Hello everyone, Today I want to share about my recent journey that was both thrilling and spiritually enriching, particularly my visit to Rajasthan. Despite being in close proximity to the Shree Sanwariya Seth temple in Chittorgarh, Nathdwara, and Udaipur, I would like to focus on my experience at the Shree Sethji Temple, a captivating trip I embarked on with my family. The memories from that excursion are truly special and I am eager to recount them with all of you. Starting my journey from my hometown of Ujjain, we made our way to the Mandfiya Village District in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. I strongly recommend a visit to these places. Our current location is Mandafiya Village, home to a grand temple dedicated to Lord Krishna's incarnation, locally known as "Shree Sanwariya Seth." It is worth noting that both names, Sanwaliya Seth, are used interchangeably. Situated 40 kilometers from Chittorgarh via NH27, this small village is renowned for the Shree Sethji Temple, attracting visitors from all corners of India seeking blessings from Seth Ji. Additionally, about 4 km away in the village of Bangud-Bhadsaura, there is another temple dedicated to Shree Sanwariya Sethji, known as the "prakatya sthal" of Sethji.
To reach the Shree Sethji Temple, you can start your journey by visiting either Udaipur or Chittorgarh, both well-known and easily accessible cities in India. Depending on your preference, you can travel approximately 80 km to Udaipur or 40 km to Chittorgarh from Mandfiya by bus or private vehicle. The village has good road connectivity, and both Udaipur and Chittorgarh can be reached by bus, train, or plane as they are well-connected throughout the country. If you enjoy road trips, arriving in your own vehicle is a great option, as the road quality is excellent. Personally, I have always cherished road trips to these destinations in my own car. If you prefer traveling by bus, you can take a bus from Udaipur to Mandfiya and then opt for a taxi. Another option is by train, with the nearest railway stations located 40 km from Chittorgarh, Nimbahera, 65 km from Kapasan, and 80 km from Udaipur, offering good connectivity from all parts of India. In case you choose to fly, Udaipur has the only airport, conveniently situated near the Shri Sanwariya Seth Temple. From the airport, you can rent a taxi, cab, or local bus. I have outlined various transportation options to reach the Shree Sanwariya Seth Temple based on your preferences, but driving my own car remains my favorite choice, providing me with enjoyable long drives.
glorify the presence of shree sanwariya seth temple--
We are about to visit the main attraction in this area, a large and beautifully constructed temple dedicated to our deity, Shree Sanwariya Seth. The temple's intricate design left us mesmerized and filled with spiritual energy, evoking a sense of being in Vrindavan. Inspired by Gujarat's Akshardham Temple, the architecture of this temple boasts a spacious corridor where devotees gather for darshan of Sethji. Inside, paintings of Shree Krishna depict his life journey from childhood to adulthood. The temple management ensures devotees have access to good facilities for darshan, but it is important to note that the temple closes for two and a half hours daily, reopening at 2:30 a.m. Devotees are encouraged to donate and receive blessings from Shree Sanwariya Seth, who is believed to fulfill their wishes and even assist in their businesses. The temple's rituals have roots in stories like Nani Bai Ka Mayra, showcasing the bond between Lord Krishna and his devotees. Moving on to the temple's sabha mandal, a striking black stone deity of Sethji and a magnificent statue of Shree Krishna await visitors, exuding a sense of divinity and joy. The Bhadsaura hamlet, located around 4 kilometers from Mandfiya, is home to another Shree Sethji temple, known as the ''praktya sthal'' of Shree Sanwariya Sethji. This temple, adorned with glass work, houses a beautiful deity of Lord Krishna in its Garbhagriha. Visitors are welcome to purchase offerings provided by the temple board. It is recommended to visit both the Shree Sethji Temple in Mandfiya and the Praktya Sthal in Bhadsaura hamlet to fully experience these sacred sites.
History of Shree Sanwariya Seth Temple--
The village residents shared the temple's fascinating history. In 1840, a devoted milkman named Bholiram Gurjar dreamt of four Krishna idols buried under a banyan tree in Bangud village. Upon excavation, three beautiful black stone Krishna idols were discovered, matching the dream's description. These idols were believed to be Meera Bai's Girdhar Gopal idol, as she was a devout follower of Lord Krishna. After her passing, the idols were hidden to protect them from Mughal destruction. Eventually, the idols were unearthed, causing great joy among the villagers. One idol was damaged during excavation but was reverently placed back in the pit. The remaining three idols were relocated to different sites, including Bhadsoda village and Mandfiya, where a grand temple was later built in 1961–1962. The temple continues to attract devotees worldwide who revere Lord Shri Krishna as Shree Sanwaliya Seth.
Special Festivals in Sanwaliya Seth Temple--
Shree Sanwaliya Seth is a popular temple for Vaishnav devotees and hosts a diverse array of vibrant festivals throughout the year, each deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality.
One of the most anticipated celebrations is Mahashivratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees engage in prayer, meditation, and fasting to seek his blessings.
The temple comes alive during Holi and Phooldol Festival, a colorful extravaganza where participants joyfully throw colored powders and water at each other, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
Navaratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to worshiping the divine feminine energy, with special prayers and dance performances held to honor Goddess Durga.
Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, with devotees reciting hymns and performing rituals to celebrate the auspicious occasion.
The Hanuman Jubilee is a time to honor Lord Hanuman, the epitome of devotion and strength, through prayers, bhajans, and offerings.
Greening Amavasya is a unique festival where the temple grounds are adorned with greenery and flowers, symbolizing renewal and growth.
Shree Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, with elaborate decorations, fasting, and midnight celebrations to welcome the divine child.
Jaljhulni Ekadashi spans three days, culminating in a grand fair during Bhadra pada Shukla paksha, attracting pilgrims and devotees from far and wide to partake in the festivities.
Deepawali and Annakoot conclude the year with lights, sweets, and offerings, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and abundance in all aspects of life.
Top attractions near Shree Sethji Temple--
There are numerous fascinating sites to explore close to Shree Sethji Temple that I frequently visit. Following that, a visit to another nearby temple, Shree Sanwariya Temple, just 4 km away in Bhadsaura Village, where the Praktya Sthal is situated, is a must. Completing our pilgrimage to Shree Sanwariya Seth, we also journey to Kapasan, home to a temple dedicated to Shanidev Maharaj, approximately 16 kilometers from Mandafiya. I highly recommend a visit to this charming temple, where devotees offer oil to Shanidev. The Shree Aavari Mataji Temple in Asawara, around 11 km from Mandafiya, currently holds the second spot in our list of recommended sites.
Nathdwara--
Let's now head to my preferred destination, the Shree Nathji Temple in Nathdwara. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shree Krishna in his 7-year-old form, commemorates the story of Shree Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect the people of Vrindavan. The spiritual ambiance of this place, similar to Dwarika, will leave you feeling energized and connected. It is a must-visit for Krishna devotees. Located around 70 km from Mandfiya and 45 km from Udaipur, Nathdwara is a place I always visit when paying homage to Shree Sanwariya Sethji. The temple, resembling a palace called MotiMahal, houses the deity. Adjacent to the Nathji Temple is a bustling market, and there are several hotels in the area. Noteworthy is the recent construction of a grand statue of Lord Shiva, Vishwanath Swaroopam, in Nathdwara, which includes a vast amusement park for visitors to enjoy.
Chittorgarh is another charming city in Rajasthan, located near Mandfiya. Mandfiya falls under the Chittorgarh district, renowned for its rich culture, heritage, and ancient history. The city is famous for the majestic Chittor Fort, situated approximately 40 kilometers from Mandfiya. Positioned on the Berach River, a tributary of the Banas, Chittor is a significant city nestled between the rivers Gambhiri and Berach. The Chittor Fort stands tall on a 180-meter hill and is known for Rani Padmavati's jauhar and other queens. Chittor is a revered place for Meera's worship, with numerous monuments waiting to be explored.
Udaipur is the last exquisite city near Mandafiya, a place I always visit when heading to the Shree Sanwariya Seth Temple. This incredibly beautiful city offers a plethora of attractions that require ample time to explore thoroughly. Udaipur, also known as the "City of Lakes," is home to picturesque spots like Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, and many others. During my last visit with my family, we had a wonderful time exploring these locations. The Sajjangarh Fort, perched atop a high hill, provides a mesmerizing view of Udaipur, while the Karni Mata Temple, also situated on a hill, offers a unique experience. Udaipur, about 80 kilometers from Mandafiya, is a must-visit city in Rajasthan, with countless memories waiting to be made.
Final Thoughts--
As we come to the end, I must admit that I am reluctant to conclude this blog. However, all good things must come to an end. I have a lot to share about Shree Sanwariya Sethji, but to avoid making this blog overly lengthy, I will keep it concise. The journey to the Shree Sethji temple has been truly wonderful, and I am eager to delve into the magnificence of Shree Sethji and encourage everyone to visit and seek blessings. The Rajasthan government has made significant efforts to improve the area, with various projects currently underway. The shrine board at Shree Sanwariya Seth temple has ensured excellent facilities for all visitors. This temple holds great significance for me, creating a spiritual ambiance that resonates deeply. The presence of Lord Krishna evokes powerful emotions, instilling a sense of his constant companionship and boosting our spiritual vitality. The temple's intricate design and architecture are truly remarkable, but do take note of the darshan timings. Accommodation options are plentiful in Mandfiya, or alternatively, Nathdwara is a highly recommended choice. Despite Rajasthan's reputation for scorching temperatures, this region remains relatively mild, with Udaipur and Nathdwara offering pleasant climates. You can plan your visit throughout the year, benefiting from the favorable weather and lush surroundings. Mandfiya, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, or Nathdwara are all suitable locations for your stay, catering to different preferences. The monsoon season, in particular, creates a delightful ambiance, enhancing the overall experience. My recent visit during this time was truly enchanting, with the rainfall adding a special touch to our journey. In conclusion, I firmly believe that Lord Krishna embodies the ultimate divine power in the universe. His manifestation as Shree Sanwariya Seth has bestowed blessings upon us, making it imperative for you to visit with your loved ones to seek Shree Sethji's divine blessings.
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