
pichwaitraditionandbeyond
The Legacy of Pichwai Shrinathji is a form of Krishna, manifested as a seven-year-old child, central to the Pushtimarg sect’s worship. According to legend, he was carried from Govardhan Parvat (mountain) by Saint Vallabhacharya and enshrined in the haveli (temple) of Nathdwara. Devotees honour him through seva (ritual service), expressed in raag (devotional music), bhog (food offerings), and shringar (adornment). The temple's sanctum doors open eight times daily, allowing brief darshan (sacred glimpses), where Shrinathji appears in different attire and settings, creating a deeply immersive and spiritual experience for devotees. Historically, large Pichwais adorned temple sanctuaries for festivals and seasonal changes, while smaller works were sold to pilgrims as mementos. These pieces allowed worshippers to carry a piece of their spiritual experience home and find a place in their personal shrines. *Pushtimarg: a Hindu sect that emphasises devotion to Lord Krishna



The Legacy of Pichwai Shrinathji is a form of Krishna, manifested as a seven-year-old child, central to the Pushtimarg sect’s worship. According to legend, he was carried from Govardhan Parvat (mountain) by Saint Vallabhacharya and enshrined in the haveli (temple) of Nathdwara. Devotees honour him through seva (ritual service), expressed in raag (devotional music), bhog (food offerings), and shringar (adornment). The temple's sanctum doors open eight times daily, allowing brief darshan (sacred glimpses), where Shrinathji appears in different attire and settings, creating a deeply immersive and spiritual experience for devotees. Historically, large Pichwais adorned temple sanctuaries for festivals and seasonal changes, while smaller works were sold to pilgrims as mementos. These pieces allowed worshippers to carry a piece of their spiritual experience home and find a place in their personal shrines. *Pushtimarg: a Hindu sect that emphasises devotion to Lord Krishna
pichwai