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Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

February 14, 2023, Sasidhar Darla 9 Comments Filed Under: Rajasthan Temples Tagged With: Krishna Temples

Nathdwara Shrinathji temple for Lord Krishna is in Nathdwara, 48 Km north of Udaipur. Lord Shrinathji symbolizes a form of Lord Krishna when he lifted the ‘Govardhana’ (a hill). Devotees render many services for the deity that includes cutting vegetables, sweeping the temples, making garlands and even carrying wood.

Planning to visit Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple? Check out our Pancha Dwarka Tour. Thousands of devotees visit the holy shrines every year.

Nathdwara, means the gate of God. It is the most renowned pilgrimage in India. Nathdwara is on the banks of Banas river. There is a beautiful black marble Deity of Lord Krishna, standing with his hand upraised lifting Govardhana Hill. Jagatguru Sri Vallabhacharya installed the idol of Shrinathji first at the Jatipura temple at Mathura (UP) by.

This temple is of the great importance as the royal kings of Udaipur pray at this temple and the Maharana is famous as the Shriji among the people.

The image of Shrinathji is worth seeing and feeling the celestial beauty of the God. Images of two cows, a snake, a lion, two peacocks and a parrot by the god’s head are there on the idol. People of Vaishnava community come in large numbers to visit this holy pilgrimage.

The servant of these temples wear the clothes of the era of the kings and queens and serve Lord krishna as the beloved prince. Due to this reasons this temple is as ‘Haveli’ which means the big mansions of the wealthy merchants. There are beautiful and large paintings of the elephants, horses, maidens and doorkeepers on all the doorways.

What is the history of Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple?

History of Nathdwara Shrinathji says that during the reign of Aurangzeb, statue of Lord Krishna was moved from Vrindavan to enshrine it at a safe place. However, when the vehicle carrying the statue passed through the particular spot where the temple now is, its wheels were stuck in the mud.

The priest accompanying the image interpreted it to be an indication from the Lord himself.

People understood that the Lord did not want to move any further. Thereafter, they placed the statue in the Lord Krishna temple, Nathdwara along with proper Vedic rites and tradition. Further, the Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple has three entrances, one (Surajpole) being exclusively for women.

What is the story of Sri Nathji?

One more story about this place is that, Sri Nathji once tore his garment while rushing back to the temple to be on time for darshan. From that day on it has been a custom to blow the conch and then wait several minutes before opening the altar doors. In that way Sri Nathji may return leisurely to his temple from wherever he may be sporting.

The servitors of Sri Nathji say that the Deity is the original form of Sri Krishna, known as Nikunja Nayaka, ‘the Lord of the Celestial Power.’ Since this form of Lord Krishna includes all others, his devotees see him both as Sri Radhanathji (the Lord of Radha) and as child Krishna.

What is the significance of Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple?

Significance of Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple is that the striking idol of Shrinathji gets the major attraction. Every morning, a veena player plays the veena to awaken Srinathji. Devotees sing classical songs during other jhankis. The preists dress Shrinathji royally and feed him 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.

Moreover, the Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple authorities possess approximately 500 cows and with the milk of these cows, they prepare sweets and milk products. Among these cows, there is one cow that that the devotees consider as Shrinathji’s cow. This cow is believed to have come from the lineage, which served the Lord from ages.

What are the timings of Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple?

The timings of Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple are:

Timings	From	To
Open (Morning)	5:30 AM	12:30 PM
Open (Evening)	4 PM	8:30 AM
The Mangla Aarti	5:40 AM	6:20 AM
Shringar Aarti	7:15 AM	17:45 AM
Gwal Aarti	9:15 AM	9:30 AM
Rajbhog Aarti	11:20 AM	12:05 PM
Uthapan Aarti and Bhog	3:40 PM	4:00 PM
Aarti Darshan	5:00 PM	6:15 PM

What are the Poojas and Rituals performed at Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple?

The poojas and rituals performed at Nathdwara Shirnathji Temple are:

Timings
Mangla Darshan
Shringar Darshan
Gval Darshan
Rajbhog Darshan
Uthapan Darshan
Bhog Darshan
Sandhya Aarti Darshan
Shayan Darshan

Mangla Darshan: During this Darshan aarti is offered to lord Shrinathji and it is the first darshan of the day. This darshan takes place before the sunrise.

Shringar Darshan: It is the second darshan of the day. In this Darshan, Shrinathji is dressed and different songs and bhajans are sung by the poets to praise the lord.

Gval Darshan: It is the time when Shrinathji takes cows to the field. During this darshan the priest offers sweets to Shrinathji.

Rajbhog Darshan: It is the fourth darshan of the day and it is the time when the priest serves delicious food to Shrinathji. Along with this he also performs the Darshan aarti.

Uthapan Darshan: This darshan is performed at the afternoon when Shrinathji wakes up from his sleep in the noon.

Bhog Darshan: During this darshan the priest offers fruits and a light meal to Shrinathji.

Sandhya Aarti Darshan: This darshan is performed in the evening and it is the time when Shrinathji bring all cows back to their home.

Shayan Darshan: It is the last darshan of the day when Shrinathji go to sleep at the night.

What are the rules of nathdwara Shirinathji Temple?

There is no entry fee at the Nathdwara Shrinathji temple. Also, there is no VIP Darshan in the temple but there are different sign boards on the temple premises that one should follow. There are also different announcements at periodic interval.

What are the festivals celebrated at Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Nathdwara Shirnathji Temple are:

Annakutta: Annakutta is a major festival that is celebrated in the temple with full gusto and fervor. As a part of celebrations 2500 kilo hill rice is offered to the Lord. Then the temple gates are closed. In the evening the gates are opened and people start looting the rice prasad. Diwali is also an important festival here, because it is one day before the Annakutta festival.
Holi: Huge crowds gather from all over the state and beyond. They use huge quantities of abil, gulal, and kesudo (white and pink powders and an orange dye). The Lord wakes up early – around 5.30 AM. Shri Nathji plays holi with his temple servants at Rajbhog darshan. Polka dots of pink, orange, yellow and red begin to mark the Lord’s spotless white clothes.
Diwali: One of the major Hindu festivals, it is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over the evil, when Lord Rama defeated Ravana and rescued his wife Sita from his custody. It is predominantly a five-day festival, with a number of customs and rituals followed during each day. People prepare themselves for the festival weeks ahead, by decorating the temple premises. Many devotees visit the temple during special poojas.
Janmashtami: Janmashtami, is the birthday of lord Krishna. Also, devotees believe that Lord Vishnu incarnated in the form of lord Krishna on the auspicious day of Janmashtami. The historical background of the birth of lord Krishna depicts the significance of this Hindu festival. Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day of Hindu lunar month, Shravana.

How to reach Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple?

Air: Nearest airport from Udaipur is Dabok Airport which is 24 km away.
Rail: Western Railways connect Mavli Junction on the meter gauge with trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Khandwa. Mavli Junction is 38 km.
Road: Buses connect Nathdwara with all major tourist spots of Rajasthan.

Where to stay near Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple?

There are many facilities for the accommodation and various Dharmashalas.

Shri Damodar Dham: Rampura, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313301

Dhiraj Dham: Eklingji, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313301

Agrawal Cottage: Rampura, Nathdwara, Rajasthan

Besides there are many other Dharmashalas and hotels such as Bombaywala Dharam shala, Basanti Lal Dharmshala, Bhartiya Guest House, Bombay Cottage, Mandir Mandal, Champa Shambhu Lal Dharmshala, Delwara Wali Dharmshala, Dheeraj Dham, Hotel Hari Darshan, Gopal Niwas Hotel, Ganga Jamuna Hotel, Hotel Jay Shree, Kothari Atithishala, Hotel Krishna Darshan, Krishna Guest House, Khadayata Atithi Bhawan and many more.

Where to eat near Nathdwara Shirnathji Temple?

Roadside food stalls are famous for their yummy, scrumptious and delicious on-the-street food where one can eat near Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple. One can also find both vegetarian or non vegetarian food. Moreover, the thandai and the khaman are the specialties here.

Neelam Dining Hall: Near Bank of Baroda, Gandhi Road, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313301
Maharaja Dining Hall: Eklingji, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313301
Hotel Shrinath Inn: Near Private Bus Stand, NH-8, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313301
Hotel Vaikunth: Tehsil Link Road, Kankroli, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313301
Shri Gopal Krishan Dining Hall: Under Moti Mahal Tower, Nathdwara Ho, Nathdwara

What are some temples near Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple?

Some temples near Naathdwara Shirnathji Temple are:

Dwarkadheesh Temple: Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the prominent tourist attractions of Nathdwara in the Kankroli Village. This temple is also famous as ‘Kankroli Temple’. Hindu deity Krishna is the sole deity of this beautiful temple. Here the red stone idol of the deity is praise with full devotion and dedication. Dwarkadhish Temple is at the shore of Rajsamand Lake. Nearby Nav Chauki Dam (Kankroli Dam) is also a great place for bird watching.

Charbhuja Temple: Shri Charbhuja temple exists near the Gomti river since 1444 A.D. Temple is also famous for its architecture with magnificent mirror work inside the temple. White marble, lime mortar and mirror is the construction material for this temple. Charbhuja Temple organises a fair every year on Jhaljhoolni Gyaras. It falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadrapad i.e. during the months of August-September.

Vitthalnathji: Shri Vitthalnathji was found in the Ganges river by and ascetic who presented Him to Shri Vallabhacharya. Shri Vitthalnathji is a small golden Svarupa and His hands rest on his hips. One Svamini also joins him. She always resides on His left. Moreover, Shri Gusainji explains their divine nature.

MadanMohanji Temple at Nathdwara: Shri Madan Mohan, a small golden colored form of shri Krishna playing the flute is accompanied by his Svamini, (Shri Radha). Shri Madan Mohan appeared during the course of a soma sacrifice that Shri Yajnar narayan Bhatt, Shri Vallabhacharya’s great, great, great-grandfather performed. Madan Mohan currently resided in Kama Rajasthan. Shri Gusainji explains his form and lila. Many visitors and devotees visit this place and this temple is crowded at special occassions.

What are the best places to visit in Uttarakhand?

September 15, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra

Uttarakhand has many beautiful tourist destinations. Most important amongst all, it is the home of the Chhota Char Dhams- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Haridwar, Nainital, Rishikesh, Valley of Flowers, Mussoorie and many other places are also equally visited by tourists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcF1dZlly_k

Yamunotri Temple: Yamunotri Temple is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 10,800feet. It is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Amar Singh Thapa built this temple. However, it got destroyed and was re-built in the 19th Century. It stands amidst beautiful mountain peaks and the sacred waters of the Yamuna River. the temple is constructed in the Nagar style. The temple is built with Granite stones that have been obtained from the surrounding mountains. The temple is opened for public viewing on the Akshaya Tritiya. It is closed on the event of Yama Dwitiya which falls on the second day after Diwali. It is one of the best places in Uttarakhand. It is the first destination of the Chhota Char Dham Yatra.

Gangotri Temple: The Gangotri Temple is situated at an elevation of 10,200feet in the Himalayan Range of Uttarakhand. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is situated amidst beautiful mountains and the waters of the sacred river, Ganga. The River Ganga originates here and is called Bhagirathi. It originates from the Gangotri glacier at Gaumukh. It is a 19km trek from Gangotri town. It is the second destination in the Chhota Char Dham yatra of Uttarakhand. It is considered one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Temple is located near Mandakini River in the Garhwal Himalayan Range. It is situated at Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is at a height of 11, 760feet. This temple worships Lord Shiva as the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’- Kedarnath. The Kedarnath Temple remains open only for six months a year. It begins from the day of Akshaya Tritiya in March-April. It closes on the eve of Karthik Purnima in November. The temple remains closed for the next six months due to extremely harsh winters.

Badrinath Temple: This temple is situated along the banks of Alaknanda River in the Garhwal Hills. It is at a height of 10,280 feet. It is situated in Uttarakhand. Apart from being the final destination of Chhota Char Dham, it is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra. It is also one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. Two peaks named Nar and Narayan surrounds it. The temple can be visited only between April and November and remains closed due to extreme weather conditions prevailing in the Himalayas during winters. Kedarnath Temple is also a part of Chhota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

Other places to visit in Uttarakhand are:

Haridwar: Translating to ‘Gateway of God’, it is one of the seven holiest places in India. It is believed that a dip in the holy running waters of Ganga here helps one wash away all their sins. It is one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. Haridwar is known as the ‘Pilgrim Capital’. It is a place where the tourist gets enchanted by the religious and spiritual energy of the place. Haridwar is located t the foothills of the Himalayas. It is one of the oldest cities in India.

Nainital: Nainital is called the ‘Lake District’ of India. Various natural resources and many lakes surround it. The most prominent lake is the Naini Lake. The Naina Devi Hindu Temple is located around the Nainital Lake. It is one of the best places in Uttarakhand. Nainital is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Rishikesh: It is located at the confluence of River Ganga and River Chandrabhaga. It is called the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. This place in an important pilgrimage site. Rishikesh has a spectacular nature and is surrounded by spectacular hills. Various Yoga institutes and ashrams teach about the various aspects of Hinduism here. It is one of the best places to visits in Uttarakhand.

Valley of Flowers: Valley of flowers is an Indian National Park present in the state of Uttarakhand. It is rich in flora and fauna including endangered and rare species of plants as well as animals. This diversity also represents a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of Zanskar and Great Himalaya. It is home to a number of rare and endangered species such as red fox, snow leopard, musk deer, etc. Moreover, it provides aesthetic pleasure to visitors because of the number and variety of flowers that grow here. It also has religious significance in Hinduism because yogis have visited the valley for meditation since time immemorial. Moreover, local people used to believe that Gods and fairies inhabited the valley.

Mussoorie: Mussoorie is a well-liked tourist spot in Uttarakhand. In Mussoorie, you can witness a spectacular view of the Himalayas. It is located at an altitude of 6000feet. Mussoorie is referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’. This place is visited by many tourists every year. It is considered to be one of the best places in Uttarakhand.

Frequently asked questions about Char Dham Yatra

Shankaracharya Temple Srinagar Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

July 7, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 3 Comments Filed Under: Jammu and Kashmir Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Shankaracharya Temple is located in Srinagar in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is also called the Jyesteshwara Temple as well as the Pas-Pahar by the Buddhists who visit the temple. The Shankracharya Temple has been a highly revered temple situated on the Shankaracharya Hill that is commonly called the Takht-e-Suleiman in addition to the Gopadari Hill.

The hill is located in the Zabarwan Mountain of Srinagar, Kashmir and the temple has been dedicated to the extremely popular and admired Lord Shiva. The Shankaracharya Temple is situated on a summit that has the same name and is at the height of 1,000 feet above ground level. The temple overlooks the beautiful city of Srinagar from the height.

Shankaracharya Temple History

The Shankaracharya Temple was built in the 200 BC but the present structure is a little recent and it dates back to the 9^th century AD. The temple is also popular as it was visited by Adi Shankara which has made the temple to be associated with him. Thus the temple came to be known as the Shankaracharya Temple and this temple is also regarded sacred by the Buddhist community. The temple has a Shiv Linga that was placed in the temple during period of the Sikh in the nineteenth century. It became one of the active Hindu temples when the priests started performing regular services in the temple. According to historians, this temple was originally a Buddhist temple that was extremely popular during the Buddhist era. The temple was then later on changed to a Hindu site and Adi Shankaracharya made it a Hindu place of worship. The Jews and Persians used to call it the Bagh-i-Sulaiman which means the Garden of King Solomon and the temple also has Persian engravings.
Popular legends suggest that the Hindu king “Sandiman” governed in Kashmir from 2629 to 2564 BC and he was the one who built this temple. The temple was later on repaired by King Gopaditya (426–365 BC) and then by the King Lalitaditya (697–734 AD). One the temple had been damaged due to an earthquake and Zain-ul-Abidin had repaired its roof that had tumbled down due to the earthquake. Sheikh Ghulam Mohi-nu-ddin who was a Sikh Governor from 1841–46 had also repaired the dome of the temple.
The Shankaracharya hill also has historical reference from the historian Kalhana who had earlier called this mountain as Gopadri. Kalhana had also said that King Gopaditya had granted the land that existed at the hill foot to Brahmins who had come from “Araya Versh.” This land grant had a religious term called the Gopa Agraharas. The same region is currently known as Gupkar. Kalhana had also mentioned another village that used to lie in the vicinity of this hill. The village is popular as it is believed that the King Gopaditya had accommodated some Brahmins who had eaten Garlic to a village next door. Kalhana has also mentioned the King Gopaditya who had built this temple on top of Shankaracharya Hill which has been built as a shrine to Lord Jyesthesvara who is a form of Lord Shiva somewhere around the era of 371 BC.
Abul Fazal, a famous historian mentions that the King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karakote dynasty had helped with some major repairs in this temple. Srivara Budsah was a king who reigned in 1420-1470 AD and he also did some major patch-up work in the temple. He had also the temple’s spike and had repaired the roof of this structure that had fallen down due to an enormous earthquake.

Significance of the Shankaracharya Temple

Shankaracharya Temple has a lot of history associated with it and it is also believe that Jesus Christ had visited Kashmir as well as the temple. This is also inscribed on the temple’s shrine as well as on its steps that lead to the main shrine and this has increased its popularity in the region. There were also Persian engravings on the temple and on its stairs. The historical reference to this temple also mentions the same and this has therefore become a belief of the region.
The temple had derived many names and the name of Takht-e-Suleiman had persisted during the periods of the Mughal, Sikh, Afghan and Dogra periods. Most of the publications that existed during the periods had all referred to this hill by the same name. The temple as well as the hill derived the name Shankaracharaya when the Governor Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din had made the repairs during 19^th century. Since then the temple was not used as a temple and later on it was consecrated as Shankaracharaya temple and this is when Shiv Lingam was placed in temple. During the period of the Sikh, people started prayer services inside the temple and then the festival of Shravan Poornima was also celebrated at this temple which became a custom.
Gulab Singh who was a popular Dogra King of this region had also constructed the existing steps to reach the hill. The electrical installations that exist on the temple were made by the Maharaja of Mysore who had come to Kashmir region in 1925. The current statue of Adi Shankaracharaya was put in the temple in 1961 and in 1974 the J&K Government constructed the current road that takes the tourists to the TV antenna which is near the hill top.
The temple of Jyoteshware rests on solid rock with a 20 something foot tall octagonal base that supports the square building on the top. There is a terrace around this square temple which is reached by stone staircases that are enclosed between two walls. There is a doorway which is on opposite side of staircase and it leads to interior. The interior is a small dark chamber, which is circular in the plan. It has a ceiling that is supported by octagonal columns and this surrounds a small basin that contains the Lingam which is encircled by a snake.
Shankaracharya Temple is regularly worshipped by the pilgrims who visit the region during the popular Amarnath Yatra. The 243 steps that lead up to this temple area are not very steep and can be easily climbed. The temple overlooks the beautiful Srinagar town and the temple is located at height of about 1100 feet. This sacred site also offers splendid views of Kashmir valley and the splendid snow covered mountains can also be seen from here especially the Pir Panjal range. The shrine is one of the oldest in the region and in the Kashmir valley.
The shrine also has a circular cell which provides views of the valley below and the innermost chamber of this temple was renovated and is now covered with modern ceilings. This temple also is a very well known spot amongst the religious tourists and it is also known to have a lot of religious as well as architectural importance in the region.

Shankaracharya Temple Timings

The temple opens in morning 6 AM and the cars are allowed inside from then onwards. It is under the protection of the Army and hence the entrance is guarded by the army personnel. Cars aren’t permitted inside the temple after 5 PM but the temple does remain open till 8 PM.

Festivals Celebrated at the Shankaracharya Temple

Kashmir has been a popular seat of Shaivism. The Himalayas and the Mount Kailash are nearby and it is believed that the devotion of Shiva spread in the entire India from here, by spiritual work of great saints like Adi Shankaracharya. The Soundarya Lahari is a rich text and lyrical constructed and composed by Adi Shankara at the top of the Gopadari Hill. He had composed the same after accepting that the union of Shiva and Shakti had happened here. It is believed that when Shiva unites with Shakti, he gets the power of creating. Thus the temple has a lot of significance among Shaivaites and they celebrate Shivratri with great vigor here.

Poojas and Rituals at Shankaracharya Temple

The Lingam is offered milk and fruits and flowers by the devotees and they sing songs in praise of the Lord here.

How to reach by Rail, Road and Air

Tourists have to take special permission from the army department to visit this temple. Jammu and Srinagar are major cities of India and both are well connected to all parts of the country by trains, airways and road. Following are the major roadways, railways and airways of the city of Srinagar:

By Bus: Shankaracharya Temple is easy to access by roadways. There are several private bus service providers who run deluxe bus packages from nearby cities to Srinagar is connected to Chandigarh and Jammu etc. The package tours expense around Rs. 4/- to Rs. 5/- per km.

By Rail: Jammu is the nearby railway station to Srinagar, found at 290 km away. The Railway station of Jammu is well linked to different main cities of the country by rail services. There are direct train services available from Chennai, Delhi, Trivandrum and Bangalore.

By Air: The Srinagar airport connected to major cities of the country. There are effective flights between Srinagar and Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai and Shimla. The frequency is generally once or two times a day which is standard amongst all the airlines

Hotels in Srinagar

Srinagar is a major Indian city and thus has many 3-Star, 4-Star, 5-Star hotels as well as many luxurious resorts like Hotel Akbar, the Lalit Grand Palace and Vivanta Dal View by Taj. The city has a major attraction in the form of the houseboats that are dwelled by many tourists and many Inns, cottages and private residences are also present in the city.

Nearby Temples and Attractions

Srinagar is a wonderful city in the Kashmir valley that has a lot of natural beauty and the city is nestled among mountains. The city is situated on the banks of the holy River Jhelum and has many diverse temples that have great architectural grandeur and history associated with them. The city also has beautiful gardens and lakes. Some of the major tourist attractions of Srinagar are the Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bag and Jami Masjid.

Following are some major temples in Srinagar:

Pandrethan Temple, Srinagar: An old stone structure, the Pandrethan temple is a major temple that is associated with the Emperor Ashoka and is one of the major attractions of the city.
Bhuteshwara Temple, Srinagar: The temple was constructed in the 12^th century and is blessed with great architecture and thus holds great importance among the locals.
Sharika Devi Temple, Hari Parbat, Srinagar: This is a temple laced with many mystical theories from the ancient Hindu mythology. The temple’s presiding deity is Sharika Devi who is also the major deity of the Srinagar city.
JwalaMukhi Temple, Khru, Srinagar: The picturesquely placed temple is atop a hillock and is a popular draw for the tourists.
Rameshwaram Shiva Temple, Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar: The popular Shiva Temple has religious significance and has associations with Hinduism, but also Sikhism.
Martand Sun Temple, Anantnag, Srinagar: The Anantnag temple is popular among the devotees who visit the Amarnath temple and the temple is a work of genius architectural labour. This temple was built by the King Lalitaditya of the Surya (Solar) dynasty.
Mamal Shiva Temple, Pahalgam, Srinagar: The popular Shiva Temple is one that has exceptional popularity amongst the faithful devotees and the devotees throng the temple in spite of its ruined condition.

The Adi Shankaracharya Temple of Srinagar has been a significant and historical temple and it thus carries special importance among the locals as well as the tourists. The temple being dedicated to Lord Shiva is visited by many people and the city of Srinagar is also an important destination for many people and is visited by many tourists. The temple is a place with immense natural beauty in and around the temple and so the place is worth a visit.

Valley of Flowers

September 25, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Blog, Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples

Valley of flowers is an Indian National Park in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is rich in flora and fauna that includes endangered and rare species of plants as well as animals. This diversity is a representative of a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of Zanskar and Great Himalaya.

Valley of Flowers – Overview

Opening Timings of the Valley	8 am – 5 pm
Time required to see the valley	4 – 5 hours
Best Time To Visit	Mid of July to August
Entry Fee	20 rupees per person
Nearest Airport	Jolly Grant Airport
Location	Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Furthermore, the valley lies 20 km northwest of Nanda Devi National Park. Moreover, the valley is open for visitors beginning of June till the start of October.

The Uttarakhand State Forestry Department, the national Ministry of Environment and Forests, India are responsible to administer the valley.

What is the significance of Valley of flowers?

This picturesque valley is significantly popular as an amalgamation of 600 different species of flora. Moreover, 62 species of Asteraceae dominate the valley. However, 45 species from the valley are used for medicinal purposes by the villagers. Also, it is home to endangered fauna such as red fox, snow leopard, musk deer, etc.

Moreover, it provides aesthetic pleasure to visitors because of a rich variance of flora growing here. Moreover, on the religious front, it is a popular destination where yogis visit for meditation since ages. Also, locals believe that Gods and fairies inhabited the valley.

Significance of Valley of Flowers — This temple is worshipped across the valley of flowers.

Nanda Devi, the regional peak is worshipped throughout the valley as an epitome of the goddess who is believed to be one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga.

What are the timings of Valley of Flowers?

Timings	From
Open	8 am
Close	5 pm

What is the history of Valley of flowers?

The history of this valley traces back to 1931, prior to which it existed in seclusion. Hence, In 1931, three British mountaineers namely, Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton and R.L. Holdsworth lost their way while coming back from Mount Kamet. Fortunately, they came across the place which was full of flowers. Hence, they named it ‘Valley of flowers’.

In 1980, the Government of India declared Valley of Flowers as a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, for the conservation of its flora and fauna.

The valley also is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How to reach Valley of flowers?

Here’s how to reach the place:

Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport. It is 284.6 km away from Govindghat.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is at a distance of 273 km from Govindghat.
Road: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. From there, one can avail buses or taxis to Govindghat. One has to complete a trek of 16 km from there to this divine valley.

Reaching Valley of Flowers — After Govindghat, one has to trek to reach this beautiful valley covered in flowers.

Where to stay near Valley of flowers?

Some of the places where one can stay near Valley of flowers are:

Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers all the modern facilities to its guests. Moreover, backed by a team of skilled professionals, the property ensures that all needs of guests are fulfilled timely.
Hotel Sudarshan Palace: This Hotel provides all luxurious to its guests. Moreover, both interiors, as well as the exteriors of the place, are a complete charm. Also, it is quite budget-friendly.
Shri Krishna Palace Hotel: This accommodation in Chamoli features a total of 36 well-maintained and spacious rooms. Additionally, this hotel in Chamoli provides a hygienic and comfortable stay.

What are some places to visit near Valley of flowers?

Some of the places one can visit near Valley of flowers is:

Hemkund Sahib: Hemkund Sahib (Formerly Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji) is a Sikh place of worship in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The place is dedicated to the tenth Guru of Sikhism- Shri Guru Gobind Singh.
Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Devotees believe that the statue of the Deity Lord Vishnu placed inside the temple is self-manifested. Also, it is a part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
Narsingh Temple, Joshimath: It is an ancient temple for Lord Narsimha, the fourth incarnation of Vishnu. Since the temple is a part of ‘Sapt Badri’, it is also popular as Narsingh Badri Temple.

Puri Jagannath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

February 19, 2020, Sasidhar Darla 108 Comments Filed Under: Odisha Temples Tagged With: Vishnu Temples

Puri Jagannath Temple is a Vaishnavite Pilgrimage site located in Puri, Odisha. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here. It is part of the holy Char Dham Yatra. Our guide explains Puri Jagannath temple timings, history, poojas list, significance and how to travel to Puri Jagannath.

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Bhubaneswar Puri Konark Temple Tour.

Puri Jagannath Temple remains open daily between 05:00 am to 11:30 pm. There is an afternoon break in darshan from 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm. Prasadam timings of the temple are from 11:00 am to 01:00 pm. Required Time: 1 to 2 hours.

Puri Jagannath Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Jagannath (Lord Vishnu)
Location	Puri, Orissa
Tours	Bhubaneswar Puri Konark Temple Tour
Dress Code	Men: Formal dress. Women: Saree or Salwar
Entry Fee	Free
Darshan Timings	5:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Poojas	Gopala Ballava Pooja, Sahanamela
Best Time to Visit	October to February
Festivals	Rath Yatra

Puri Jagannath Temple, Orissa.

Puri Jagannath Temple Timings

The timings of the Puri Jagannath Temple are as follows:

Day	Timing
Monday	5:00 am – 1:00 pm 4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Tuesday	5:00 am – 1:00 pm 4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Wednesday	5:00 am – 1:00 pm 4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Thursday	5:00 am – 1:00 pm 4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Friday	5:00 am – 1:00 pm 4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Saturday	5:00 am – 1:00 pm 4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Sunday	5:00 am – 1:00 pm 4:00 pm – 11:30 pm

Rituals	Timings
Darshan	5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Morning Darshan	5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Break (Temple closed)	1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Evening Darshan	4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Prasadam	11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mangala Aarti	5:00 AM – 6:00 AM
Mailam	6:00 AM – 6:30 AM
Sahanamela	7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Sandhya Dhupa	7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Puri Jagannath Temple Flag Changing Time

Puri Jagannath Temple flag changing happens at 6 PM during summers and at 5 PM during winters. Every day, a new flag is tied to the wheel on the top of the temple for the devotees to witness.

Puri Jagannath Temple Dress Code

As per the Jagannath Temple dress code, men should wear formal pants and shirt. Women devotees should wear a sari or salwar kameez. Devotees will not be allowed to enter the Puri Jagannath temple wearing informal attire like jeans, shorts or T-shirts.

What is the significance of the Puri Jagannath temple?

The significance of Puri Jagannath temple lies in its idol. Unlike most idols located in other parts of the country, which are usually made of stone or metal, the idol of Lord Jagannath is made of wood. It is a popular belief that Goddess Mahalakshmi herself supervises cooking in the temple’s kitchen.

A ritual unique to the Puri Jagannath temple is the Nabakalebara process. A Neem tree is selected, cut, and an exact replica of the original idols are made out of it. Then the old idols are buried under a place called Koili Vaikuntha.

In ancient times, the Puri Jagannath temple was iconic as it gave equal importance to Vaisnavism (devotees of Vishnu), Saktism (devotees of Bhadra Kali) as well as Saivism (devotees of Shiva). Lord Jagannath represents Lord Vishnu, Balabhadra is Lord Shiva while Subhadra represents Goddess Durga.

The Shrine of Jagannath Temple — The shrine consists of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, respectively.

What is the history of the Puri Jagannath Temple?

The history of Puri Jagannath dates back to many centuries. The copper plates of the Puri Jagannath Temple which were discovered belongs to the Ganga Dynasty which was then under the rule of Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev of Kalinga. In 1174E, the King Ananga Bhima Dev built the Puri Jagannath temple in its present form.

According to a story, King Indradyumna of the Malwa had a dream that one can see Lord Vishnu in his true form in Utkala (ancient name of Orissa).

He appointed a person named Vidyapati to search for this form. Vidyapati came upon the tribal community and found out about the worshipping of the Nila Madhava and he married the daughter of the chief of the tribe. The tribals showed him the way to the place housing the Nila Madhava.

Vidyapati informed the king about the place of worship but when the King went there by himself, the Nila Madhava disappeared. Lord Vishnu, taking pity, issued a divine message to him that he should go to the shores of Puri and create the image of Lord Jagannath from a log of wood that will be floating on the waves.

Lord Vishnu appeared as a carpenter and asked to leave him undisturbed for 21 days in a room so that he could prepare the image. However, on the insistence of the Queen, the room was opened early and only the unfinished images of the three gods and the Sudarsana Chakra were present.

What is the architecture of this temple?

Puri Jagannath Architecture — The temple complex is divided into four parts.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Further, it has four areas – Vimana (Sanctum), Jagamohan (Porch), Natamandir (Audience Hall) and Bhogamandap. The Vimana was once popular as the tallest structure in ancient India. On the walls, several murals depict the life of Lord Krishna.

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Puri Jagannath Temple?

The sevas and poojas performed at this temple are:

Abakash: During this ritual, the astrologer of the temple announces the specific time for the day’s rituals. Also, during this time, other activities are performed such as bathing as well as brushing the teeth of the deity.
Mailam: Every day, at 6 AM in the morning, the temple priests change the dresses and ornaments of the deities of the temple.
Sahanamela: Pilgrims can enter the inner sanctum to have a darshan. This takes place between 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
Gopala Ballava Pooja: Priests offer breakfast to the deities. They offer sweet popcorn (Khai), coconut sweets, ripe banana, curd, and chipped coconuts. They also perform pooja in a brief manner with Pancha Upachar only.
Sakala Dhupa: Three pundits sit in front of the three deities and worships each one of them. Then they offer bhog. Puri Jagannath Temple Administration bears the cost of the rituals.
Sandhya Dhupa: The aarti takes place between 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

What are the festivals celebrated here?

The Rath Yatra — The Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is the world’s oldest rath yatra and is celebrated every year.

Here’s a list of festivals celebrated here:

Chandan Yatra: On Akshaya Tritiya, in the month of Vaisakha, devotees take the representative images of Lord Jagannath to a famous tank, Narendra Pokhari and immerse it.
Snana Yatra: This is the first time in a year when devotees take the deities out of the sanctum and place them on the Snana Vedi. Moreover, they dress Jagannath and Balabhadra like Lord Ganesha with an elephant head on top. They also bathe the idols with 108 buckets of water.
Rath Yatra: The Rath Yatra takes place in June-July every year. Devotees take the three deities to the Gundicha temple on three individual huge and magnificent raths. After 9 days, they bring back the deities to the temple in the same way. The return journey is popular as Bahuda Yatra. The three chariots are named Nandighosa for Jagannath, Taladhvaja for Balabhadra and Devadalana for Subhadra.
Makara Sankranthi: This festival occurs in the Hindu month of Pausa. The day signifies the rich harvest of the agricultural produce. Prayers are given and varieties of food are also kept in front of the deities for them to bless it.

How to reach Puri Jagannath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Puri:

Air – The nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar which is 53 km away.
Train – Puri is well connected by rail. Direct trains are operated from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.
Road – The state buses are available in plenty from stations like Bhubaneshwar, Vizag, Konark, and Chilka.

Where to stay near Puri?

The Jagannath Temple Administration maintains two guest houses by the names of Shri Gundicha Bhakta Nivas and the Nilachal Bhakta Yatri Nivas. One can book rooms online by visiting the site.

Private 3-star and 5-star hotels are also available in plenty for the pilgrims throughout the city of Puri.

What are some of the temples nearby?

Explore Puri — Thousands of people come to witness the famous Puri beach festival which takes place in November.

Some of the temples near Puri Jagannath are:

Sakshi Gopal Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Amla Navami is the main festival celebrated here. The temple is located 17 km away from the Puri Highway.
Vimala Temple: It is located inside the Puri Jagannath temple complex. Moreover, Goddess Vimala is the consort of Jagannath and a guardian of the temple complex. Devotees pay respects to Vimala before the worship of Jagannath in the main temple. Moreover, food becomes prasad only when devotees offer it to Vimala too.
Gundicha Temple: It is located 3 km away from the Jagannath temple. It is the destination of the chariots during the Rath Yatra. Further, the three deities are kept here for 7 days during the Rath Yatra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Puri Jagannath Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Puri Jagannath Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Puri Jagannath Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

Which is the best time to visit the Puri Jagannath Temple?

October to February is when winter starts in Orissa. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers at Orissa starts from March and continues until May. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Orissa?

In Orissa, winters start in October and continues until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 16 º C to 30 º C.

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