Srinathji, also known as Shrinathji, is a revered form of Lord Krishna worshiped in the Pushti Marg sect of Hinduism. The story of Srinathji is associated with the town of Nathdwara in Rajasthan, India. Here is a brief overview of the story of Srinathji:

1. Discovery of the Deity:
The story of Srinathji begins with the divine image of Lord Krishna. According to legend, the deity was originally enshrined in the temple of Govardhan Hill near Mathura. When the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb started persecuting Hindu temples and deities, the idol of Lord Krishna was sent to Mewar, a region in present-day Rajasthan, to protect it from desecration.

2. Journey to Nathdwara:
During its journey, the idol stopped at the village of Sinhad (now known as Sihad), near Nathdwara. The villagers of Sinhad wanted to keep the deity in their village permanently, but the deity, through a series of miracles, indicated its desire to continue the journey. It was then placed in a chariot, and the villagers followed it. The chariot stopped near the present-day town of Nathdwara, and the deity manifested itself in a temple.

3. Establishing the Temple:
The temple in Nathdwara, known as the Shrinathji Temple, was constructed to house the deity. The temple was established by the Vaishnava saint Shri Vallabhacharya, who was a proponent of the Pushti Marg (Path of Grace) tradition. This tradition emphasizes devotion and grace in the worship of Lord Krishna.

4. Daily Rituals:
In the temple, Lord Srinathji is worshiped with great devotion and elaborate rituals. The deity is adorned with different outfits and jewelry at various times of the day, and devotees offer food offerings (bhog) to the deity. The temple has specific schedules for darshan (viewing) when devotees can have a glimpse of the deity.

5. The Unique Form:
What sets Srinathji apart is the deity’s unique form, often depicted as a seven-year-old “Lala” (child) Krishna. The deity stands with a raised right hand, which is believed to be a representation of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from Lord Indra’s wrath. This form of Lord Krishna is known for its endearing and childlike expressions.

6. Festivals and Celebrations:
The temple at Nathdwara celebrates various festivals dedicated to Lord Srinathji with great enthusiasm. Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is a major celebration. Annakut, a festival where a mountain of food offerings is prepared for the deity, is also celebrated with grandeur.

The story of Srinathji reflects the deep devotion and love of devotees for Lord Krishna and highlights the importance of grace and devotion in the Pushti Marg tradition of Hinduism. The temple in Nathdwara continues to be a significant pilgrimage site for Krishna devotees, attracting devotees from all over the world.

Image Credit: Eikowa