Literally meaning the `gateway to the Lord`, Nathdwara lays 48kms from Udaipur. This is a great Vaishnavite shrine that was built in the 17th century. Legend states that the image of Lord Krishna was being transferred to safer place from Vrindavan to protect it from the hands of Aurangazeb. It was being carried on a bullock cart. When the image reached the spot, the bullock cartwheel sank axel deep in mud and refused to move any further. The accompanying priest realised that the Lord himself had chosen the place and as a result, a temple was built there.
During the occasion of Janmashtami, devotees from allover gather into the temple and celebrate it in a big way. Holi is also celebrated with the same enthusiasm. The deity is bathed regularly. Meals and rests are provided to the deity on specific intervals. The devotees treat these meals as `prasads`.
The main attraction of the temple lies in the Aarties and Shringar. According to the demand of the time, formal prayers are held with diya, incense sticks, flowers, fruits and other offerings.
One of the interesting points is that the temple has three entrances. Among these one is only for women known as `Surajpol`. The statue of Lord Krishna that is found here has been structured out from a single piece of black marble.
