About Nathdwara

Nathdwara is a town in Rajasthan state of western India. It is located in the Aravalli hills, on the banks of the Banas River in Rajsamand District, 48 kilometres north-east of Udaipur. This town is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the idol of Shrinathji, a 14th-century, 7-year-old "infant" incarnation of Krishna. The idol was originally worshipped at JATIPURAMathura and was shifted in the 1672 from Govardhan hill, near Mathura along holy river Yamuna after being retained at Agra for almost six months, in order to protect it from anti-Hindu fanatic iconoclastic Islamic policies of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb’s. Literally, Nathdwara means ‘Gateway to Shrinathji’. Nathdwara is a significant Vaishnavite shrine pertaining to the Pushti Marg or the Vallabh Sampradaya or the Shuddha Advaita founded by Vallabha Acharya, revered mainly by people of Gujarat and Rajasthan, among others. Vitthal Nathji, son of Vallabhacharya institutionalised the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara. Nathdwara town itself is popularly referred to as ‘Shrinathji’, after the presiding deity.

Shrinathji Temple

As per the religious beliefs, the shrine at Nathdwara was built in the 17th century at the spot as exactly ordained by Shrinathji himself. The idol of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to a safer place from Vrindaban to protect it from the anti-Hindu, iconoclastic and barbarian destruction of the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.[6] When the idol reached the spot at village Sihad or Sinhad, the wheels of bullock cart in which the idol was being transported sank axle-deep in mud and could not be moved any farther. The accompanying priests realised that the particular place was the Lord's chosen spot and accordingly, a temple was built there under the rule and protection of the then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. Shrinathji Temple is also known as 'Haveli of Shrinathji’ (mansion).

Geography and Demographics

Nathdwara is located at 24.93°N 73.82°E. It has an average elevation of 585 metres (1919 ft). Located just 48 km north-east of Udaipur in Rajasthan, this town is easily reached by air, road or nearest rail-head. A steady stream of pilgrims has ensured a plentiful supply of transport and accommodation at Nathdwara. It is set amid idyllic hills. The temple town is also connected to nearest rail head Mavli Junction which is 28 km from Nathdwara.

As of the 2001 India census, Nathdwara had a population of 37,007. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Nathdwara has an average literacy rate of 73.0%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 65%. In Nathdwara, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

How To Reach:

By Road

• Udaipur to Nathdwara is 48 km
• Haldighati to Nathdwara is 20 km
• Nathdwara has good connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Baroda, Ahmedabad and Jaipur.

Nearest Railhead

• Mavli rail junction is the closest to Nathdwara.
• Udaipur is also the nearest railhead, which is 50 km from Nathdwara.

Nearest Airport

• Udaipur Airport is the nearest airport, which is 80 km from Nathdwara roughly one hour drive. Connecting flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur can be taken from here.
• Ahmedabad Airport is the second nearest Airport from Nathdwara, roughly 305 Kms from the city.

Climate

• Summers: Max 38.3 °C Min 28.8 °C
• Winters: Max 28.3 °C Min 11.6 °C

Best Season in Nathdwara

• The best season to visit Nathdwara is the winter season. The temperature remains comfortable and is apt for visiting the monuments and other places of interest in Nathdwara. The best months to visit are September, October, November, December, February and March.

Clothing required

• Summers: Light tropical in summer, carry hats and sun-screen lotions
• Winters: Woollens in winter

Near By Cities to Nathdwara

City	Distance & Time
Ajmer rajasthan	222 km in 3 hours 23 mins
Pushkar rajasthan	234 km in 3 hours 43 mins
Udaipur rajasthan	52.3 km in 1 hour 3 mins
Bundi rajasthan	247 km in 4 hours 3 mins
Chittorgarh rajasthan	107 km in 2 hours 5 mins
Jaipur rajasthan	351 km in 4 hours 46 mins
Ranthambhore rajasthan	359 km in 5 hours 56 mins
Jaisalmer rajasthan	478 km in 7 hours 19 mins
Jodhpur rajasthan	217 km in 3 hours 47 mins

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