Shrinathji

Shrinathji is a form of Hindu god Krishna, manifest as a seven-year-old child (Balak). The principal shrine of Shrinathji is situated at the temple town of Nathdwara, located 48 kilometres north-east of Udaipur city in Rajasthan. Shrinathji is the central presiding deity of the Vaishnava sect known as the Pushti Marg (The way of grace) or the Vallabh Sampradaya or Shuddhadvaita, established by Vallabhacharya. Shrinathji is worshipped mainly by the followers of Bhakti Yoga and the Vaishnava in Gujarat and Rajasthan and Bhatia's and among others.

Vitthal Nathji, son of Vallabhacharya institutionalised the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara. On account of the popularity of Shrinathji, Nathdwara town itself is referred to as ‘Shrinathji’. People also call it bava's (shreenath ji bava) nagri. Initially, the child Krishna deity was referred to as Devdaman (The conqueror of Gods – Referring to over-powering of Indra by Krishna in the lifting of Govardhan hill). Vallabhacharya named him as Gopala and the place of his worship as ‘Gopalpur’. Later, Vitthal Nathji named the deity as Shrinathji.

Reference of Shrinathji can be found in ancient texts and literature. Shrinathji specifically refers to the narrative in the Bhagavata Purana wherein Krishna lifts Govardhan hill to protect the inhabitants of Vrindavan from a downpour of rain sent by Indra, the King of Devas.

The most ancient description of Shrinathji appears in the Giriraja-khanda of the Garga Samhita, wherein the deity has been referred to as Devadaman Shrinath.

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