The Sanwaliya Seth Temple, located in Mandaphiya village of Chittorgarh district, Rajasthan, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna, affectionately known as Sanwaliya Seth. Situated approximately 40 kilometers from Chittorgarh on the Chittorgarh–Udaipur Highway, this temple holds significant spiritual importance, especially among the Vaishnav sect, ranking second only to the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara.
🕉️ Historical Background
The temple’s origins trace back to 1840 when a local milkman, Bholaram Gurjar, dreamt of three divine idols buried underground in Chapar village of Bhadsoda-Bagund. Upon excavation, three beautiful idols of Lord Krishna were discovered. One idol was installed in Mandaphiya, another in Bhadsoda, and the third remained at Chapar, leading to the establishment of temples at all three sites. These temples are situated within a 5-kilometer radius of each other and have become prominent pilgrimage destinations.
Legends suggest that these idols were crafted by Naga monks and buried to protect them from invaders. The Mandaphiya temple, known as Shri Sanwaliya Dham, is considered the principal shrine among the three.
🛕 Architectural Features
The Sanwaliya Seth Temple Chittorgarh showcases traditional Rajasthani architecture, featuring intricate carvings, domes, and vibrant colors. The main structure is built using white marble, adorned with detailed carvings on walls, pillars, and ceilings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The sanctum sanctorum houses a black stone idol of Lord Krishna, reflecting his dark complexion, which gives the temple its name—Sanwaliya, meaning ‘dark-complexioned.’
🕰️ Temple Timings and Rituals
The temple operates daily with the following schedule:
- Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Break: 12:15 PM to 2:30 PM
- Evening: 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Key rituals include:
- Mangala Aarti: 5:30 AM
- Rajbhog Aarti: 10:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: 7:15 PM
- Shayan Aarti: 10:00 PM
🎉 Festivals and Celebrations
The temple celebrates various festivals with great fervor, attracting devotees from across the country. Major festivals include:
- Maha Shivratri
- Holi and Phooladol Festival
- Navratri
- Ram Navami
- Hanuman Jayanti
- Greening Amavasya
- Brahmashtami
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Jaljhulani Ekadashi
- Diwali and Annakoot
💰 Donations and Offerings
The temple is renowned for the generous donations it receives. In March 2024, during the Holi festival, the temple’s donation boxes yielded a record-breaking ₹18.5 crore, including approximately 1 quintal of silver and gold, as well as foreign currencies from 12 countries.
🗺️ Visiting the Temple
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, about 60 km away.
- By Train: Chittorgarh Railway Station is the closest railhead, approximately 40 km from the temple.
- By Road: Mandaphiya is well-connected by road, and regular bus and taxi services are available from Chittorgarh and Udaipur.
Nearby Attractions:
- Chittorgarh Fort
- Meera Temple
- Kalika Mata Temple
- Padmini Palace
- Gomukh Kund
- Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary