The Charbhuja Nath Ji Mandir in Garhbor, Rajasthan, holds a captivating history deeply rooted in devotion and protection. Dedicated to the four-armed form of Sri Krishna, the shrine is a testament to the enduring faith of its worshippers.
The most famous tale associated with the temple involves
Lord Krishna's departure from Earth. Knowing that the news of his departure
would deeply affect his devoted followers like the Pandavas and Sudama,
Krishna, in his wisdom, instructed Vishwakarma to create two idols resembling
him. These idols were to be handed over to King Indra, who, in turn, was to
present them to Pandavas and Sudama, assuring them that Krishna resided within
these divine representations.
Sudama and the Pandavas faithfully worshiped these idols. The idol named Charbhuja Ji was worshipped by the Pandavas, while Sudama received another idol, which came to be known as Rupnarayan Ji and was placed in Sevantri village. Before embarking on their spiritual journey to the Himalayas, the Pandavas submerged the Charbhuja Ji idol in a river to safeguard its sanctity.
Centuries later, in a dream, the Rajput ruler of Garhbor,
Gangdev, received a divine command from Charbhuja Nath Ji to retrieve the
submerged idol and construct a temple for its worship. Following this divine
instruction, King Gangdev successfully brought the idol out of the river and
established the Charbhuja Nath Ji Mandir. This marked the beginning of a rich
history of devotion, resilience, and protection.
Over the years, the temple faced numerous challenges, including 125 battles fought to safeguard the sacred idol. The idol was submerged in water multiple times to protect it from invasions, including the threat posed by Muslim invaders. Despite the challenges, the devotion of the worshippers prevailed, and the idol was rediscovered by Suraji Gujjar.
The temple, constructed in 1444 AD by the ruler of Mewar, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the people and their commitment to preserving their faith. The priests, belonging to the Gujjar community, have continued the tradition of worship, passing down the sacred duties through generations. The Charbhuja Nath Ji Mandir remains a symbol of unwavering devotion, resilience, and the enduring power of faith in the face of challenges.