Shreenathji is a form of Hindu lord Krishna, manifest as a seven-year-old child (Balak). The principal shrine of Shreenathji is situated at the temple town of Nathdwara, located in Rajasthan. Shreenathji is the central presiding deity of the Vaishnavas sect known as the Pustimarg.
Krishna decided to appear as Shreenathji in a stone image from the depth of the shri Goverdhan. He came to life on shree Goverdhan for his special devotees. During the times of Shree Vallabhacharya and shree Gusaiji, Shreenathji actually came to play with the bhaktas. Their exchange created a unique history, an eternal one that appears in the world. Many other meetings have been disclosed in the accounts of shree Mahaprabhji’s and shree Gusaiji’s disciples. By the time shreenathji decided to move to Mevad to fulfil the wish of one of his bhaktas, the only person shreenathji freely conversed with was an elderly woman by the name of Ganagabai. She is a central figure in the story and is shreenathji’s voice for the rest of the world.
The Moghul emperor Aurangzeb invaded Mathura and Vraj and destroyed many temples and their deities. A decision then was taken to move the swaroop of shreenathji to a safer place. The swaroop of shreenathji was concealed in a bullock cart and set forth from mount Goverdhan accompanied by several sevaks and Vraj natives. Lord shreenathji was then moved to Rajasthan. On the way the chariot of shreenathji could not proceed beyond a place called Sinhad. Taking this as divine wish of Lord himself, it was decided to select Sinhad as the final abode of Lord Shreenathji. The Maharaja of Mewad agreed to give them a shelter and protection. A temple was built and the swaroop of lord Shreenathji was installed on 10th February 1672. Sinhad came to be known as “NATHDWARA” which means the portal of lord Shreenathji. Even today, lord Goverdhan nathji (Shreenathji) delightfully presides at Nathdwara and gives pleasure of his darshan to his devotees.
Daily Darshan routine of shreenathji Haveli was set by Shree Vallabhacharyaji. The acharya set aside eight times of the day when the doors of the inner sanctum would be left open for the people to catch a glimpse of the lord.
Mangla: It is the first darshan of the day. Lord, having woken up, has just his breakfast and greets his devotees. This is the most “auspicious” darshan of the day.
Shrungar: Lord shreenathji is well decorated with colourful vastras, exquisite jewellery and beautiful flower garlands. A flute is placed in his hand. Vastras varies according to season and festival. After this darshan the lord goes out to play with his friends.
Gwaal: It sybolizes the time of the day when lord shreekrishna, along with is cowherd friends take the cows of Nandji to green pastures of Vrindavan.
Rajbhog: It is the most elaborate darshan of the day. An exotic meal, consist of variety of delicacies and desserts prepared with love and extreme care is offered to lord Shreenathji. Aarti is offered after which lord retires for a siesta.
Utthapan: The darshan symbolizes the time to return home, when lord Shreenathji is woken up from his afternoon siesta.
The darshan symbolizes the offering of fruits to lord Shreenathji in the forest when he commences his return from Vrindavan with all his friends and cows.
Sandhya: The darshan symbolizes that the lord returns with the cowherds of Nandji and his friends. The gopis of Vraj assembles on the way to see their beloved. Mother Yashoda performs aarti.
Shayan: The last darshan of the day signifies the time for lord Shreenathji to retire for the day. Having had his dinner, the lord is about to go off his bed (Shaiya Mandir).
