Shrinathji Temple, Hindu temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, India
Shrinathji Temple is a Hindu temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, that holds a black stone statue of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan. The sanctum is lined with detailed marble carvings, and the walls carry colored murals depicting scenes from Krishna's life.
The temple was founded in 1672 after the statue was brought from Mathura to protect it from destruction by Aurangzeb. The priests traveled with the image in an ox cart and settled where the wheels became stuck in the mud.
The eight daily darshan ceremonies show the deity dressed in changing robes and jewelry, with each ceremony creating its own atmosphere. Worshippers bring homemade sweets and flowers that are returned as prasad after blessing.
Visitors are not allowed to take photos inside the sanctum, and photography from outside is permitted only from certain points. The main ceremony takes place early in the morning, and queues can become long during festival days.
During the Annakut festival, large amounts of cooked rice are arranged in the shape of a mountain and carried away with buckets by young men from nearby villages. The entire process takes several hours, and the crowd sings bhajans throughout.
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