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The importance of Shrinathji

When Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb went on a rampage destroying Hindu temples, the custodians of the idol of Srinathji of Goverdhan, near Mathura, left the place in search of a safe haven. While most princes were diffident, Maharana Rajsingh of Mewar dared to grant refuge to the idol. In 1672, Srinathji was installed in a new temple. The late Goswami Tilkayat Shree Damodarji(Daouji) of Vaishnav community brought this holy swaroop (important form) of Srinathji to Nathdwara in 1672 A.D. The town was established after its dedication to Lord Srinathji.

Srinathji is swaroop of Lord Krishna in Pusti Marg, representing him at the age of Seven. He holds Mount Goverdhan with his left arm, While his right hand rests on the waist. There is a parrot on top. Two sages are meditating near Srinathji's left hand and below them is a snake. Below the reptile is a tiger. Two peacocks rest below the tiger. On the other side is a sage, and beneath him are a snake and two cows. These are evidently inhabitants of Mount Govardhan watching Srinathji reverently.

Srinathji's left hand was frist seen in 1410 on the summit of Mount Govardhan. It was offered milk because the inhabitants worshipped it as a single deity. The face ( mukharvind ) of the lord emerged in 1479 when Vallabhacharya was born. Hence, the birth of the mukharvind (lotus like face) of Srinathji. In 1493, Vallabhacharya found Lord Srinathji at midnight in Gokul.

During summers, Srinathji sleeps late And hence rises late. But in winters, Srinathji retires early and awakens early. In winters, a saghdi with smouldering coal is placed near Srinathji to keep the divine child warm.

Every morning, the veena is played to awaken Srinathji. Classical songs are sung during other jhankis. Srinathji is royally dressed and fed the purest and richest of foods. Even the water he drinks comes from the Yamuna. Srinathji wears the best of the dresses/jewellery, which are rarely repeated. Normally, there are eight jhankis every day. Each jhanki has a particular meaning and purpose. These jhankhis are for a short duration because Srinathji being a child can be fall victim to evil eye (nazar).

Source: Monday 20 june 2005. Ahmedabad. The Economic Times.