Nathdwara

Nathdwara is a town in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, India. It lies in the western part of the state, within the Aravalli region, and is renowned for the Shrinathji Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Vaishnavism.

The Shrinathji Temple houses the image of Shrinathji, a form of Krishna as a child. The idol was originally worshipped in Vrindavan and was relocated to Nathdwara in the late 17th century to preserve the worship for the Goswami tradition and the Pushtimarg lineage. The temple complex serves as the central religious center for devotees, hosting daily rituals and special observances during festivals such as Janmashtami and other significant occasions.

Nathdwara is also the spiritual and cultural heart of the Pushtimarg tradition, which was established by Vallabhacharya. The town’s economy is closely tied to pilgrimage-related activity, including markets around the temple that sell religious items, devotional music, and prasadi offerings.

The name Nathdwara is commonly interpreted as meaning gateway of the lord, reflecting its role as the destination for devotees of Shrinathji. Today, Nathdwara continues to attract visitors from across India and abroad for worship, contemplation, and participation in religious festivals.