January 17th 2007
Travels in India during Decemebr 2006
"Look, the train's arrived! Quickly pass the bags!!!"
Having waited hours on the Mathura station in the wintery evening air, we're eager to get on the train now slowing coming to a halt. Once on board we can find our seats and settle for the night.
Subal, Lalita, my husband and I are going on pilgrimage. We are going to visit Nathdwar in Rajasthan. Subal has been before, so he agreed to come as translator and guide for our two day visit. He tells us that tomorrow early morning we’ll arrive at Mavli Junction, and from there we’ll take a car.
Nathdwar is a small town famous as the home of Sri Nathji, one of the most popular Deities of Krishna in India. The name of the town means the “Doorway to Nathji.” Sri Nathji is a beautiful black marble Deity of Krishna, standing with his left hand upraised lifting Govardhan Hill. The Deity appears from a large black stone - his form emerging as a bas-relief.
Although covered with cloth, the stone around the Deity bears several marks including: two cows, two peacocks, a parrot by the Lord’s head, and a flower garland, resembling a black snake.
This deity was first installed in Vrindavana 5000 years ago, and rediscovered 500 years ago by Madhavendra Puri. Then during the 17th century He was brought here to Nathdwar[to avoid Mogul plundering] and has been here ever since.
Although the temple is not very attractive architecturally, it is said to be the second richest temple in India - the first being the Balaji Temple in Tirupati. The temple room becomes so crowded [the men and woman are given separate darsan times] that the pilgrims have to constantly move on by the force of the crowds.
Every day Sri Gopal is offered large quantities of opulent foodstuffs cooked in ghee. The maha-prasada is excellent and can be easily purchased at stalls outside the temple.
We took darsan amidst the crowds of eager pilgrims and honoured Sri Nathji’s prasad. Since the weather was so warm and sunny we walked around the small town. I was struck by the colourful markets selling cloth and large decorated paintings of Sri Nathji.
sword shop
SriNathji is well worth seeing.
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