20 Facts About Shrinathji

Shrinathji is a form of Krishna, manifested as a seven-year-old child.

The principal shrine of Shrinathji is the Shrinathji Temple in the temple town of Nathdwara, 48 kilometres north-east of Udaipur city in Rajasthan, India.

Shrinathji is the central presiding deity of the Vaishnava sect known as Pushtimarg or the Vallabha Sampradaya, established by Vallabhacharya.

Shrinathji is worshipped mainly by the followers of Bhakti Yoga and the Vaishnavas in Gujarat and Rajasthan, and Bhatias amongst others.

Shrinathji appeared to Shri Vallabhacharya, in the Hindu Vikram Samvat year 1549 and directed Vallabhacharyaji to proceed to the Govardhan Hill to begin worship.

Related searches

Shrinathji is the head pontiff, taking the seat of Shri Vallabhacharyaji and Shri Gusainji.

Shrinathji is called the Tilakayat of Nathdwara and is a steward of the town as well as the head gadipati of Shrinathji.

Shrinathji is proactive in religious as well as social affairs of the town and serves as the 'Paricharak' or assistant to his father in the temple.

Shrinathji is known as Goswami Vishal Nathdwara on social media and has revolutionised the way of 'religious living' to his young audience.

Historically, the image of Shrinathji was first worshipped at Govardhan hill, near Mathura.

The accompanying priests realised that the place was the Shrinathji's chosen spot and, accordingly, the icon was installed in a temple there under the rule and protection of the then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar.

Shrinathji was brought to Mewar region of Rajasthan through Agra and Gwalior, during the oppressive reign of Aurangazeb, because devotes like Ajab Kunwarbai called him.

The idol of Shrinathji wears exquisitely worked jewels, some dating back to pre-Mughal period.

Main attractions of Shrinathji are the Aartis and the Shringar, i e the dressing and beautifying of the idol of Shrinathji, treating it as a living child, adorning it with the appropriate dresses commensurate with the time of day or night.

Gadipatis and acharyas in the Havelis of Shrinathji are believed to be from the kul of shri mahaprabhuji, Vallabhacharya, the founder of this deity's idol at Govardhan hill, near Mathura.

Presently, Shrinathji is worshipped by priests from this kul of Vallabh Acharya.

For example, Shrinathji, having left His beloved Vraj, misses it so dearly, that for six months of the year, He runs back to Vraj for the shayan darshan.

Shrinathji followers have significant influence on Hindu art in the form of the Pichhwais, which are intricate and colourful paintings on cloth, paper, walls and temple hangings which portray Shrinathji.

Shrinathji is worshipped at Russia and other places on the Central Asian trade routes.

In 2013 the first Shrinathji haveli was inaugurated under the guidance of Shri Dwarkeshlalji in Melbourne Australia.