Śrī-Nāthajī

▪ Hindu cult image

      unique representation of the Hindu god Krishna. It is the main cult image of the Vallabhācārya sect, an important devotional sect of India. The image is enshrined in the main temple of the cult at Nāthdwārā (Rājasthān state), where it is accorded an elaborate service of worship daily.

      According to sect tradition, the image of Śrī-Nāthajī revealed itself to the sect's founder, Vallabha, while he was visiting Mount Govardhana, near Mathura (the image has one hand raised, suggestive of Krishna's lifting of Mount Govardhana to shelter the cowherds from a storm sent by the jealous god Indra). The image was first worshiped in Mathura, and, while in flight from the Mughals, the chariot carrying the image broke down at Nāthdwārā, where it was given protection by the local Rājput chief. Representations of Śrī-Nāthajī, covered with the ornaments and garlands of worship, are commonly seen in the homes and shops of devotees throughout North and West India.

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