Shrinathji Temple

This is one of the most revered and visited temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in India. Situated 2.8 Km away, it is a day visit from Nathdwara.

Shrinathji Darshan

Darshan: Mangla - 05:15 to 06:00

This is the first darshan of the day. The name Mangla underlines auspiciousness of beginning the day with a glimpse of lord. In winter this darshan takes place before sunrise, while in summer, it is later.

During Mangla darshan, the main doors of the sanctum are kept closed and are only opened after the customary initial rituals. This ensures that the drowsy divine child is not startled by large crowds rushing in to see him. It also accords with the mood of the darshan, which is bala bhava, the feelings of a parent concerned about a child's well - being another idea underlying the closed doors is that the svarupa should not be tempted to play with his young companions as opening doors might tempt him to run out!

Arti is offered to Shrinathji during this darshana. This ritual banishes the evil spirits which hover around in the darkness of the night, seeking to cause harm. This morning darshana is dedicated to the memory of paramandadas, one of the asthachhapa poets.

Darshan :: Shringar - 07:15 to 07:45

The next darshana follows the first by hour and is called shringar. Shrinathji is dressed carefully from head to foot, and a garland of flowers is placed around his neck. A Mukhiya holds a mirror in front of him so that he can satisfy himself that, he is well dressed. This is his play hour like that of any other child, and he is offered dry fruits and sweets representing food brought to him by his beloved gopis. This explains why he is called gopivallabha

Darshan :: Gwal - 09:15 to 09:30

Third darshana takes place at the hour when the lord takes his cows to pasture. The Mukhiya of the Gaushala (Cowpen) of Nathdwara visits Shrinathji at this time to inform him that all his Cows are well. He is then offered makhan mishri, a light dish with a milk base.

Darshan :: Rajbhog - 11:25 to 12:15

The main meal of the day is offered to Shrinathji at Rajabhoga. Vitthalnathji, the son of the founder of Pushti Marga, has planned this as the most elaborate darshana of all. A temple priest ascends to the terrace prior to the darshana and calls out, 'Mala Begi Laiyo!!' (bring the garland quickly). This loud call heard over a wide area, dates back to the time when Shrinathji was at Mount Govardhana. The flower garden of the temple used to be located at Chandra Sarovar, Nathdwara. 'The call for the Garland' is the signal for the darshan to be opened to the crowds waiting to catch a glimpse of the lord. The rhythmic sound of drums is heard, excitement mounts, and the doors are flung open.

Darshan :: Uthapan - 03:40 to 04:00During the afternoon, around 3.30 p.m., Shrinathji is aroused from his nap. A Conch is blown, it is time for him to return home with his Cows. The vina is played followed by kirtana. Surdas, the celebrated blind devotee, mystic and poet, is supposed to be the chief singer of this darshana.

Darshan :: Bhog - 04:45 to 05:00

Sixth darshana of the day takes place an hour after Utthapana. A light meal is served to Shrinathji. A Chhadidara stands guard formally dressed in a Pagha (Turban), a Pataka (Sash) and a Gheradar Jama (A Garment with a Flaring Skirt).

Darshan :: Aarti - 05:15 to 06:00

Sandhya Aarti is the evening darshana. This darshana takes place at dusk, when krishna use to bring his Cows home from the fields. The predominant mood is matrubhava (motherly love). The fear of any ill effects resulting from his wonderings in the woods and protects from harm.

After the day’s exertions, his garments now are light. He is offered his flute so that he can enchant his devotees and his Cowherd friends.Darshan :: Shayan

Final Darshana of the day commences only after rasoiya boli, when the priest ascends the terrace of the haveli and calls out - Cook, come early the following day. After this, drumming heralds Darshana. Since it is time for Lord to retire, various eatables are offered to Shrinathji.