Shri Sanwaliya Seth Hindu Temple, Mandfiya, Rajasthan, Bharat(India) — The Miraculous History of this Divine Temple and the Beautiful Story Behind its Name…
The Shri Sanwaliya Seth Temple, situated in Mandfiya, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan, is renowned throughout India for its unique religious and social traditions.
The history of this temple dates back to the year 1840, when, following a divine dream experienced by a cowherd named Bholaram Gurjar, excavations were carried out in the village of Bagund. During the excavation, three identical magnificent black stone idols of Lord Krishna emerged. Among them, the largest idol was enshrined in the grand temple at Mandfiya. According to popular belief, these are the very same ancient idols that were once worshipped by the great devotee-saint Meerabai, and which were safely hidden during the Mughal period (during the reign of Aurangzeb).
The reason behind the beautiful name of this revered temple is heartwarming and extraordinary. Because of Lord Krishna’s enchanting dark (Shyam) complexion, He is lovingly called “Sanwaliya” or “Sanwariya” in the local Rajasthani and Mewari dialects. He was bestowed with the title “Seth” because millions of traders, industrialists, and farmers, both in India and abroad, regard Him as a “Silent Partner” in their businesses. At the local level (in the Mewari and Rajasthani dialects), the name “Sanwaliya Ji” is extremely popular. Devotees first place their new business deals, account books, and business agreements at the Lord’s feet to seek His blessings. Devotees have an unwavering belief that whichever trader or farmer offers prayers here, their businesses flourish very rapidly. People regard Him as the principal owner, or “Seth,” of their business.
Built in the magnificent Mewari architectural style using yellow sandstone and white marble, this temple is known as the “Shridham of Mewar.”
The most important festival celebrated here is the Jaljhulni Ekadashi Fair, during which Thakur Ji is seated in a golden chariot (Bevan) and taken to the sacred pond for the royal ceremonial bath.
Situated on the Chittorgarh–Udaipur Highway, this divine abode is approximately 80 kilometres from Udaipur Airport, where Sanwaliya Seth fulfils the wishes of every devotee who comes here, even without being asked.