Devotees worshiping in the Shrine of Shrinathji

Devotees worshiping in the Shrine of Shrinathji

Attributed to Ghasiram Hardev Sharma (1868-1930)
Nathdwara
circa 1890

Opaque watercolour and gold on paper
13.25 x 10.5 in. (33.7 x 26.7 cm.)

The abode of Shrinathji at Nathdwara is a haveli, closely modeled on the royal palaces of Rajasthan. Aarti is performed every day. This painting captures one such aarti being performed by Govardhanlalji in the sanctum sanctorum wearing yellow attire. Another goswami wearing white attire is on the right and a group of devotees are shown sitting in Manikotha whereas many are standing in Doltibari. A man twirling a jhapatyu over his head is in the middle ensuring that the devotees don’t crowd around the centre. At the bottom of the painting on both sides, devotees are shown prostrating themselves in devotion. Devotees stand below the archways of the Doltibari on the left side and below the archway on the right. Here Govardhanlalji’s daughter is shown wearing a plumed head-dress. This painting is unique as it brings out the architectural perspective of the Doltibari, Manikotha and the sanctum sanctorum, whereas the devotees are depicted in the traditional style.