Jyeshthabhishekam at Nathdwara (Shrinathji) 2024

The date on this page is computed for Nathdwara.

Jyeshthabhisheka is observed as Snana-yatra, traditionally on the appropriate Jyeshtha Nakshatra in the Jyeshtha Shukla Purnima season. On the previous night, after Shayana-bhoga, sacred water is brought from the place from which water is ordinarily obtained for Shri Thakurji and is ceremonially prepared for the abhisheka.

Before sunrise, Shri Thakurji is seated for the ceremonial bath wearing a white dhoti and uparana, with light pearl ornaments and without elaborate head adornment. The abhisheka is performed with the prepared sacred water while Vedic mantras, especially the Purusha-sukta, are recited; shankha, ghanta, mridanga and kirtana accompany the celebration.

After the snana, Shri Thakurji is dressed in white summer attire, traditionally with kesar or chandana decoration, and adorned principally with pearl and other light ornaments. Special cooling foods and summer offerings are made during the day, including preparations associated with sathva, rice, curd, buttermilk, fruits and mangoes.

The utsava is understood in Pushtimarga as a rajyabhisheka-bhava: Nanda Baba arranges Shri Krishna's ceremonial royal consecration, with Gargacharya performing the abhisheka with sacred waters. From this festival onward, Shri Yamunaji kirtanas and various jala-manorathas become prominent in the seasonal seva.