Jal literally means Water. It is what helps us keep cool in the summer.

Summer time also known as Ushankal, at the Krishna temple is one of the most special times. When it comes to pampering the Lord, the focus is always his ultimate comfort. In the scorching summer heat of Rajasthan, to keep the lord cool and comfortable is the main focus of service during this time. Shrinathji wears very light muslin clothes, flower buds are used as decoration and cool pearls. Very soft pastel colours are used as part of the surface decoration and the backdrop called pichhvais. In fact, colours like red, orange, yellow are not used at all during this time as they are considered colours of heat.

Usually, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is filled with water from the Yamuna, toy boats and lotuses are seen floating around. Even though now when it’s summer, and you have every modern luxury at your disposal for Krishna’s service, from coolers to air conditioners to fans, its still the traditional things where most comfort is to be found. Be it scented fountains, flower pavilions, smearing of sandalwood paste etc, there is no coolant better than those prescribed by the elders. The moment you hear the pitter patter of the fountain or the faint trails of vetiver or Jasmin reaching your nostrils you know that you’ve even manages to enjoy the pleasures of the harsh Rajasthani summer.

The hand painted cranes on the walls of Jal are seen here enjoying the lake. The pastel colours, greenery outside and the soothing interiors all bring back nostalgic memories of growing up in Rajasthan.