The idol of Shrinathji was originally worshipped on the Govardhan Hill near Vrindavan, where it was discovered by the Vallabha sect in the 15th century. According to tradition, the idol 'spoke' to Vallabhacharya and instructed him to establish the Pushtimarg tradition. During the Mughal persecution of Hindu temples under Aurangzeb in the late 17th century, the idol was moved from Vrindavan to protect it.
The journey was guided by divine will — when the bullock cart carrying the idol reached the village of Sihad (now Nathdwara), the wheels sank into the mud and could not be moved. This was interpreted as the Lord's desire to remain here. Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar, who had offered refuge, built the current temple at this spot around 1672 CE.
The temple has since been the headquarters of the Pushtimarg sect and is managed by the hereditary priests (Goswamis) who are descendants of Vallabhacharya.
