Mathura, the city of Lord Krishna, is an important religious place for Hindus. Although Mathura remains full of devotees and tourists throughout the year, on the festival of Holi and Janmashtami, the beauty of this place is different. Mathura’s proximity to cities like Vrindavan, Barsana, and Agra makes this place even more special.
Mathura-Vrindavan attracts people not only from India but from all over the world. Jagatguru Lord Shri Krishna spent his childhood and youth in the holy land of Mathura-Vrindavan. The pastimes of Lord Krishna reside in the temples here, in the winds here, in every particle here. The hymns, art, paintings, and culture here are the invaluable heritage of the country.
Vrindavan is associated with the Leela of Lord Krishna. This place is believed to be the place of Lord Krishna’s Leelas. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna in the northwest of Mathura, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The glory of Vrindavan has been described in Harivamsa Purana, Shrimad Bhagvat, Vishnu Purana, etc.
Vrindavan is the place where Shri Krishna performed Maharas. The spiritual stream of Radha Krishna’s love flows in every particle here. In Vrindavan, Janmashtami is celebrated on the next day from Mathura and Chhappan Bhog is offered. Shrudhalu comes from far and wide to see the fifty-six enjoyment that takes place here.
Nidhi forest in Vrindavan, about which it is believed that even today, here every night Krishna plays Raas with the Gopis. This is the reason that Nidhivan, which opens in the morning, is closed after the evening aarti. After that no one lives there, even the animals and birds living in Nidhivan during the day leave the Nidhi forest as soon as it is evening.
Because if someone tries to watch Rasleela secretly, he becomes mad. One such mad baba whose samadhi fund remains in the forest. It is also said about him that he once tried to see Raas Leela by hiding in the Nidhi forest. Because of this he had gone crazy. Since he was an exclusive devotee of Krishna, after his death, the temple committee got his samadhi built in the Nidhi forest itself.
There is ‘Rang Mahal’ inside the Nidhi forest, about which it is believed that Radha and Kanhaiya come here every night. The sandalwood bed kept for Radha and Kanhaiya in the Rang Mahal is decorated before seven o’clock in the evening. A lot of water, Radhaji’s makeup items, and paan with teeth are kept beside the bed.
When the door of ‘Rang Mahal’ is opened at five o’clock in the morning, then the bed is found in disarray, the water of the pot is empty, the teeth are crushed and the paan is eaten. In Rangmahal, devotees offer only makeup items and they also get makeup items as prasad.
Another specialty of Nidhi Van is the Tulsi tree here. Every Tulsi tree in Nidhi Van is in pairs. The belief behind this is that when Radha and Krishna create Raas in the forest, then these paired trees become gopis. As soon as it is morning, everything again turns into a Tulsi tree.
Along with this, there is also another belief that no one can take a stick of Tulsi in the forest of a couple engaged in this forest. People tell that even those who took them became victims of some calamity. That’s why no one touches them.
History of Vrindavan
Kalidas has mentioned this in Raghuvansh in the context of Indumati-Swayamvara while introducing Shursenadhipati Sushen, this gives knowledge of the condition of the beautiful gardens of Vrindavan during Kalidasa’s time.
According to Shrimad Bhagwat, to escape from the tyranny of Kansa from Gokul, Nandji had come to Vrindavan abode along with relatives and relatives. This incident is mentioned in Vishnu Purana. There is also a description of Krishna’s pastimes in Vrindavan elsewhere in Vishnu Purana.
It is said that the present Vrindavan is not real or ancient Vrindavan. From the description of Shrimad Bhagwat and other mentions, it is known that ancient Vrindavan was near Govardhan.
Vrindavan, the site of the famous legend of Govardhan-Dharana, was near Parasauli (Param Rasasthali). Ashtachap poet Mahakavi Surdas lived in this village for a long time.
Name of Vrindavan
There are many opinions about how the holy place of Vrindavan was named Vrindavan. Vunda Tulsi is called – Earlier it was a dense forest of Tulsi, hence it came to be called Vrindavan. The presiding deity of Vrindavan is Goddess Vrinda i.e. Radha. According to Brahmavaivarta Purana, one of the sixteen names of Shri Radha Rani is Vrinda.
Heart of Braj Vrindavan
Vrindavan is called the heart of Braj where Shri Radhakrishna performed his transcendental pastimes. This holy land is said to be the best and most secret part of the earth. In the Padma Purana, it has been described as the physical body of the Lord, the place of contact with the complete Brahman, and the shelter of happiness. For this reason, since time immemorial, it has remained the center of the devotion of the devotees.
Many Goswami devotees like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Swami Haridas, Sri Hitharivansh, Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, etc. have devoted their lives to decorating its splendor and presenting the world as an imperishable wealth. Here the wonderful daily Vihar Leela of the joyful couple Kishore Shri Krishna and Shri Radha keeps happening.
The natural beauty of Vrindavan
The natural beauty of Vrindavan is worth seeing. Yamuna ji has surrounded it from three sides. In the dense keys here, the vines adorned with various flowers and tall and tall trees fill the heart with joy. On the arrival of spring, the shade here and the greenery of Sawan-Bhadon provide coolness to the eyes, it is the result of seeing the reflections of Sri Radha-Madhava.
Every particle of Vrindavan is beautiful. Here there is the kingdom of love and devotion. There are many ghats on the banks of Sriyamuna in Vrindavan. The streets of Vrindavan are very famous and these streets are called Kunj Gallia.
Temples of Vrindavan
Banke Bihari temple
Banke Bihari Temple is the most popular temple in Vrindavan tourist places. In this temple built in Rajasthani style, there is a supernatural vision of the combined image of Radha Krishna in the statue of Shri Banke Bihariji. Due to the charm and beauty of Shri Banke Bihariji, he is never seen continuously in this temple.
Curtains are drawn in front of his charming image every once in a while because if a devotee looks at him with a sincere heart, he leaves with him. While having darshan, take down this image of Lord Krishna in your inner mind, so that whenever you want to see God, you can see him only by closing your eyes.
- This temple is situated on Raman Reti in Vrindavan Dham of Mathura district in India. It is one of the ancient and famous temples of India. Banke Bihari is a form of Lord Shri Krishna. The distance of Vrindavan Dham from Mathura Junction is about 13 kilometers. The black-colored idol of Krishna is known as Banke Bihari ji. It is said that you cannot take your eyes off their idol. Whenever you go to visit this temple, do not close your eyes and see God here, you visit here with eyes from Banke Bihari ji.
- Friends, very few people know that the idol of Banke Bihari was not made, but appeared on the request of Swami Haridas ji so that other people can also see Lord Shankar in this way and seek his blessings.
Banke Bihari Temple opening hours:
Summer (7:45am to 12:00pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm)
In winter (8:45 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
Govindam Dev Ji’s Temple
The temple of Govind Dev Ji is a temple of the Vaishnava sect located in Vrindavan. The temple was built in AD 1590 and it took 5 to 10 years to build it. The terrorists had destroyed its upper storey. It is said that earlier it was seven storeys, now only four storeys remain.
Govind Dev Temple occupies a prominent place among the ancient temples of Vrindavan. For the unmatched workmanship of this temple built 2100 years ago, people say that such a beautiful work is not under the control of man. Only ghosts can do such a thing.
Seeing the grandeur of this temple, you will press your fingers under your teeth. Once Aurangzeb, while walking in the evening, inquired about the flashing light that was visible from afar, he came to know that the brightness of this light came from the ghee burning above the magnificent temple of Vrindavan.
Then there used to be 7 floors of this temple. Aurangzeb attacked and broke three floors.
Rangji’s Temple
Rangji Temple is a wonderful specimen of South Indian architecture. This temple is famous for its grandeur and 6 feet gold pillar standing in the temple courtyard. The courtyard of the temple is also huge. The Chariot festival of Rangji temple, Baikunth festival, and Janmashtami festival is worth seeing.
Shri Rangji Temple is the largest temple of Vrindavan. In this temple Lord Vishnu resting on the bed of Sheshnag gives darshan. Built in 1851, this temple is built in the South Indian style (Dravidian style). There are many pillars inside this temple and very beautiful artwork on those pillars.
Apart from Lord Vishnu, Lord Narasimha, Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, and Lord Lakshmana, Lord Venugopal and Lord Ramanujakarya are also seen in this temple. There are a 50 feet high gold pillar inside the temple. The main attraction of Rangji Temple is the vehicle and the Kanch Mahal. In this, gold-polished vehicles and statues of Rath Yatra are kept.
Timings of Ranganath Temple
In summer – Morning :- 5:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Evening :- 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
In winter – Morning :- 6:00AM – 11:00PM, Evening :- 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Shah Ji’s temple
Shah Ji’s temple built on the banks of Yamuna is famous for its marble pillars. It is famous for its crooked pillars. Actually, its name is Lalit Kunj. A fair is held here on Basant Panchami.
Radha Kund
Radha Kund comes in Govardhan Parikrama at a distance of about 26 km from Mathura. According to a legend, Lord Shri Krishna used to do cow-charan Leela in Govardhan. Krishna had felt the sin of killing a cow, to get rid of this sin, Shri Krishna dug a pool – Shyam Kund with his flute and bathed in it, on which Radha Ji next to Shyam Kund with his bracelet another tank – Radha Kund dug and bathed in it.
Pleased with Maharas, Krishna asked Radha to ask for a boon. Then he said that whoever takes a bath in this Radha Kund should get the son Ratna. On this, Shri Krishna granted a boon to Radha Ji. On the day of Maharas, the Ashtami of Kartik month was Ahoi Ashtami. Since then, on this special date, the couple takes a bath in Radhakund and seeks blessings from Radha Ji for getting a son.
Sewa Kunj temple
Sewa Kunj is also called Nikunjvan, here there is a tree and of Taal and Kadamba, there is a small temple in the corner. It is said that Lord Krishna resides here with Radha at night. Staying here at night is prohibited. As soon as the evening falls, all the animals automatically leave the temple, it is a matter of wonder in itself.
Shri Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple Vrindavan
Shri Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest temples of Vrindavan. One day Lord Shiva took the form of a gopi to see the Raslila of Lord Krishna and the Gopis and joined the Raas Leela. Lord Krishna recognized Shiva. Thus he was established in Vrindavan by the name of Gopeshwar.
Madan Mohan Mandir
Madanmohan is also one of the many names of Lord Krishna. A temple by the same name exists in Vrindavan Dham of Mathura district. On the hood of a huge corpse snake, the Lord is hitting ,his feet. In antiquity this temple comes after the temple of Govind Dev Ji.
Vanshi Chor Radha Rani Temple
There is also a temple of Vanshi Chor Radha Rani in Nidhi Van itself. The Mahant here tells that when Radha ji started to feel that Kanhaiya used to play the Vanshi all the time, not paying attention to him, then he stole his Vanshi. In this temple, the idol of Lalita ji, the most beloved gopi of Krishna ji, is also with Radha ji.
Radhavallabh Temple Vrindavan
One of the famous temples of Vrindavan, Radhavallabh temple has rare sightings of Radha and Krishna. Here Krishna is in Radha and Radha is absorbed in Krishna. Shri Radha is seen in half of his image and Shri Krishna in the other half. If you renounce all sinful deeds and enter the Shri Radhavallabh temple with a sincere heart, then the Lord is pleased with you and his rare darshan becomes accessible to you.
In ancient times, Brahmins named Atmadev were worshipers of Lord Vishnu. Once he did severe penance of Lord Shiva to get the darshan of Lord Shiva. Seeing his harsh penance, Lord Bholenath asked him to ask for a boon. The Brahmin self-devotee just wanted to have the darshan of Lord Shiva. So he left the boon on Lord Shiva only. Then Lord Shiva revealed the dearest Radhavallabhalal to the heart and also told the method of worshiping and serving him. Mahaprabhu Harivansh, after the Brahman Atmadev, brought him to Vrindavan by the order of the Lord and established him, and built the Radhavallabh temple.
Prem Mandir Vrindavan
The grandest of the attractions of Vrindavan is the Prem Mandir, spread over 54 acres, which is 125 feet high, 122 feet long, and 115 feet wide. This wonderful temple is decorated with lush green gardens, fountains and beautiful tableaux of Shri Govardhan Dharan Leela, Kaliya Nag Daman Leela, Jhulan Leelas, and Radha-Krishna. Here simple couplets of Shri Radha Govind are written on smooth marble plates so that the devotees can read and understand them easily.
The salvation of Kubja on the outer walls of the temple, the slaying of Kansa, the liberation of Devaki and Vasudeva from imprisonment, the study of Krishna-Balarama in the hermitage of Sandipani Muni, Rani Rukmini-Haran, description of sixteen thousand one hundred and eight queens, Shri Krishna by Narada The vision of the household, Shri Krishna paksha at the feet of Sudama with his tears, the transformation of Sudama and his family in one night, Shri Krishna’s reunion with the gopis in Kurukshetra, Rukmini, etc. The union of the queens of Dwarka with Sri Radha and the gopis, by Shri Krishna Unforgettable beautiful depiction of pastimes etc. has been given to Uddhav, followed by his last sermon and darshan.
Note:- You should come here at 5 in the evening so that you can enjoy the beautiful views both day and night.
Prem Mandir Vrindavan Darshan Timings
Summers – Morning: 08:30 to 12:00, Evening: 04:30 to 08:30
Winter – Morning: 08:30 to 12:00, Evening: 04:30 to 08:30
Nidhivan Vrindavan
Nidhivan is a very sacred and mysterious religious place among the popular places of Vrindavan. Every day after midnight, Lord Shri Krishna and Shri Radha create Raas in Nidhivan. After the Rasleela, Nidhivan sleeps in the Rang Mahal set up in the premises. The sandalwood bed in Rang Mahal is decorated completely before seven o’clock in the evening. Radhaji’s makeup items, a lot of water, and sweet paan with teeth are kept near the bed. When the door of Rang Mahal is opened at five o’clock in the morning, the bed is found in disarray, the water of the pot is empty, the teeth are crushed and the paan is eaten.
Vrindavan has the maximum number of monkeys, but in the evening, not only monkeys but any animal is seen here. Anyone who stays here at night is unable to survive for more than 24 hours and becomes blind, dumb, deaf, insane, or hysterical. Spread over two-and-a-half acres, the branches of the trees of this Nidhivan are bent down and intertwined. It is believed that all the creepers of Nidhivan are gopis. Who is standing with arms in each other’s arms. When Radha Rani ji performs Raas Leela with Krishna Ji in Nidhivan at midnight. So these creepers become gopis and get involved in Rasleela.
Kesi Ghat
Kesi Ghat has its own importance among the beautiful ghats of Vrindavan. This ghat attracts people due to its natural beauty. Lord Krishna fought the evil demon Keshi at the winding ghat of Kesi and saved the people of Vrindavan from his tyranny.
There are many types of small and big temples on this ghat. By taking a dip in the Yamuna at this ghat, the sins of many births are washed away and virtue is attained.
ISKCON temple Vrindavan
Among the places to visit in Vrindavan, the ISKCON temple, built in the year 1975, holds an important place. This temple is also known as Shri Krishna Balaram Mandir. The place where Lord Krishna and Balarama used to play with other children about 5000 years ago.
This temple has been built in the exact same place. This temple is decorated with many beautiful paintings. Beautiful carvings and paintings have been done on the walls of the temple. The teachings of Lord Krishna are described in these paintings. In this temple, many foreigners are seen singing and dancing to the hymns of Hare Rama, and Hare Krishna, hence it is also called the temple of the British.
Pagal Baba Mandir Vrindavan
According to the legend of this temple, Banke Bihari himself had come to the court to testify for his devotee. The story of this temple is such that a poor devotee of Banke Bihari borrowed some money from a moneylender and paid it off little by little every month. Before the last installment was deposited, Mahajan sent the poor devotee a court notice to him.
In the court, the judge asked if there was any witness in front of whom you used to give money to Mahajan. Then the brahmin got him to write “Banke Bihari Vald Vasudev, Banke Bihari Mandir Vrindavan” as a witness.
On the day of the testimony, Lord Krishna came disguised as an old man and told how the money was returned every now and then. When the judge saw Seth’s bookkeeping, the testimony turned out to be true. The amount was recorded and the name was false.
When the judge came to know that Banke Bihari himself had come to testify. So the judge left his home and everything and went to find God and became a fakir.
When he returned to Vrindavan after many years, people started knowing him as Pagal Baba. This temple was built by the same ‘Pagal Baba’ and this temple is also considered an excellent example of modern architecture.
Shaktipeeth Maa Chamunda Devi Temple
Maa Chamunda Devi Temple, located on the Vrindavan-Mathura road, is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of Goddess Sati. The hair of Goddess Sati had fallen at this place. It is here that Lord Shri Krishna had darshan of Mata Chamunda after liberating Kaliya Nag.
Mother Chamunda was the family deity of Nand Baba, after shaving Lord Shri Krishna in Saraswati Kund, here he worshiped Mata Chamunda. The idol of Maa Chamunda located in this temple has not been installed, but she herself has been born.
Radha Raman Mandir
Radha Raman Temple is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. One of the highly revered temples in Vrindavan, it depicts Lord Krishna’s intense love for Radha. Though dedicated to Radha, you will not find any idol of her in the temple. Next to Lord Krishna is a magnificent crown that signifies his presence. Counted among the seven temples of Thakur, it is also one of the most important temples of Vrindavan.
Katyayani Peeth
Katyayani Peeth is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. It is also known as Uma Shakti Peeth. Grand celebrations are held here on major occasions like Navratri, Durga Puja, and Vijayadashami. You will find magnificent architectural sculptures and paintings in this temple.
Shri Govind Devji Mandir
Situated in the vicinity of Vrindavan, Shri Govind Devji Temple is dedicated to the childhood of Lord Krishna. Adorned with red sandstone, this temple represents the childhood home of Lord Krishna.
It is one of the famous temples in Vrindavan. It is believed that the face of the idol looks exactly like the face of God when he was born. That is why it is said that every person must visit this holy place at least once.
Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple
One of the oldest temples in Vrindavan, the Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is situated close to the Yamuna River. The temple is dedicated to the Shiva Linga which was established by Vrajnabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. Here both the masculine and feminine powers of God are worshipped.
Kusum Sarovar
- Kusum Sarovar is located in Mathura city, about 2 km from Govardhan, near Radha Ghat. This lake is 450 feet long and 60 feet deep. According to mythology, Radha ji used to come to this place to meet Lord Krishna in the evening. This is where he used to do Rasleela. Dear reader, the evening aarti is the main attraction of this place, which people from all over the country come to see.
- Kadam trees are planted all around Kusum Sarovar. It is said that Lord Krishna liked the Kadam tree very much. For this reason, the devotees who come from every corner of India to Mathura-Vrindavan never forget to visit Kusum Sarovar.
How to reach Vrindavan
For Vrindavan city, you will get bus facility from many cities of Uttar Pradesh, but airport and railway station facility is not in Vrindavan, so Vrindavan cannot be reached through flight and train. Let us get information about “How to reach Vrindavan” through this post by Bus as well as Flight and Train.
How to reach Vrindavan by flight
The nearest airport to Vrindavan is Kheria Airport, which is located in Agra, at a distance of 72 kilometers from the city of Vrindavan. Due to not being a big airport, Kheria Airport is connected to only a few major airports in the country.
The second nearest and bigger airport to Vrindavan is Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is about 150 km from Vrindavan city. But this airport is connected to many big and small airports in the country.
From both these cities, you can reach Vrindavan Dham via private taxi or bus.
How to reach Vrindavan by Train
The nearest railway station to Vrindavan is Mathura Junction, from where Vrindavan Dham is only 15 km away. Is located at a distance. To go to Mathura Junction, you have been provided with the facility of the direct train from Uttar Pradesh as well as many other famous cities of the country.
There are some cities in the country from where a direct train facility is not available for Mathura Junction. If a train is not available for Mathura Junction, then you can catch a train for Agra Cantt Railway Station, from where the distance from Vrindavan is about 72 km. Is.
Government and private buses have been provided between Mathura and Agra from both these cities to Vrindavan. Apart from this, you will also get a taxi facility to go to Vrindavan from Mathura and Agra.
How to reach Vrindavan by Bus
Bus facilities are provided for Vrindavan from Agra, Bareilly, Gwalior, Kanpur, and Moradabad as well as other cities of Uttar Pradesh. Apart from this, a bus facility is also provided from Delhi to Vrindavan.
Friends, if you are planning to go to Vrindavan via bus and bus facility is not available from your city to Vrindavan, then you should catch a bus from your city to Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, or Bareilly.
For these cities, you will get to see bus facilities from many major cities of the country. Of these, you can reach your nearest city by bus and catch another train from there to reach Vrindavan.
How to reach Vrindavan by bike and car
The city of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh falls on the way to Delhi and Agra, so you can understand how good the road conditions of Vrindavan will be. To go to Vrindavan, you will get to see very good facilities of petrol pumps, hotels, and restaurants, etc. along with the roads. You can easily reach Vrindavan by taking your bike and car from any city in the country.
How to reach Vrindavan by Private Taxi
To go to Vrindavan, you can also take a private taxi from your city, but if you want, after landing in Agra or Delhi via flight, train, and bus, you can now reach Vrindavan by taking a private taxi from there as well. In almost all the cities near Vrindavan, you will easily get the facility of private taxis to go to Vrindavan.
Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna, every attraction is associated with Lord Krishna in some way or other. There are many temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha at this important place of our pilgrimage.
Mathura, situated on the banks of river Yamuna, is considered as the spiritual place of India as well as a symbol of Indian culture and civilization. Many people from all over the world turn to the ashrams and temples here to seek peace and knowledge.
How to reach Mathura
You can reach Mathura by various means, located about 150 km from Delhi.
How to reach Mathura by flight?
There is no airport available in Mathura, the nearest airport to Mathura is in Agra. The distance from Agra to Mathura is about 61 km. Very few flights operate to Agra, so another option is the Indira Gandhi International Airport located in Delhi. Here you will easily get flights from India or abroad. After this, you can reach Mathura from Delhi with the help of a bus, taxi, or train. The distance from Delhi to Mathura is 165 km.
How to reach Mathura by train?
Mathura Junction is well connected to West, North, and South India. Most of the trains in the country stop at Mathura Railway Junction. Apart from this Mathura Cantt and Bhuteshwar Railway Station are other railway stations. You have to get down at Mathura Railway Junction itself. Taxis, autos, and rickshaws are easily available from the railway station to reach the temple.
How to reach Mathura by Road or Bus?
Own car or private vehicle is a good option to visit Mathura. A large number of luxury buses are also available from Delhi, Agra, and other cities of India to Mathura to travel by road. Cabs and private taxi services are easily available from New Delhi to Mathura at affordable prices.
National and international highways connect Mathura to major cities of the country. NH 2 (Delhi-Howrah) highway passes through the city and is joined by National Highway 3 (Mumbai), a part of which is known as Mathura Road. Mathura can also be reached by NH-11 (Agra to Bikaner) and NH-93 (Moradabad).
The Yamuna Expressway from Delhi also connects to Mathura. The state of Uttar Pradesh runs around 120 buses to Mathura. Bus service is available by bus companies of Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, DTC, Chandigarh, and Punjab State Transport.
Best time to visit Mathura
You can come to Mathura at any time of the year because all the time is good for the darshan of Lord Shri Krishna. According to the weather, the climate in the months of October to March is good to visit Mathura. The weather of Mathura is pleasant these days.
If you want to enjoy the festivities, the festival is celebrated here at the time of Holi, Janmashtami, and Radha Ashtami. It is a pleasant and religious feeling to participate in these festivals.
Where to stay in Mathura
Near the birthplace of Shri Krishna, the rest house of Shri Krishna Janma Mandir Committee, many hotels and Dharamshala have been built. Rooms are available in Dharamshalas up to Rs.200-500 and in private hotels also, AC and Non-AC rooms are available from Rs.500 to 5000.
History of Mathura
In Satyuga, a demon named Madhu, by doing severe penance of Lord Shiva pleased Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva had given him a trident as a boon and said that as long as he has this trident, no one can defeat him. Madhu Daitya gave the trident obtained from Shiva to his son Lavanasura. The demon Lavanasura, after getting the power of the trident, started torturing the sage Muni and the public mind.
When Lord Shri Ram came to know about this, he ordered his younger brother Shatrughan to kill Lavanasura. Shatrughan contacted Mahamuni Bhargava to know about Lavanasura. Mahamuni told Shatrughan that when Lavanasura goes hunting in the forest.
So the Trishul leaves the Shiva temple. Only then will it be possible to kill him. Then Shatrughan ji used this tactic to kill Lavanasura in the forest.
After the slaughter of Lavanasura, Shatrughan cut Madhuvan and built the city of Mathura. Mathura has been inhabited since the golden age. When Lord Shri Vishnu was born in Mathura as Shri Krishna in Dwapar Yuga, Mathura gained religious and historical importance because of Lord Shri Krishna.
Places to Visit in Mathura
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Darshan
Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is the main temple of Mathura, which is very grand to see and a wonderful example of Indian architecture. Lord Krishna was born in the prison cell built at this divine place. The idols of two gatekeepers have been built at the main gate of Shri Krishna’s birthplace.
Above the door, Lord Krishna is seen as the charioteer of Arjuna’s chariot. After getting in line, we have to go inside after going through very tight security. This temple is divided into three parts, the sanctum sanctorum, the Keshavdev temple, and the Bhagvat Bhawan.
The place where Lord Krishna was born is located in the sanctum sanctorum. The 1500-year-old throne found in the excavation here has been preserved. Aurangzeb had built the Idgah by demolishing the temple, then the sanctum was buried under the Idgah.
There is a marble platform in a verandah above the sanctum. This Keshavdev temple is the oldest. Here Lord Krishna is seen in the form of a very beautiful child Krishna. Apart from this, there is also a Jagannath temple, where the idols of Lord Jagannath along with Subhadra and Balarama are located. Sitaram Laxman Temple, Mahadev Temple, Hanuman Temple, Sherawali Mata Temple, etc. are built in other temples here.
Here on the pillars, there is a description of the pastimes of Lord Krishna. There are very beautiful pictures of Lord Krishna’s Rasleela and other pastimes on the roof of the temple. In the circumambulation of the temple, the entire Shri Bhagavad Gita is written on a copper sheet. Take all these things in your mind, they will be remembered by you for the rest of your life.
Krishna Janma Bhoomi opening hours
April to November: 5.00 am to 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 9.30 pm
November to April: 5.30 am to 12.00 am and 3.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Potra Kund
The huge and holy Potarakund is situated near the birthplace of Shri Krishna. After the birth of Lord Krishna, Mata Devaki washed his clothes and clothes in this pool. That’s why this kind is called Potra Kund. The water in this pool has been filled by internal sources. Krishna devotees, after visiting the Janmasthan temple, come to visit here as well.
Dwarkadhish Temple
One of the most prominent places of interest in Mathura, Dwarkadhish Temple was built by Seth Gokul Das Parikh in 1814. This temple is situated near the Vishram Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna. Devotional feeling awakens in this temple as soon as the Dwarkadhish form of Lord Krishna is seen.
Shri Rukmani Ji is seated to the left of Shri Dwarkadhish Ji. Laddu Gopal and Shri Radha are also enshrined near Shri Dwarkadhish. Even after seeing the Shri Dwarkadhish Temple once, one cannot lose sight of the temple. Seeing the beautiful carvings, art, and paintings in the temple, it seems as if we have entered the Dwapara Yuga.
Shri Dwarkadhish Temple Darshan Timings
6:30 am – 10:30 am
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Vishram ghat
One of the attractive places of Mathura, a Vishram Ghat is situated at a distance of 30 meters from Dwarkadhish Temple. This is the main ghat among the 25 ghats of Mathura. Lord Krishna took rest at this ghat after killing his maternal uncle Kansa, hence it is called Vishram Ghat.
A very beautiful temple of Yamuna ji is situated on this ghat. A huge crowd of devotees is present here in the morning and evening to see the spiritual and picturesque view of the grand aarti of Yamuna ji.
Shaktipeeth Maa Chamunda Devi Temple
Maa Chamunda Devi Temple, located on the Mathura-Vrindavan road, is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of Goddess Sati. The hair of Goddess Sati had fallen at this place. It is here that Lord Shri Krishna had darshan of Mata Chamunda after liberating Kaliya Nag.
Mother Chamunda was the family deity of Nand Baba, after shaving Lord Shri Krishna in Saraswati Kund, he worshiped Mata Chamunda here. The idol of Maa Chamunda located in this temple has not been installed, but she herself has been born.
Mother Gayatri Tapobhoomi
Gayatri Tapobhoomi is situated in front of Maa Chamunda Devi temple in the penance of Maharishi Durvasa. Gayatri Tapobhoomi is the world’s first Gayatri temple. Pandit Shri Ram Acharya fasted from 30.05.1953 to 22.06.1953 by taking only Ganges water and established and established Vishwamata Gayatri.
This is what was accomplished by many sadhaks by chanting 24 lakh Gayatri Mantra, reciting 1.25 lakh Gayatri Chalisa, Yajurveda, Gita, Ramayana, Gayatri Sahasranama, Gayatri Kavach, Durga Saptashati recitation, Mahamrityujaya Mantra, etc.
Geeta Mandir (Birla Mandir)
The newly built Geeta Mandir by the Birla family is one of the tourist places in Mathura. In this temple, the chapters of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita are inscribed on a log. A huge statue of Lord Shri Krishna is installed here. The entire Gita has been engraved on a red stone pillar near the temple.
The painting and architecture of this temple are an amalgamation of Indian and western styles. On special occasions, it is a pleasure to see the Geeta Mandir electrically decorated.
Kansa’s Fort
The palace of the demon king Kansa, the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna, is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. Worth seeing in this fort is the old audience room located outside.
There are many huge pillars made of red sandstone in this chamber. This ruined fort still shows its former grandeur. In ancient times, this fort was used to protect from floods.
Government Museum Mathura
In Mathura, when all the temples are closed in the afternoon, then the place to visit in Mathura at this time is the Mathura Museum. The first statue of Mahatma Buddha is present in this museum.
During the British rule in Mathura, Buddha, Mahavira, Maurya, Shungakal, Shaka, North Shunga dynasty, Kushan period, Gupta period, East and North medieval period, many rare artifacts, and sculptures decorated with culture were found. In this museum, there is a storehouse of thousands of years old Kushan, Gupta, and Mauryan art of Mathura. Which shows the clothes of the kings of the early times, their weapons, weapons, and their lifestyle.
Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple
Mathura has a temple of Lord Shiva situated on its four corners. The ancient temple of Garteshwar Mahadev is situated in the east, Bhuteshwar in the west, Rangeshwar Mahadev in the south, and Gokarneshwar Mahadev in the north. He was called Gokarnanath because of his birth from the ears of a cow.
In the idol of Gokarna Mahadev ji installed in the temple, his reverse hand is on his linga and the other hand is placed over the mind. That is, every person has to control only these two things because both the mind and work of man are very moving.
Garteshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Mallapura behind Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi. It is one of the ancient temples of Mathura. Lord Garteshwar Mahadev is known as the Kshetrapal of the eastern frontier.
Tilak (Holy Gate) Gate, Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, Shri Rangeshwar Mahadev Temple, Jai Gurudev Temple and Jain Temple are other places of interest in Mathura. Where you can visit according to the time.
Dwarkadhish Temple
This temple was constructed in the year 1814. All the artifacts of Bhavan Krishna are present in this temple. If you want to see the vast life of Lord Krishna, then definitely visit this temple.
This temple is located at a distance of about 4 km from Mathura Junction and is close to Vishram Ghat. During the time of Krishna Janmashtami and Holi, there is a huge crowd of devotees here.
The opening hours of the temple are as follows-
6:30 AM – 10:30 PM – Summer
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM- Summer
6:30 AM – 10:30 PM- Winter
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM- Winter
Govardhan Parvat
- According to a legend, Lord Krishna lifted this mountain on one finger to save the village from drowning. People say that by taking a round of this mountain, all your sins are washed away. Whenever you go to Mathura, you must visit this place once. Govardhan Parvat, located 22 km from Mathura near Vrindavan, is one of the most visited tourist places by tourists visiting here. Friends, this mountain is considered holy.
- You must have seen the story of Govardhan Parvat in the serials. Govardhan and its surrounding area are called Braj Bhoomi. It was here in the Dwapar era that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his finger to save the people of Braj from the wrath of Indra. Govardhan mountain is also known as Giriraj ji. Even today, devotees from far and wide come to circumambulate this mountain. It is a circumambulation of about 23 kilometers. Many devotees also complete it with the help of vehicles. Many religious places fall in this way. Among these are Anyaur, Radhakund, Kusum Sarovar, Mansi Ganga, Govind Kund, Poonchri ka Lota, and Danghati among others. Friends, from where the parikrama begins, there is a famous temple, which is called Dan Ghati Temple.
Famous local food of Mathura
Mathura is also famous for its sweets and dishes made from milk. The trees here are world famous. Apart from this, you will not be able to forget the taste of Lassi, Lachhedar Rawdi, Rajbhog, and other sweets here for a lifetime. You must try the taste of Kachori, Jalebi, Panipuri, Samosa, Chaat, and Aloo Tikki among the wonderful spicy dishes here.
Shopping Places in Mathura
Varieties will be found in Mathura mostly in items related to worship and prayer. You will love pearl garlands, bronze sculptures, and utensils for worship here. These items will make your house and temple more beautiful and will also become a memory of Mathura. Apart from these, you can also buy idols made of Ashtadhatu, temples of gods, and goddesses in Mathura.