Nathdwara
Encyclopedia
Nathdwara is a town in Rajasthan state of western India
. It is located in the Aravalli hills, on the banks of the Banas River
in Rajsamand
District, 48 kilometers north-east of Udaipur
. This town is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the idol of Shrinathji
, a 14th century, 7-year old "infant" incarnation of Krishna. The idol was originally worshipped at Mathura and was shifted in the 1672 from Govardhan hill
, near Mathura along holy river Yamuna
after being retained at Agra
for almost six months, in order to protect it from anti-Hindu
fanatic iconoclastic Islamic policies of Mughal
ruler Aurangzeb
’s. Literally, Nathdwara means ‘Gateway to Shrinathji’. Nathdwara is a significant Vaishnavite shrine pertaining to the Pushti Marg or the Vallabh Sampradaya or the Shuddha Advaita
founded by Vallabha Acharya
, revered mainly by people of Gujarat and Rajasthan
, among others. Vitthal Nathji, son of Vallabhacharya institutionalised the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara. Nathdwara town itself is popularly referred to as ‘Shrinathji’, after the presiding deity.
was being transferred to a safer place from Vrindaban to protect it from the anti-Hindu
, iconoclastic and barbarian destruction of the Mughal
ruler Aurangzeb
. When the idol reached the spot at village Sihad or Sinhad, the wheels of bullock cart in which the idol was being transported sank axle-deep in mud and could not be moved any farther. The accompanying priests realised that the particular place was the Lord's chosen spot and accordingly, a temple was built there under the rule and protection of the then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar
. Shrinathji Temple is also known as 'Haveli of Shrinathji’.
(Krishna’s father), in Vrindavan
. Therefore, it is also known as Nanda Bhavan or Nandalaya (the House of Nanda).
Structurally, a kalasha
on the sikhara
marks the top of the temple, on which seven flags are flown along with the Sudarshana Chakra
. The seven flags represent the clothes of the seven sakhis (Companions) of Krishna.
The temple is also popularly called Shrinathji ki Haveli (House of Shrinathji) because like a regular household it has a chariot for movement (In fact the original chariot in which Shrinathji was brought to Singhar), a store room for milk (Doodhghar), a store room for betel (Paanghar), a store room for sugar and sweetmeats (Mishrighar and Pedaghar), a store room for flowers (Phoolghar), a functional kitchen (Rasoighar), a jewellery chamber (Gahnaghar), a treasury (Kharcha bhandaar), a stable for horses of chariot (Ashvashala), a drawing room (Baithak), a gold and silver grinding wheel (Chakki).
The Nathdwara temple has subsidiary temples dedicated to deity Madan Mohan and Naveet Priya, located in the main complex.
, when he lifted the Govardhan hill
. In the image, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right hand made into a fist resting at the waist, with a large diamond placed beneath the lips.
The idol is carved in Bas-relief out of a monolithic black marble
stone, with images of two cows, one lion, one snake, two peacocks and one parrot engraved on it and three sages placed near it.
and Diwali
. The deity is treated like a living image, and is attended with daily normal functions, like bathing, dressing, meals called "Prasad" and the resting times in regular intervals. Since, the deity is believed to be the infant Krishna, accordingly, special care is taken. The priests in all Havelis are believed to be from the kul (descendants) of Vallabhacharya, the founder of this deity's idol at Govardhan hill
, near Mathura.
The main attractions are the Aarti
s and the Shringar, i.e. the dressing and beautifying of the idol of Shrinathji, treating it as a living person, adorning it with the appropriate dresses for the time of day or night. The intricately-woven shaneels and silk clothe have original zari and embroidery work on them, along with large quantities of real precious jewellery. The formal prayers are offered with diya, incense sticks, flowers, fruit and other offerings, with local instruments and devotional songs of the Shrinathji, according to the demand of the time and occasion. The view of the idol after the parda (curtain) is removed is called jhakhi.
Economy and livelihoods in Nathdwara town revolve around the Haveli
, the term used for the temple probably because it was situated in a fortified mansion, or Haveli, once a royal palace of the Sesodia Rajput
rulers of Mewar
.
Shrinathji was quite popular with other medieval devotees, as well, as there were Gaudiya preachers who founded Shrinathji temples in present-day Pakistan
(Dera Ghazi Khan), earlier a part of undivided India and not far from here. Shrinathji was even worshiped as far away as Russia
(in the lower Volga region) and other places on the Central Asian trade routes. Tradition holds that Shrinathji would return to Govardhan some day.
This modest temple attracts Krishna devotees from all over the world including various parts of India, but is especially important to the bania
people of India.
in Rajasthan, this town is easily reached by air, road or nearest rail-head. A steady stream of pilgrims has ensured a plentiful supply of transport and accommodation at Nathdwara. It is set amid idyllic hills. The temple town is also connected to nearest rail head Mavli Junction which is 28 km from Nathdwara. Mavli Jn is located on Udaipur City- Chittaurgarh Section of NWR. Recently, BG line has been extended from Mavli Jn to Maniana a village located between Mavli Jn and Nathdwara. However, there is no daily trains on mavli Jn- Maniana (Nathdwara Road section). The nearest Airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, Dabok (Udaipur) located at a distance of 56 km via Mavli Jn.
Nathdwara has a small, but throbbing township around the temple. Its shopping in the by-lanes is a great revelation. It is famous for its 'Pichwai Paintings', with Krishna in the centre of various raas-lila (pictures depicting godly acts, instances and dances) and is recognized for profuse use of pure gold color.
. They are renowned for splendid Rajasthani-style paintings, called "Pichwai Paintings", belonging to the Mewar
School. The paintings revolve around the image of Shrinathji
, the enigmatic black-faced figure of Krishna
, who is shown holding up Mount Govardhan
. Over the centuries, these artists have produced a work of gorgeous illustrations. Several authoritative books have been published on this subject.
Apart from Pichwai Paintings, the artists also produce small-scale paintings on paper. Themes from Krishna legend predominate. Mentioned under notable citizens are some of the famous artists who have won accolades/awards in the past.
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. It is located in the Aravalli hills, on the banks of the Banas River
Banas River
The Banas is a river of Rajasthan state in western India. It is a tributary of the Chambal River, which in turn flows into the Yamuna, a tributary of the Ganges. The Banas is approximately 512 kilometres in length. It is also known as 'Van Ki Asha' .The Banas originates in the Khamnor Hills of the...
in Rajsamand
Rajsamand
Rajsamand is a town of Rajasthan state of western India. The city is named for Rajsamand Lake, an artificial lake created in the 17th century by Rana Raj Singh of Mewar. It is the administrative headquarters of Rajsamand District.-Geography:...
District, 48 kilometers north-east of Udaipur
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur , also known as the City of Lakes, is a city, a Municipal Council and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India. It is located southwest of the state capital, Jaipur, west of Kota, and northeast from Ahmedabad...
. This town is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the idol of Shrinathji
Shrinathji
Shrinathji is an anthropomorphic form of Hindu god Krishna, manifest as a seven year old child . The principal shrine of Shrinathji is situated at the temple town of Nathdwara, located 48 Kilometers North-east of Udaipur city in Rajasthan...
, a 14th century, 7-year old "infant" incarnation of Krishna. The idol was originally worshipped at Mathura and was shifted in the 1672 from Govardhan hill
Govardhan hill
Govardhan is a hill located near the town of Vrindavan, in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It considered as sacred by a number of traditions within Hinduism....
, near Mathura along holy river Yamuna
Yamuna
The Yamuna is the largest tributary river of the Ganges in northern India...
after being retained at Agra
Agra
Agra a.k.a. Akbarabad is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, west of state capital, Lucknow and south from national capital New Delhi. With a population of 1,686,976 , it is one of the most populous cities in Uttar Pradesh and the 19th most...
for almost six months, in order to protect it from anti-Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
fanatic iconoclastic Islamic policies of Mughal
Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire , or Mogul Empire in traditional English usage, was an imperial power from the Indian Subcontinent. The Mughal emperors were descendants of the Timurids...
ruler Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb
Abul Muzaffar Muhy-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir , more commonly known as Aurangzeb or by his chosen imperial title Alamgir , was the sixth Mughal Emperor of India, whose reign lasted from 1658 until his death in 1707.Badshah Aurangzeb, having ruled most of the Indian subcontinent for nearly...
’s. Literally, Nathdwara means ‘Gateway to Shrinathji’. Nathdwara is a significant Vaishnavite shrine pertaining to the Pushti Marg or the Vallabh Sampradaya or the Shuddha Advaita
Pushtimarg
Pushtimarg is a sect of the Hindu religion, founded by Shrimad Vallabhacharya around 1500 AD.Shri Vallabhacharya is one of the five main Acharyas of the Hindu Religion...
founded by Vallabha Acharya
Vallabha Acharya
Vallabhacharya was a devotional philosopher, who founded the Pushti sect in India, following the philosophy of Shuddha advaita ....
, revered mainly by people of Gujarat and Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Rājasthān the land of Rajasthanis, , is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It is located in the northwest of India. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert , which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with...
, among others. Vitthal Nathji, son of Vallabhacharya institutionalised the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara. Nathdwara town itself is popularly referred to as ‘Shrinathji’, after the presiding deity.
The Legend of Location
As per the religious myths, the shrine at Nathdwara was built in the 17th century at the spot as exactly ordained by Shrinathji himself. The idol of the Lord KrishnaKrishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
was being transferred to a safer place from Vrindaban to protect it from the anti-Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
, iconoclastic and barbarian destruction of the Mughal
Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire , or Mogul Empire in traditional English usage, was an imperial power from the Indian Subcontinent. The Mughal emperors were descendants of the Timurids...
ruler Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb
Abul Muzaffar Muhy-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir , more commonly known as Aurangzeb or by his chosen imperial title Alamgir , was the sixth Mughal Emperor of India, whose reign lasted from 1658 until his death in 1707.Badshah Aurangzeb, having ruled most of the Indian subcontinent for nearly...
. When the idol reached the spot at village Sihad or Sinhad, the wheels of bullock cart in which the idol was being transported sank axle-deep in mud and could not be moved any farther. The accompanying priests realised that the particular place was the Lord's chosen spot and accordingly, a temple was built there under the rule and protection of the then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar
Mewar
Mewar is a region of south-central Rajasthan state in western India. It includes the present-day districts of Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara and some of the part of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The region was for centuries a Rajput kingdom that later...
. Shrinathji Temple is also known as 'Haveli of Shrinathji’.
Structure and Design of the Temple
The temple has been designed in the lines of temple of Nanda MaharajNanda (mythology)
Nanda or Nandagopa, according to the Harivamsha and the Puranas, was the head of the gopas .It is said that Nand Baba owned 9 lakhs of cows . Nandvanshis or Ahirs are descendants of Nand. The night of Krishna's appearance or birth, Vasudeva brought Krishna to Nanda for Krishna's childhood years...
(Krishna’s father), in Vrindavan
Vrindavan
Vrindavan also known as Vraj is a town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India...
. Therefore, it is also known as Nanda Bhavan or Nandalaya (the House of Nanda).
Structurally, a kalasha
Kalasha
Kalasha, also spelled as Kalash and kalasa , is a metal pot with a large base and small mouth, large enough to hold a coconut. Sometimes "Kalasha" also refers to such a pot filled with water and topped with a coronet of mango leaves and a coconut...
on the sikhara
Sikhara
Śikhara, a Sanskrit word translating literally to "mountain peak", refers to the rising tower in the Hindu temple architecture of North India. Sikhara over the sanctum sanctorum where the presiding deity is enshrined is the most prominent and visible part of a Hindu temple of North India.In south...
marks the top of the temple, on which seven flags are flown along with the Sudarshana Chakra
Sudarshana Chakra
The Sudarshana Chakra is a spinning, disk-like super weapon with 108 serrated edges used by Lord Vishnu. The Sudarshana Chakra is portrayed on the right rear hand of the four hands of Vishnu, who also holds a Shankha in his left rear hand, a Gada in his right fore hand, and a Padma in his left...
. The seven flags represent the clothes of the seven sakhis (Companions) of Krishna.
The temple is also popularly called Shrinathji ki Haveli (House of Shrinathji) because like a regular household it has a chariot for movement (In fact the original chariot in which Shrinathji was brought to Singhar), a store room for milk (Doodhghar), a store room for betel (Paanghar), a store room for sugar and sweetmeats (Mishrighar and Pedaghar), a store room for flowers (Phoolghar), a functional kitchen (Rasoighar), a jewellery chamber (Gahnaghar), a treasury (Kharcha bhandaar), a stable for horses of chariot (Ashvashala), a drawing room (Baithak), a gold and silver grinding wheel (Chakki).
The Nathdwara temple has subsidiary temples dedicated to deity Madan Mohan and Naveet Priya, located in the main complex.
The Image of Shrinathji
Shrinathji symbolizes a form of KrishnaKrishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
, when he lifted the Govardhan hill
Govardhan hill
Govardhan is a hill located near the town of Vrindavan, in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It considered as sacred by a number of traditions within Hinduism....
. In the image, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right hand made into a fist resting at the waist, with a large diamond placed beneath the lips.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite.Geologists use the term "marble" to refer to metamorphosed limestone; however stonemasons use the term more broadly to encompass unmetamorphosed limestone.Marble is commonly used for...
stone, with images of two cows, one lion, one snake, two peacocks and one parrot engraved on it and three sages placed near it.
Festivals and Rituals at the Temple
Devotees throng to the shrine in large numbers during occasions of Janmashtami and other festivals, like HoliHoli
Holi , is a religious spring festival celebrated by Hindus. Holi is also known as festival of Colours. It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, Pakistan, and countries with large Indic diaspora populations following Hinduism, such as Suriname, Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United...
and Diwali
Diwali
Diwali or DeepavaliThe name of the festival in various regional languages include:, , , , , , , , , , , , , popularly known as the "festival of lights," is a festival celebrated between mid-October and mid-December for different reasons...
. The deity is treated like a living image, and is attended with daily normal functions, like bathing, dressing, meals called "Prasad" and the resting times in regular intervals. Since, the deity is believed to be the infant Krishna, accordingly, special care is taken. The priests in all Havelis are believed to be from the kul (descendants) of Vallabhacharya, the founder of this deity's idol at Govardhan hill
Govardhan hill
Govardhan is a hill located near the town of Vrindavan, in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It considered as sacred by a number of traditions within Hinduism....
, near Mathura.
The main attractions are the Aarti
Aarti
Aarti , also spelled arathi, aarthi is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a form of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee or camphor is offered to one or more deities...
s and the Shringar, i.e. the dressing and beautifying of the idol of Shrinathji, treating it as a living person, adorning it with the appropriate dresses for the time of day or night. The intricately-woven shaneels and silk clothe have original zari and embroidery work on them, along with large quantities of real precious jewellery. The formal prayers are offered with diya, incense sticks, flowers, fruit and other offerings, with local instruments and devotional songs of the Shrinathji, according to the demand of the time and occasion. The view of the idol after the parda (curtain) is removed is called jhakhi.
History
Presently, Shrinathji is worshiped by priests from this kul (genealogical descendants) of Vallabh Acharya, in all Havelis around the world, which have also been established exclusively by them.Economy and livelihoods in Nathdwara town revolve around the Haveli
Haveli
Haveli is the term used for a private mansion in India and Pakistan. The word haveli is derived from the Persian word hawli, meaning "an enclosed place"...
, the term used for the temple probably because it was situated in a fortified mansion, or Haveli, once a royal palace of the Sesodia Rajput
Rajput
A Rajput is a member of one of the patrilineal clans of western, central, northern India and in some parts of Pakistan. Rajputs are descendants of one of the major ruling warrior classes in the Indian subcontinent, particularly North India...
rulers of Mewar
Mewar
Mewar is a region of south-central Rajasthan state in western India. It includes the present-day districts of Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara and some of the part of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The region was for centuries a Rajput kingdom that later...
.
Shrinathji was quite popular with other medieval devotees, as well, as there were Gaudiya preachers who founded Shrinathji temples in present-day Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
(Dera Ghazi Khan), earlier a part of undivided India and not far from here. Shrinathji was even worshiped as far away as Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
(in the lower Volga region) and other places on the Central Asian trade routes. Tradition holds that Shrinathji would return to Govardhan some day.
This modest temple attracts Krishna devotees from all over the world including various parts of India, but is especially important to the bania
Bania
Bania may refer to:* Bania or Vanika, a trader or merchant belonging to the Indian business class** Punjabi Banias* Bănia, a commune in Caraş-Severin County, Romania* Bănia River, a tributary of the Nera River in Romania...
people of India.
Geography and Transport
Nathdwara is located at 24.93°N 73.82°E. It has an average elevation of 585 metres (1919 ft). Located just 48 km north-east of UdaipurUdaipur
Udaipur , also known as the City of Lakes, is a city, a Municipal Council and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India. It is located southwest of the state capital, Jaipur, west of Kota, and northeast from Ahmedabad...
in Rajasthan, this town is easily reached by air, road or nearest rail-head. A steady stream of pilgrims has ensured a plentiful supply of transport and accommodation at Nathdwara. It is set amid idyllic hills. The temple town is also connected to nearest rail head Mavli Junction which is 28 km from Nathdwara. Mavli Jn is located on Udaipur City- Chittaurgarh Section of NWR. Recently, BG line has been extended from Mavli Jn to Maniana a village located between Mavli Jn and Nathdwara. However, there is no daily trains on mavli Jn- Maniana (Nathdwara Road section). The nearest Airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, Dabok (Udaipur) located at a distance of 56 km via Mavli Jn.
The Town
Nathdwara town is also famous as the Apollo of Mewar. In the town of Nathdwara, Shrinathji temple is the centre of attraction, but the town is also famous for its 'pichhwai' paintings, handmade terracottas, ivory articles and milk-made sweets. During the times of Holi, Diwali and Janmashtmi, people throng in large numbers and the place gets overcrowded. Apart from festivals like Holi and Janmashtmi, Annakutta (Linked to Krishna lifting Govardhana Hill) is a major festival that is celebrated in the temple with full gusto and fervor. Nathdwara is known for Pichwais (Large paintings on cloth depicting legends from the life of Lord Krishna ) and Haweli music (devotional music, akin to dhrupad singing with composition meant for various seasons, festivals and sections of the day).Nathdwara has a small, but throbbing township around the temple. Its shopping in the by-lanes is a great revelation. It is famous for its 'Pichwai Paintings', with Krishna in the centre of various raas-lila (pictures depicting godly acts, instances and dances) and is recognized for profuse use of pure gold color.
Demographics
, Nathdwara had a population of 37,007. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Nathdwara has an average literacy rate of 73.0%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 65%. In Nathdwara, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.Artists of Nathdwara
Nathdwara Artists are a group of artists working around the precincts of the famous Nathdwara temple in RajasthanRajasthan
Rājasthān the land of Rajasthanis, , is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It is located in the northwest of India. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert , which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with...
. They are renowned for splendid Rajasthani-style paintings, called "Pichwai Paintings", belonging to the Mewar
Mewar
Mewar is a region of south-central Rajasthan state in western India. It includes the present-day districts of Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara and some of the part of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The region was for centuries a Rajput kingdom that later...
School. The paintings revolve around the image of Shrinathji
Shrinathji
Shrinathji is an anthropomorphic form of Hindu god Krishna, manifest as a seven year old child . The principal shrine of Shrinathji is situated at the temple town of Nathdwara, located 48 Kilometers North-east of Udaipur city in Rajasthan...
, the enigmatic black-faced figure of Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
, who is shown holding up Mount Govardhan
Govardhan
Govardhan is a town and a nagar panchayat in Mathura district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.-Geography:Govardhan is located at . It has an average elevation of 179 metres .-Demographics:...
. Over the centuries, these artists have produced a work of gorgeous illustrations. Several authoritative books have been published on this subject.
Apart from Pichwai Paintings, the artists also produce small-scale paintings on paper. Themes from Krishna legend predominate. Mentioned under notable citizens are some of the famous artists who have won accolades/awards in the past.
Residents
- Shri Ghasiram (1869–1931), the town's most famous painter.
- Kundanlal (c.1860-c.1930) studied for three years at the Slade School in London, worked in a style influenced by European art.
- Mahatma Bhuri Bai "Alakh" was a great pious saint; most of the time she remained in dhyana, bhajana, kirtana, prabhu-smarana, though she was illiterate, but she was elevated and illuminated soul, she had great wisdom, she was the idol of love and knowledge. Her philosophy was complete surrender to God, "chup" means complete silence,the only word which is written in front of her ashram and she was a disciple of the great saint of Mewar Baoji Chatur Singh ji . At Bai's house "Alakh-ashram" in Kumarwada, every Sunday Ramayan-path and sat-sang are organized from her lifetime. She left this mortal world in 1979. Kali-pothi is her very interesting and famous book; it is completely black with the single word "Ram" on its cover. Osho Rajnish also gave great honour to bai for her devotion to God. Once Osho visited her Ashram at Nathdwara
- Sumanji Late Sh. Bhagwan Das Sharma "Suman", poet and Adhikari of Shrinathji Mandir
- Munimji Late Sh. Sundar Lal Paliwal, famous Munim of Shri Krishna Bhandar, Shrinathji Temple
- B. G. SharmaB. G. SharmaBhanwar lal Girdhari lal Sharma is an award-winning painter from Rajasthan, India. He is famous for his miniature devotional paintings and his rejuvenation and popularization of classic Rajasthan art, including the Mughal, Kishangarh, and Kangra styles.Sharma was born 5 August 1924 in Nathdwara, a...
, famous miniature painter, was born in Nathdwara on 5 August 1924. The Shri B.G. Sharma Art Gallery is located 50 km away in Udaipur. - Shri Ram Chandr Bagora Poet, lyricist and Freedom Fighter
- Dr. Girija Vyas, political leader (Chairperson of National Women Commission)
- Shri Ragunath ji Paliwal, famous freedom fighter of India, who served the nation for many years
- Shri Sohan Lal Ji Kothari, Nagarseth, financial backbone of the town
- Shri Manohar lal Ji kothari, Freedom Fighter & 2 times MLA
- Shri Kalyan Singh Chouhan eminent politician and current Member of Legislative Assembly Rajasthan, who defeated Formar State Congress President Dr. C. P. Joshi.
- Dr. C.P. Joshi, eminent politician and current national cabinet member heading Surface Transport Ministry; recently elected as RCA[Rajasthan Cricket Association] president.
See also
- ShrisudharshannathjiShrisudharshannathjiShrisudharshannathji are also known as Shri sudarshan nath ji. "Sudharshan" means beautiful and "nath" means god. The Shrisudharshannathji of the Dark Krishna is in the town of Bhopal, about 200 kilometers from the town of Indore. The idol of god is made up of black stone. It is made on a single...
- Krishna as Shrinathji: Rajasthani paintings from Nathdvara, by Amit Ambalal. Publisher: Mapin, 1987.
- The artists of Nathadwara: the practice of painting in Rajasthan, by Tryna Lyons. Indiana University Press, 2004. ISBN 0253344174.