DARSHANS
Timings
Mangla - 6:30 am to 7:15 am
Aarti - 7:00 am
Shringar - 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Rajbhog - 10:15 am to 11:45 am
Utthapan - 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Sandhya - 6:15 pm to 8:00 pm
Aarti - 7: 30 pm
The significance of each Darshan
This is the first darshan of the day. The name Mangala underlines auspiciousness of beginning the day with a glimpse of lord. In winter this darshan takes place before sunrise, while in summer, it is later.
During Mangla darshan, the main doors of the sanctum are kept closed and are only opened after the customary initial rituals. This ensures that the drowsy divine child is not startled by large crowds rushing in to see him. It also accords with the mood of the darshan, which is bala bhava, the feelings of a parent concerned about a child's well - being another idea underlying the closed doors is that the svarupa should not be tempted to play with his young companions as opening doors might tempt him to run out!
In summer, Shrinathji is clad simply in an adbandha, a light dhoti. In winter, he keeps warm with a quilted coat. His flute is not placed in his hand, for it is felt that if he were to play it early in the morning, everyone would be enchanted and all work would come to a standstill! Arti is offered to Shrinathji during this darshana. This ritual banishes the evil spirits which hover around in the darkness of the night, seeking to cause harm. This morning darshana is dedicated to the memory of paramandadas, one of the asthachhapa poets. The kiratans Sung at this time are in one of the classical morning ragas - Lalita, Bhairava or Vibhasa.
Mangala
The next darshana follows the first by hour and is called shringara. Shrinathji is dressed carefully from head to foot, and a garland of flowers is placed around his neck. A Mukhiya holds a mirror in front of him so that he can satisfy himself that, he is well dressed. This is his play hour like that of any other child, and he is offered dry fruits and sweets representing food brought to him by his beloved gopis. This explains why he is called gopivallabha
It is only after this meal that Shrinathji's flute is placed in his hand, so that he can delight Swamiji - Shri Radha - with the tunes she loves. The ragas sung during this darshana are Ramakali, Gunakali and Bilaval. The poet Nandadas is considered the main singer.
Shringar
Rajbhoj
The main meal of the day is offered to Shrinathji at Rajabhoga. Vitthalnathji, the son of the founder of Pushti Marga, has planned this as the most elaborate darshana of all. A temple priest ascends to the terrace prior to the darshana and calls out, 'Mala Begi Laiyo!!' (bring the garland quickly). This loud call heard over a wide area, dates back to the time when Shrinathji was at Mount Govardhana. The flower garden of the temple used to be located at Chandra Sarovar, Nathdwara. 'The call for the Garland' is the signal for the darshan to be opened to the crowds waiting to catch a glimpse of the lord. The rhythmic sound of drums is heard, excitement mounts, and the doors are flung open.
Shrinathji is seen in all his regal splendor, holding lotus in one hand and wearing an elaborate garland. Beeda (folded betal leaves containing spices), are placed near him, along with a pitcher of water, his beloved flute, cane to play with Genda (Ball) and a mirror. Fine perfumes are sprinkled over the kalash on the roof, and the air is redolent with its scent.
At the end of this darshana the load retires for three hours. This period is known as Anavasara. Recalling his siestas with Swaminiji in meadows of Vrindavana.
The chief kirtanakara of this darshana is Kumbhanadas.
During the afternoon, around 3.30 p.m., Shrinathji is aroused from his nap. A Conch is blown, it is time for him to return home with his Cows. The vina is played followed by kirtana. Surdas, the celebrated blind devotee, mystic and poet, is supposed to be the chief singer of this darshana.
Utthapan
Bhog
The last darshana of the day takes place an hour after Utthapana. A light meal is served to Shrinathji. A Chhadidara stands guard formally dressed in a Pagha (Turban), a Pataka (Sash) and a Gheradar Jama (A Garment with a Flaring Skirt). He holds a staff and wears a golden kada, anklet. The Chhadidara's function is to inform Swaminiji of Shrinathji's arrival, so that she can obtain his darshana and arrange to milk the Cows.
Shrinathji is fanned and a morchhala is waved beside him to remove the possible effects of the evil eye cast while he has been in full view of many people. The main singer for this period is Chaturbhuadas.