ShreeNathji mandir at Nathdwara is built in the form of a massive Haveli, where He lives in a very Living manner. Once Shreeji moved from Giriraj Govardhan and settled here the original name of this place, ‘Sinhad' was changed to Nathdwara.
It is ShreeNathji’s Home, and all sevaks and shuddh bhakts know that many with the right bhao have experienced this Divine Presence. Till today the entire routine since several years has been followed perfectly. Shreeji’s Presence is total so all acknowledge His living Presence as Himself in this Haveli.
Shree Thakurjee Himself lives here in the most alive Form.
Several side pathways join to the main narrow pathway which leads to the main gate of Shreeji Haveli. This large ancient gate is called Lal Darwaza and is shut at night. (There are three entrances to the Haveli, which are described later, with details of the Haveli).
When we are here very early in the mornings around 4 am, it requires us to climb through the small gateway for access to the chowk.
The small gate of Lal Darwaza
Once inside the parisar (compound) we can sit at the entrance to Shreeji’s Haveli. Early mornings are very silent and peaceful, just the couple of guards at the entrance. The entire town is asleep; which in an hour will become the most crowded place, all gathered for a darshan of their favorite “Thakurjee”.
I am transported back in some ancient time period, enjoying these special moments in the company of my Shreeji, who is my MahaGurushree, and my Gurushree, Sudhir bhai.
Slowly the first people begin to enter, the Mukhiyaji, also the Kirtankar (musician) who plays the Vina to awaken Shreeji.
We watch all the early activities; for this special experience one has to be there at least a couple of hours before Mangala Darshans are announced.
Soon some early devotees gather as also the people who open their stalls for selling flowers or milk or some other samagri (worship material) to be offered in Shreeji’s seva.
(At present, in 2015, this service has been discontinued, and the flower sellers have been given a place inside the Haveli premises. This entrance chowk has been vacated of all the illegal stalls which blocked the entrance of the Haveli).
The main entrance to the Haveli mandir is guarded by Shreeji’s security people.
Entrance is open for bhakts from Mangala darshan till Rajbhog darshan; after which is Shreeji’s rest time.
Though the Haveli does not shut, entrance is denied till Utthapan darshan which is when Shreeji is awake and ready to grant His Presence for the next four darshans.
A very strict check is followed for cameras and phones; which have to be deposited at a manned counter. Photography is totally not allowed once inside the main gate, as it is believed that wherever there is live Presence of God Himself one cannot photograph without the divine permissions, as Shreeji is free to move all over in His Haveli no one knows where He might be at any particular moment.
Once inside, the divine Urja catches everyone. Hundreds and thousands of devotees, yatris rush all over in a bid to be in the front queue so as not to miss the first glimpse of Shreeji when He gives darshans. Several sevaks are seen, performing their various jobs. There is heavy hustle bustle and it feels like a community within the Haveli.
These moments, as I wait here with Gurushree, are magical for me. From Shringar till Rajbhog, we wait inside the Haveli Parisar. It is also during this time that we go book all Thulis for the Gaushala.
During this time period from 7.30-11.30 am, we can wander all over the Haveli premises and watch the super activity that goes on.
Most of the times, Shreeji Himself is Present with us too. He loves to watch all the happenings that go on in HIS Haveli. At times He is astonished, other instances ShreeNathji is very sad at how His premises have deteriorated along with bhao of those who were trusted to look after this Divine place.
When we are fortunate enough to sit in the Kirtania galli ShreeNathji seems to enjoy the Kirtans tremendously. He imitates His singers and also the kirtania who plays the Vina for Him.
These exclusive moments have been some of my most engrossing, as Shreeji does kripa of making me a part of His thoughts about several happenings.
A few times ShreeNathji has also delighted us with His imitation of the old women who sit out in the kamal chowk and sing in a very ancient village tone. He is very naughty with His thoughts are as mischievous.
(Maybe with His permissions I would be able to share some of the stories that have happened here as His Divine play).
Though my best moments are at the Dhajaji and around the Prasad Ghar where ShreeNathji’s Presence with us is complete.
Details about ShreeNathji Haveli
This Haveli, is very Alive with Shreeji Baba’s Presence. High vibrations and energy can be felt all over the Haveli, especially in the Dolti Baari, the Hall from where we have darshans.
The Haveli was built under the guidance of Shri Govindaji, who was the Tilkayat at the time of ShreeNathji coming to Nathdwara. On ShreeNathji’s hukum Shri Govindaji began preparations to get the mandir ready.
Shreeji ordered, “My bhakt Ajaba Kunwari Bai lived here; so My mandir should be built here, Ranaji desires Me to stay at Udaipur, but that manorath I will fulfill later. At present construct My mandir at Ajab Kunwari Bai sthal. I will live here for a long time; this place reminds Me of Vraj, I like the mountains here”. “There is also the Banaas River which represents Yamunaji”.
“This is Ajaba Kunwari’s land”, Shreeji said; “I will stay here. Tell all Gusain Balak to also build their baithak here”.
View of Banaas river and the Giriraj at Nathdwara
Following Thakurjee’s divine order, Shri Govindaji ordered Gopaldas usta, to hire maximum people and make sure that ShreeNathji mandir is ready in the earliest possible time. Work began day and night with hundreds of workers, and in a few months Shreeji’s massive Haveli mandir was ready.
In 1672 AD in Falgun Vad Satam, Saturday, Swati Nakshatra Shri Damodar Maharajji (ShriDauji) did sthapan of ShreeNathji’s Paat in the mandir Haveli. It was all perfectly done with Vastu pratishta and pujan, according to Vedic rites. Slowly all the various rituals and festivals were started again here similar to Shri Girirajji. Since then Shreeji happily began living here at Mewad.
A Gaushala was also built close by for all of Shreeji’s cows.
Shri Dauji Maharaj with a lot of loving care took care of Shreeji, and celebrated all utsav and Mahautsav; all Shringar was also done by him.
Shreeji travelled in His Rath yatra from Giriraj Govardhan to reach this place for a total of 2 years, 4 months, 7 days, fulfilling the desires of several bhakts on the way.
This Haveli is spread over a huge space with several small and large rooms interlinked with corridors, halls and courtyards.
One section is connected to the Tilkayatji’s Mahal called Moti Mahal, from where he enters the Mandir directly. The Tilkayats do not use the outside entrances to maintain their purity levels, as they are in direct contact with ShreeNathji in the Nij mandir when they do seva.
ShreeNathji Haveli is very typical Rajasthani, and similarly has the white washed walls which are painted with the typical Rajasthani art. At some points Shree Krishn leela is described through the paintings. Gopis are painted everywhere in various seva bhao. These are all done in bright colours.
Guards are scattered all over the Haveli.
Many parts of the Haveli are not open to public, as from these point onwards are Shreeji’s personal quarters where only the sevaks called Bhetariya’s can go in. This is required for the purity purpose. Shreeji’s seva requires the highest shuddhi; hence the particular sevaks have to be freshly bathed at all times. They are not allowed contact with the outer sevaks or public. They have to bathe before coming out or going in again. These are in the personal seva of Thakurjee.
There are three main entrances to access the Haveli:
(Because of the innumerable gates and rooms and chauks, I will try to describe the details as best as I am able to, from this particular entrance).
Main Haveli entrance - Lal darwaza
This is the main entrance from where public goes for Darshans. It is a very ancient gate and one can see the huge iron spikes sticking out (Like the ones seen on the Havelis of Mewar for protection from enemies).
From here one enters the main parisar of the Haveli; straight ahead is the small chauk where bhakts collect and enter the Haveli. There is separate entrance for men and women, though both go through Nakkarkhana.
Nakkarkhana is situated above the entrance from where live Drums and Shehnai music can be heard at certain times. Through this we enter the Govardhan Puja chauk. This chauk is a rectangular, where the Govardhan Annakut festival is celebrated every year.
Straight ahead is the Suraj polee which has nine steps. This is the entrance for men who form a queue here. The entrance to Suraj Polee is painted with huge Elephant motifs, and the doorway with painted Gopis, various Shree Krishn leelas, Devaats on Vimans, etc.
From here they enter the Ratan chowk leading towards Kamal chowk through the Hathi Polee which has a huge silver gate depicting various leelas. The lock used to shut this very huge as also the keys, which I would assume is ancient. I have seen bhakts bowing to this also, as it is believed that everything around is full of Shreeji vibrations. From here the men move to Anar chowk to the Mani Kotha, and through Kirtania gali, to Dolti Bari (the main darshan hall of Shreeji Nij mandir).
Kirtania galli is where ShreeNathji’s Personal musicians called Kirtaniyas, sing the kavita from the olden times, written by the Asht Chaap Kavi; each rachna and raag proper to the day, the darshan, the ritu, the manorath, the utsav. During some darshans the Kirtaniyas enter the small space outside Shreeji’s Nij mandir and sing the bhajans, unique to that time and day. The gate to the bhetar bhavan of Shreeji is also from here.
Beyond this point only the Tilkayat family and the Bhitariyas are allowed, as strict Purity rules have to be followed.
On the right from the Govardhan chauk, is another flight of nine steps leading to Dhauli Patiya. This is like a walkway connecting many gates. On the left is the Sinh Polee, which leads to Kamal Chauk. This is the collection point for women to queue for darshans, who go from here to Anar chauk to Dolti Bari for Shreeji Darshans. Anar chauk also has beautiful painting of Shree Krishn leela on the entrance gate. On each side of the gate stands a Gopi holding a child.
Dolti Baari is the centre hall from where the bhakts have Shreeji Darshans.
There are separate darshans for men and women, as it gets extremely crowded.
The first opening of darshans in which arti is done men and women both enter, yet it is made so that in the first two rows only women stand and in the back rows are for men to do darshans. These partitions are done for segregation as it gets extremely crowded during darshan time. The hall is not very large and accommodates limited bhakts in each round of darshans. Subsequently there are alternate rounds for men and women to enter.
As a rule the darshans will not shut till the last of bhakts have had darshans, however long it may take. There are never fixed time of shutting the darshan. During certain festivals and important dates the queue extends till the main gate Lal Darwaza.
Thakurjee stands for nearly an hour at times to give darshans, not disappointing any bhakt. It is indeed a sight to watch how this happens.
We normally complete darshans in the first round, and then many times I stand on one side of the Anar chowk watching how bhakts rush in and the amazing bhao they come with, the jhapatiyas and the guards telling them to hurry, least they miss darshans.
To make Darshans easier wooden platforms are erected at different levels.
According to various seasons and festivals various Jhankis are made in this hall (Dolti Baari) for ShreeNathji; like Hindolas, Jiyeshth Nauka Vihar, Tij and Dol Utsav.
At night this huge hall is vacated and cleaned, all the wooden platforms are taken out in the Kirtaniya gali. The place is decorated and made ready for Shreeji to Play. None can enter anywhere in these areas once the mandir is shut. Guards sit outside taking care all is well.
During Diwali celebrations, the Swarup of Shree Navneet Priyaji is brought out here in the Ratan chowk in a Hatadi studded with mirrors. On Sharad Purnima Raas leela is held here.
From the Anar Chauk is a staircase leading to Shri Dhajaji, which is open nearly all of the day. The other entrance to Shree Dhajaji is from the inside corridor which leads through the Dudh Ghar and to the Paan Ghariya to the landing of the Dhajaji. The third stairs leading to Dhajaji is from the chowk opposite Shree Navneet Priyaji mandir.
In this area is also situated the Phool Ghar.
Kamal chauk is like the main chauk which is open to all bhakts in between darshans. In the center of this chowk is the huge marble white Kamal with twenty four petals.
Numerous bhakts sit here reciting shloks and singing bhajans. On one side women sit with baskets of vegetables cleaning them for the bhog preparation. Some pandits sit reciting the Shrimad Bhagvadji.
Just before the Anar chowk is the Dhruv Baari. Each panel of this Baari has four paintings of the eight sakhis of Shree Krishn. Bhakts tie mala of coconuts on this Baari. They draw the swastik too, sort of asking for some manokamna purti from Shreeji.
On the opposite side of the Hathi Polee lies the Samadhani vibhag, where all bhents and manoraths are received. Gaushala bhent is also done here. There is a counter here to pick up the prasad according to the receipt that you may have.
Behind the Anar chowk is the Prasad Bhandar, where it is true madness. I have witnessed here on several occasions, how much of activity goes on. All the prasad that has been made collects here. Dozens of sevaks carry the Prasad in wicker baskets or metal utensils and deposit it here. The sevaks also come here to collect their day’s portion of the Prasad. Every sevak receives some type and quantity according to the service they do.
On the opposite side of the Prasad bhandar is a narrow corridor which leads to the inner rooms of Shreeji seva.
Moti Mahal entrance
This entrance is accessed from the outer main chowk itself which leads to the Moti Mahal. Similar to the main Haveli entrance there are security guards and all bhakts have to undergo a check for phones and cameras.
Moti Mahal is the residence for the Tilkayats. It is very huge compared to Shreeji Haveli and better maintained (sadly).
This place houses the olden Raths used in Shreeji Yatras, and some are on display for bhakts. After walking the grounds bhakts reach the inner corridors, which passes Mahuprabhuji’s Baithakji.
Straight onwards one reaches the Shree Krishn Bhandar (This is the original place of Ajab Kunvaris residence), and opposite this is Shree Navneet Priyaji Nij mandir.
Shree Krishn bhandar is an administrative office, where one can have darshans of very ancient Chavis. We get the auspicious black thread also from here. Bhakts use it to protect themselves from the evil and negative forces. A tulsi kanthi is also given with every black thread.
This is an area, where I feel extraordinary vibrations. On several occasions, I have stood here unable to move on. It just gives some incredible divine feelings.
Gurushree has to literally force me to move on as we are blocking the heavy human traffic. In spite of him telling me not to, I always manage to sit around for few moments. As I type this detail I can actually feel the excitement and longing to be there in the surroundings.
From this area one can go directly to Shree Navneet Priyaji darshans, or enter the Govardhan chowk and join the main darshan queues.
This is the chauk we reach once we get out of Dolti Baari through Ratan Chowk after completing darshans. A new stairway has been built recently connecting directly to Dhajaji. So in total there are three stairways to reach Dhajaji and Shri Sudarshan Chakra.
The tilkayats always enter from here and have a private corridor taking them directly to Shreeji’s Nij mandir. Apart from the Mukhiyaji and the main chosen sevaks, they are the only humans who have access to Shreeji Nij space.
Pritam Polee entrance
The third entrance is through the Parikrama maarg; from Pritam Polee to Dhauli paatiya; from here to Kamal chauk. Here too, as in the other two gates, one is checked thoroughly. There is a centre also for depositing the phone etc.
As we walk through this gate on the left side a new chowk has been created. All the flower stalls have been shifted here. It has now become very attractive, as the various fragrant flowers are sold here for seva. The area is always sweet smelling. These people keep their stall till the morning darshans after which the area is used for the ornaments and vastra for Thakurjee stalls. It has become more organised now.
From here onwards we reach the Kamal chauk, entrance to the Samadhan Vibhag, and entrance to the Dhauli Patiya chauk.
The daily Darshan timings are declared on a blackboard and electronic board just outside
There are times when the crowd is immense, spreading till outside the gate, for Darshans. At such time the Darshan is kept open till all the devotees manage a jhanki of Thakurjee.
The Haveli has a staff of nearly 4000 sewaks, all occupied in various sevas and work. Each day is planned only in the ways established years ago by Shri Gusainji. Great care is taken to use only the best of everything in seva. Water is brought in a special container from Shri Yamunaji. His personal musicians play live music at each Darshan.
Shreeji wakes up to the strings of Veena daily. The sangeet is in the classical raags set hundreds of years ago.
All seva and karykalap at the Haveli-Mandir are only for Shreeji, for His suvidha and anand. Total care is taken not to upset Him in any way.
ShreeNathji’s Nij Mandir
Shreeji’s Haveli mandir has the look and feel of a Home where Shreeji lives in a very Live manner. The roof of Shreeji’s Nij area is in “Khaprel”; a roof top.
This is with the bhao that about 5237 years ago(counting till 2017) when Shreeji lived in Vraj as Shree Krishn, His Baal Leelas were in the house of Yashoda maiya-Nand Baba, (His parents during that Leela). So this entire construction has been done keeping in mind Thakurjee’s stay in Vraj in His original incarnation as Shree RadhaKrishn.
The look of the Mandir has been designed to make Shreeji feel at home imitating Vraj; so that He does not miss the surroundings in which He lived in earlier. (Details of this Nij mandir are in the chapter on Darshans).
As the bhao related with Shreeji is also of a child, His way of living and giving darshans is also in the most simplistic manner. The highest requirement is only of shuddhi in every area. In worship, in preparations, in ingredients, in music, in vastra, in fragrance, in jewellery, in bhent, offerings, in the sewaks who work for Him; specially the ones who work in the inner chambers called Bhetariyas.
Most important is shuddhi required is in the Bhao with which you go for His darshans or perform His sewa.
Though being the most simple and uncomplicated form of Bhagwan, the purity levels are the highest. All people close to Him as sevaks can vouch for this sentiment, as they are aware of The Living Presence of Thakurjee. Each one has to be very careful about performing seva.
There yet continues the seva of Hand Punkhi (hand fan) for Shreeji. The sevak sits out in the little area made specially for seva of Hand pankhi. He manually swings a thick rope which is directly connected to ShreeNathji Nij mandir. The cloth pankhi sways over Shreeji like a mechanical fan.
Shree Sudarshan Chakra and Dhajaji
This highly sacred place is situated directly above Shreeji’s Nij Mandir on the roof top. The access to this place is through three stairways from the various chauks.
Sudarshan Chakra is the Form of Supreme power. It is supposed to be a protector for all devotees. Seven Dhajaji flows around this; the only Mandir to have the seven Dhajas. Here seva is done by offering fragrance in the form of Attar (concentrated form of fragrant pure oil).
The fragrance is applied in cotton by the sevak directly to The Sudarshan Chakra. Blog is also offered. Only the allocated sevak can climb these stairs and complete the seva.
No one is allowed up on the main roof top, directly below which stands ShreeNathji. Darshans are done from down and offerings of Attar returned to the devotee as Prasad.
From this height the hills around are visible. It is a serene place where one can sit for hours absorbed in the silence and sacredness of the aura. We normally sit here between Darshans feeling the Presence of Shreeji very strongly around us.
Navneet Priyaji Ka Mandir
Darshans are of Bal Krishn crawling with a ball of butter in one hand.
Seva is similar to Shreeji’s mandir. He is the Bal (young) Swarup of ShreeNathji. The early morning Darshans do not open as being very young, He wakes up later. All the other Darshans open 10-15 minutes later than the main Darshan of Shreeji. Once we complete Shreeji’s Darshans we move here for the Darshans of Navneet Priyaji - Lalan.
The Swarup established came here with Shreeji from Agra, during the yatra from Shree Govardhan. During the travels when ShreeNathji enjoyed an Annakut secretly, Navneet Priyaji also joined Him in travelling in the Annakut Utsav. Since then He has stayed with Shreeji as His child form.
In the eighth Akhyan, 20, it is mentioned that Shree Navneet Priyaji, a form of Child Krishn, was Shri Vitthalnathji’s personal Krishn Deity in Gokul before He came to Nathdwara.
The most important ingredient required for Shreeji’s seva, is bhao (total devotion) and shuddhi (purity).
Various Bhandars, (Service rooms)
Abhushan Grah
This is Shreeji Baba’s jewellery Kaksh where His all types of abhushan (ornaments) are stored. Karigars also sit here working on various jewellery pieces.
Kharch Bhandar
After entering the Lal Darwaza, on the left is the Kharch Bhandar. All various food ingredients are stored here. Before the Nij mandir was completed, Shreeji was Virajman (established) here. The oil well is also here.
Shree Krishn Bhandar
This vibhag is right opposite ShreeNavneetPriya’s mandir. The entire temple’s earning and expenditure is accounted from here. All valuable gold, silver Kinariyan, clothes, jewels, Mani manikya are also stored here. The Prasad of Tulsi Kanthi and Shreeji’s black thread is received from here. The gold and silver chakki used to grind kesar and kasturi for daily sewa of Shreeji is here.
(This is the original place of Ajab Kunvaris residence),
Samadhan Vibhag
Vaishnav’s can contribute here for any Manoraths, donations for seva. This means an offering for the Bhog or Vastra Sewa of Shreeji and NavneetPriyaji. A Darshan pass, Prasad and Uparna is also given from here. Gomata thuli from the mandir is also booked from here.
Khasa Bhandar
This is close to the Samadhani in the Anar Chowk. All the samagri used for bhog are cleaned here. Close to this is the Khand Bhandar.
Prasadi Bhandar
This is opposite the khasa bhandar. Shreeji’s total MahaPrasad is collected here. Sewaks distribute it from here.
Shaak Grah
Situated in the Aarti galli; all vegetables are collected here.
Dugdh Grah
This place is situated over the Anar Chowk on the terrace. Milk sweets and products are prepared here.
Tambul Grah - Paan Grah
This is opposite the dugdh grah. Designer beedas of mouth freshners are made here for Shreeji’s sewa.
Golucks are placed at various points where devotees can deposit their bhent, gold, silver in sewa of Shreeji.
Phool Grah
Located between the paan ghar and the dugdh ghar. Fragrant and the best flowers are used in the sewa of Malas for Shreeji. Each Darshan has a new Mala. 4-5 Malas are made for each Darshan, from which none know which one will adorn Shreeji.
Mishree Ghar
Stairs from the dugdh ghar take you here. Mishree is non refined sugar used in the making of many sweets for Shreeji.
Peda Ghar
From dugdh ghar towards Anar chowk, in the centre is peda ghar. Vaishavas keep these pedas which are from Shreeji’s Charanodak and use them during their pujas.
Pattal Grah (Dry leaf plates)
This is located ahead of the shaak grah. All ingredients for Shreeji’s bhog are bought here. Yamunaji jal is also stored here. Gold and Rajat Patti are also kept here.
Gulab Ghar
Rose water and rose Attar (concentrated fragrance in oil) is made here. Food for Annakut is also made here.
Vastra Grah
Storage of Clothes made for Seva.
Darji Grah
New clothes for Shreeji and Shree NavneetPriyaji are stitched here. Immediately as we enter the main gate, on the right is the vastra vibhag. Here there is a team of darjis taolors who stitch Shreeji’s clothes. Shreeji adorns new paushak (clothes) everyday, so there is continuous activity here.
Kharas Grah
This is between Dhauli Paatiya and Pritam Chauk. All cereal ingredients are ground here in a Chakki.
Paakshala, Rasoi Ghar
This is situated ahead of Pritam Pole. Paatal, leaf plates are made here. All material for distribution of Prasad is made here.
Vidhya Vibhag; Govind Pustakalya
This is the library and the publication office. All literature is printed from here. One can find a collection of Pushti maarg literature from here. Annual tippani and Panchang are published from here.
Organisation of the Mandir
ShreeNathji’s Haveli is like a community in Itself. It is very important that all seva run smoothly and accurately. Till today all traditional rules are followed perfectly; nothing can be changed. Most important rule that has to be followed by sevaks is the shuddhi - purity levels at all times, in samagri and seva.
According to the tradition the Tilkayats are the generations from the Vallabh Kul (family) only. To be able to run the functions of the mandir smoothly, the present Goswami has organised a Vaishnav samiti.
The Rajasthan government has formed a mandir sanchalan board. The government addhayakash has announced that it wants to maintain the old traditions and maanyataas (beliefs). Also wants to maintain the maaryada perfectly.
The government control board has accepted the initial ways of working in the mandir, with some changes. Every department has a manager who is the head of running that particular function. Under him there are several sevaks who have to follow his instructions. In all works and in all matters of decision making the Tilkayat has the final say.
The mandir trust looks after the crores of rupees in Shreeji’s treasury.
Non moving wealth are 826 shops and houses; 13448 bhiga land in the form of farming land and gaushalas. (Information taken from a booklet on Nathdwaraji written by Shri Ashutosh Prasad Shukla; page 35)
To be able to maintain the grandeur and richness of the mandir there are many sources of income. All the bhent from the various baithaks come here. There are also ShreeNathji bhandar in various states from where donations come here.
It is Shreeji Baba’s mahima (grandeur) and power that there is never any shortage. It is considered as one of the richest mandirs of India.
An overview on various temple staff (seva wale) of Nathdwara.
The various titles of sevaks working for Shreeji -
Tilakayat Head of the Pushti Marg sect. Vallabh Kul Balak. All staff (seva-wale / Karamchaari) of the great haveli, as well as the national branches of the haveli report to him.
Bade-Mukhiyaji
Pramukh mukhiyaj
Adhikariji: Sits in Shri Krishna Bhandar
Samadhaniji They record the cash gifts and sevas for the Lord.
Kirtaniaji : A replica of the Asht cheap kavi. They are like the Live musicians of ShreeNathji.
Rasoi deroga
Baal Bhogiyaji
Chad darji Sevak
JalGharia Those who carry water for the mandir seva
Fool Ghariaji: Sevaks working in the flower department
Paan Ghariaji: Sevaks in the beetle-nut department
Doodh Ghariya: The sevaks working in the Milk department.
Shaak gharia: The vegetable department sevaks
Gulabjal mukhiya: Rose water department in charge
Jhapatiaji:
Gvalji: Look after the cows of the Lord and bring their milk to the temple. During festival (Diwali) days, they all bring the cows and calves to the temple.
Darji: Tailors of the Lord. Apart from sewing new clothes for the Lord, they also sew the flags, scarves, quilts, simple pichwaies and curtains of the temple.
Santri: Guards of the Lord. They guard the many doors and gates of the great Haveli. They are also responsible for the safety of the pilgrims.
Shreenath Band: main gate of the Temple during big festivals like Janamashtami, diwali etc. & at Moti Mahal on functions of Tilkayat Family.
Prasadi bhandar daroga
Rasoiya
Hela wala
Khasa bhandari
Gehanaghar ka daroga The jewellery department head.
These are the most obvious sevaks which we see all around in the Haveli. Many more are never seen, as they work in the inner areas of the Haveli.
There are those who work in direct seva of Thakurjee, and so are never seen outside by us.
They are ones who are required to maintain the utmost purity.
All come from home and have to bathe and wear fresh clothes for seva inside.
Jai ShreeNathji Prabhu
It is impossible to describe the aura and divinity of his place. Some of the above matter has been taken from various books I managed to find at Nathdwara. Others are from memory on the several visits for Shreeji’s darshans. All photos are present day spread across few years. There might be some mistakes in the narration, please excuse me for this. In fact I would really appreciate if I receive input with which this can be bettered.