life. His divine presence is felt by those who have an open heart and a sincere desire to connect with the divine. Visiting the temple of Vitthalnathji is not just a religious experience; it is a spiritual journey that allows one to transcend the mundane and experience the divine in all its glory.

If you have some extra time during your visit to Nathdwara, a visit to the Dwarkadhish Temple in Kankroli is highly recommended. The temple complex also includes a beautiful lake, adding to the overall charm of the place.

I had an incredible experience at this place. The opportunity to experience Krishna was truly remarkable. Stay tuned for my next blog to learn more about my spiritual journey.

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