Shrinathji Haveli, Nathdwara
Nathdwara, Rajsamand district (about 48 km north-east of Udaipur) · Shrinathji – Krishna as a seven-year-old child lifting Govardhan hill with his raised left hand
The chief shrine of the Pushti Marg, where the child Krishna is cared for like a living boy through eight short darshans a day.
Shrinathji is the most important shrine of the Pushti Marg (also called the Vallabha Sampradaya), the Krishna-devotion tradition founded by Vallabhacharya around 1500. The black stone image shows Krishna as a child, his left arm raised as if holding up Govardhan hill. It was brought from Govardhan near Mathura in 1672 to escape Mughal persecution and installed at the village of Sinhad in Mewar, which grew into the town of Nathdwara ('Gateway to Shrinathji'). The shrine is run like a nobleman's house (haveli), not a typical temple, and the deity is seen only during eight brief darshans a day that follow the routine of a child's day.
Timings
- General pattern: Eight short darshans between about 5:30 AM and 8:00 PM; the haveli is closed between darshans
- Mangla: 5:45 – 6:30 AM (official schedule for 27 Oct 2026)
- Shringar: 7:30 – 8:00 AM
- Gwal: 9:00 – 9:15 AM
- Rajbhog: 11:15 – 11:55 AM
- Uthapan: 3:45 – 4:00 PM
- Bhog: 4:45 – 5:00 PM
- Aarti (Sandhya): 5:15 – 5:55 PM
- Shayan: 7:00 – 7:40 PM
- Note: Times change almost daily with the season and the festival calendar. The temple website shows 'Tomorrow's Darshan' timings every day – always check it the night before.
Darshan types and costs
- General darshan (all eight jhankis) – Free
- Online darshan slot booking – Check official site
- Shriji Card – Sugam Vishesh Darshan – Check official site (card is recharged online or at the Samadhan counter)
Sevas and costs
- Manorath (sponsored offering) – Varies by Manorath – Check official site (On a date of your choice, subject to availability; most are offered at Rajbhog or Mangla)
- Shriji Darshan Yojana – Full Day Manorath (annual, deposit scheme) – ₹3,21,000 deposit (Nyochhawar) (Every year on a fixed date or tithi chosen by the devotee)
- Shriji Darshan Yojana – Full Rajbhog – ₹1,71,000 deposit (Every year on a fixed date or tithi)
- Shriji Darshan Yojana – Half Rajbhog – ₹1,10,000 deposit (Every year on a fixed date or tithi)
- Shriji Darshan Yojana – Quarter Rajbhog – ₹70,000 deposit (Every year on a fixed date or tithi)
- Shriji Darshan Yojana – Mangal Bhog – ₹37,000 deposit (the Board's Niyat Samagri page lists ₹34,000 – confirm before paying) (Every year on a fixed date or tithi, at Mangla darshan)
- Shriji Darshan Yojana – Shayan Bhog – ₹28,000 deposit (Every year on a fixed date or tithi, at Shayan)
- Priyaji Palna Manorath – ₹1,25,000 (as listed on the Board's Niyat Samagri Nyochhawar page) (Fixed annual date)
- Gaumataji Thuli Seva – ₹2,21,000 (as listed on the Board's Niyat Samagri Nyochhawar page) (Fixed annual date)
- Vastra Seva (offering clothes) – Check official site (Any day, subject to the dress calendar)
- Bhent and Shriji Seva (donations) – Any amount (Any time)
How to book darshan
Darshan is free and walk-in. For online darshan slots, the Shriji card, Manorath, Vastra Seva, donations and temple cottages, use the official Nathdwara Temple Board website or the 'Shrinathji Temple' app (Android and iOS). Login is by a mobile OTP.
Nathdwara Temple Board – official site
Dress code
Modest traditional clothing is expected. Men usually wear kurta-pyjama or trousers and shirt; women a saree or salwar kameez. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Shoes and socks must be removed before entering.
Best time to visit
October to March is cool and pleasant. Janmashtami (Aug–Sep), Diwali and Annakut (Oct–Nov) and Holi (Feb–Mar) are spectacular but extremely crowded. Weekdays outside festivals are calmest.
How to reach
- air: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (Dabok), about 55–60 km (approx. 1 hour by taxi).
- rail: Udaipur City station is about 50 km away and has the best trains. Mavli Junction (about 30 km) is closer. Check Indian Railways for current services to Nathdwara station.
- road: Nathdwara is on NH-48 about 48 km north-east of Udaipur. Rajasthan Roadways and private buses run frequently from Udaipur, Ahmedabad (about 300 km) and Jaipur (about 350 km).
Festivals
- Janmashtami and Nandmahotsav – Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami (Aug–Sep)
- Annakut (Govardhan Puja) – Day after Diwali (Oct–Nov)
- Diwali – Kartik Amavasya (Oct–Nov)
- Holi and Dol Utsav – Phalgun (Feb–Mar)
- Sharad Purnima – Ashwin Purnima (Sep–Oct)
- Radhashtami – Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami (Aug–Sep)
- Weekly festivals – Throughout the year