About Shrinathji Temple
The Shrinathji Temple is in the town of Nathdwara in Rajsamand district, about 48 km north-east of Udaipur. Its deity is Shrinathji, a form of Krishna as a child holding up Govardhan hill with his raised left hand. For followers of the Pushtimarg tradition it is the most important shrine of all, and the town itself takes its name, Nathdwara, the gateway of the Lord, from the temple. The deity is served as a living child, and the day is divided into short darshans when the curtain opens and devotees crowd in for a glimpse.
According to devotional tradition, the image emerged by itself from the Govardhan hill in Braj, first as a raised arm and later revealing the face, and was worshipped there for many years. History records that in 1672 the image was taken from the Mathura region to protect it during the reign of Aurangzeb, spending some months at Agra on the way. When the cart reached Sihad village in Mewar, its wheels sank into the mud, and the priests took this as the Lord's wish to stay. A temple was raised there under the patronage of Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. In 1802 the image was briefly moved to Udaipur and Ghasiyar when the army of Jaswant Rao Holkar attacked the town. Since 1959 the temple has been managed by the Nathdwara Temple Board.
The temple does not look like a towered shrine. It is built as a haveli, a grand family house in the Mewar style, modelled on the home of Nanda in Gokul, and is also called Nandalaya. Inside are rooms for milk, sweets, flowers, betel and jewellery, a kitchen, treasury, stables and even a chariot, all part of the household of the child god. The image itself is a black stone relief with the left hand raised and the right fist at the waist, with a large diamond beneath the lips. Its dress and ornaments are changed several times a day, and Nathdwara artists are famous for pichwai paintings made to hang behind the deity.
Shrinathji Temple timings & aarti
Darshan is open only at fixed sessions through the day, from the early Mangala darshan to Shayan in the evening, with the temple closed in between. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala darshan | Early morning (approx.) |
| Shringar darshan | Morning (approx.) |
| Gwal darshan | Late morning (approx.) |
| Rajbhog darshan | Around midday (approx.) |
| Utthapan darshan | Afternoon (approx.) |
| Aarti darshan | Early evening (approx.) |
| Shayan darshan | Evening (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Shrinathji Temple
By air
Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, is the nearest airport; Udaipur city is about 48 km away.
By train
Udaipur is the nearest major railhead, about 48 km away; check locally for closer stations.
By road
Nathdwara is on the main road north of Udaipur, about 48 km away, with frequent buses and taxis from Udaipur.
Festivals at Shrinathji Temple
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Annakut (Govardhan Puja)Oct/Nov
- DiwaliOct/Nov
- HoliMar
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional dress is advised. Phones, cameras and leather items are usually not allowed inside; check locally.
- Entry
- Free. Darshans are short and timed, so plan around the schedule.
- Each darshan lasts only a short time and the crowd surges when the curtain opens; keep children and valuables close.
- Check the day's darshan schedule on arrival, as timings change with the season and festivals.
- Leave phones and cameras at your hotel or a locker.
- Buy a pichwai painting or Nathdwara prasad from the town's lanes as a keepsake.
Places to visit near Shrinathji Temple
- Statue of Belief (Vishwas Swaroopam)369 ft statue of Shiva opened in 2022, in Nathdwara
- Eklingji TempleAncient Shiva temple of the Mewar rulers, on the road to Udaipur
- UdaipurCity of lakes and palaces, about 48 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who is Shrinathji?
Shrinathji is Krishna in the form of a child holding up Govardhan hill, the chief deity of the Pushtimarg tradition.
What are the darshans at Nathdwara?
The day is divided into darshans such as Mangala, Shringar, Gwal, Rajbhog, Utthapan, Aarti and Shayan, each open for a short time. Times vary; check locally.
How far is Nathdwara from Udaipur?
Nathdwara is about 48 km north-east of Udaipur by road.
Why is the temple called a haveli?
It is built like a family mansion modelled on Nanda's home in Gokul, because Krishna is served as a child living in his house.
What is the aarti time at Shrinathji Temple?
Mangala darshan: Early morning (approx.); Shringar darshan: Morning (approx.); Gwal darshan: Late morning (approx.); Rajbhog darshan: Around midday (approx.); Utthapan darshan: Afternoon (approx.); Aarti darshan: Early evening (approx.); Shayan darshan: Evening (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Shrinathji Temple timings?
Darshan is open only at fixed sessions through the day, from the early Mangala darshan to Shayan in the evening, with the temple closed in between. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Shrinathji Temple?
Modest traditional dress is advised. Phones, cameras and leather items are usually not allowed inside; check locally.
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