» Nathdwara

Nathdwara is a popular Hindu Pilgrimage site. This is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage shrines of India, enshrining Krishna as Govardhana Giridhari. Nathdwara is situated 48-km northeast of Udaipur in Rajasthan, on the banks of the Banas River. Nathdwara enshrines Shrinathji - an image of Krishna, which was originally enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount Govardhana near Mathura .

The name Nathdwara means 'Gate of the Lord'. The image was brought to Mewar, for the sake of protection during the period of Aurangazeb, the Mughal monarch. The chariot carrying the image is said to have gotten stuck here, and hence a temple was established with the permission of the then Rana of Mewar, at Nathdwara.

Nathdwara is very closely associated with the Vallabha Sampradaya of Vaishnavism. Prior to his visiting the Shrinathji shrine, Vallabhacharya is said to have described Puri, Pandharpur, Srirangam and Tirupati as four great centres of Vaishnavism, in his work 'Tatvartha Deepa Nibhandha'.

The town is an agricultural market and has a government college affiliated with the University of Rajasthan. The best thing about the place is its mystic tranquillity. The feeling of peace and spirituality seems to rise above the humdrum of the town. Numerous groves, gardens, parks and fields outside the town provide perfect escape from the crowds, you can also cool off in the river Banas nearby. Town itself is small enough to be explored on foot. Rickshaws and horse carts are available for those who do not wish to brave the heat of Rajasthan.

» Major Attractions of Nathdwara

The Srinathji Temple : Shrinathji, the main deity of the sect, resides in regal splendour, always immaculately dressed and jewelled. Exquisitely worked jewels, some dating back to pre-Mogul India, are worn by Shrinathji on daily basis. Here at least the jewels are not kept behind glass, but used for what they were intended.

Everything in the inner temple, from china to silver/ gold-ware, paintings, wall hangings, clothes and furniture, are of the finest quality. Havali itself employs some 1000 people, whilst rest of the town thrives on the business given directly or indirectly by the Havali and the pilgrims.

» Places to Stay in Nathdwara

RTDC's Hotel and certain other good hotels are available for accommodation in Nathdwara.

» Shopping in Nathdwara

Sweets, Paintings, Attars (oil based natural perfumes), Jewellery and Tie Dyed Clothes are the popular buys.

» How to Get there

Air : Dabok Airport in Udaipur is the nearest airport from where taxis and buses can be hired.

Rail : Mavli rail junction is the closest to Nathdwara.

Road : Nathdwara is well connected by road with Udaipur.

» Nearby Cities

    » Nagda: 68 km (approx.)
    » Ranakpur: 108 km (approx.)
    » Rajsamand: 113 km (approx.)
    » Udaipur: 48 km

» General Information

    » Area : 75.50 sq. km.
    » Altitude : 230 metres
    » Climate : Summer :Max. - 42.2°C Min. - 27.3°C
                        Winter : Max. - 27.5°C Min. - 9.5°C
                        Rainfall : 31 cms.
    » Clothing : Summer - Light Tropical
                        Winter: Woolen
    » Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English