Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara
Shrinathji Mandir
One of India's most important Krishna temples, opening eight times a day for darshan, with a fervent atmosphere of pilgrimage.
Nathdwara means “Gateway to God.” It houses Shrinathji, the child form of the Hindu god Krishna. Legend says this black stone image was moved westward from the Mathura region in the 17th century to escape destruction by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Its cart wheels became stuck in the mud here, and the Maharana of Mewar built a temple on the spot. The temple follows the Vallabha tradition, caring for the image as if it were a child. It opens eight times a day for darshan (viewing of the deity). Each session lasts only a few minutes, and devotees rush in with great fervor. The painted cloth backdrop behind the image, known as pichhwai, is also a celebrated local art form. Mobile phones and leather goods are not allowed inside and must be left in storage. The temple is about 48 km from Udaipur, roughly a one-hour drive, and is often visited together with the Statue of Belief.
Opening hours
Eight veneration sessions daily, approx. 05:30–21:00 (per temple notice)
Nearby sights
- Statue of Belief (Vishwas Swaroopam)
- Haldighati
- Eklingji Temple
- Sas-Bahu Temples, Nagda
- Kumbhalgarh Fort
- Shilpgram
- Saheliyon-ki-Bari
- Badi Lake