Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna is set in the heart of Brajbhoomi, on the right bank of river Yamuna. The legendary pilgrim site well known for its string of picturesque ghats and sacred shrines attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the festival of Janmashtami (Aug./Sep.), which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Mathura, the land of cows is also well known for its milk-based sweets like pedas.
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi: It is believed to be the birthplace, ofLord Krishna. The beautiful temple at the Katra Keshav Dev marks the sacred site.
Gita Mandir: The beautiful temple was built by the Birla’s, on the Mathura-Vrindavan road. It enshrines a fine image of Lord Krishna and the entire Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on the walla of the temple.
Dwarikadhish Temple: This magnificent shrine of Lord Krishna was built in 1814, by Seth Gokuldas Parikh, the treasurer of the State of Gwalior
Vishram Ghat: There are about 25 ghats in Mathura and Vishram Ghat is considered to be the most important. It is believed that Lord Krishna rested here for a while, after killing Kansa. Vishram Ghat is also the starting point of the traditional parikrama, the circumambulation of important religious and cultural sites. The Vishram Ghat is lined with some of the most important shrines of Mathura. The evening aarti (prayers) is the best time to visit the ghat.
Kans Qila: The ruins of the fort lie on the northern bank of the River Yamuna. An observatory was built here by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh(1699-1743) ofAmer.
Jama Masjid: It was built in 1661 and is noted for its four lofty minarets.
Government Museum: The museum at Dampier Park was set up in 1874 and is one of the leading centers for research, study and the preservation of the collection of Kushana sculptures in the country and a rich collection of terracotta, coin, seals, ancient pottery, and bronzes, etc.
Gokul: It is believed that Lord Krishna was brought here after birth in secrecy by Nand Krishna spent his childhood at this beautiful village on the banks of Yamuna. It became a major center of the Bhakti cult during the time of Vallabhacharya (1479-1531). There are a number of important shrines like Gokulnath, Madan Mohan, Vitthalnath, Dwarika Nath and Balkrishna, etc. It is also known for Janmashtami celebrations.
Madhavan: It is famous for the Mathuranath shrine withChaurasi Khambha(eighty-four pillars).
Govardhan: The sacred site is perched on a narrow sandstone hill known as Giriraj. It is said that Lord Krishna lifted the Giniraj mountain on the tip of a finger for 7days, to shield the people of Braj from the wrath of Lord Indra Atop the hill is a temple built by Vallabhacharya in 1520. There is also a huge masonry tank known as Mansi Ganga
Barsana: It is 19 km, from Govardhan and is said to be the home of Radha Rani, Lord Krishna’s beloved. There are temples dedicated to the divine couple Radha and Krishna. Barsana is also famous for its unique ‘Latthimar’ Holi-celebrations.
Vrindavan: The land of 4,000 temples’ is another holy site closely associated with Lord Krishna, who is said to have spent a great deal of time here in playful activities with his friends and gopis.
Madan Mohan Temple: The shrine near the Kal Ghat is associated with the saint Chaitanya and is the oldest existent temple in Vrindavan The original idol of Lord Madan Gopal was taken away to Karauli (Rajasthan), to protect it from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Today, the temple enshrines replica of the original.
Banke Bihari Temple: It was built n 1864 and is perhaps the most popular shrine here. The dol of Banke Bihari in the temple was discovered in Nidhi Vana by Swam Haridas Ji, an ardent devotee of the Lord.
Radha Vallabh Temple: This famous shrine was established by the Radha-Vallabh.
Jaipur Temple: The exquisitely carved temple of Shri Radha-Madhav was built in 1917, by king Sawat Madhav Singh of Jaipur.
Shahji Temple: It was built in 1876, by Shah Kundan Lal a wealthy jeweler of Lucknow. The deities at the temple are popularly known as theChbote Radha Raman.
Rangaji Temple: It was built in 1851, in the Dravidian style and is noted for a six-storeyed gopuram (gateway) and a gold plated 50 feet high Dhwaja stambha. LordVishnu is depicted resting on the coils of the sacred Shesha-Nag. The annual Siva of Jal Vitbar of the presiding deity is performed with Baptpomp and splendor the tank. It is also well known for Anotsav celebrations in March-April.
Govind Dev Temple: The magnificent seven storeyed structures are said to have been built at a cost of one crore rupees in 1590, by Man Singh. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural style.
Shri Krishna-Balram Temple: This shrine of the ISKCON sect, is one of the most beautiful temples in Vrindavan.
Seva Kunj: According to legends, Lord Krishna performed the Raaslila with Radha and the Gopis here and rested at Nidhi Van.
Other places of interest are the Sri Radha Shyam Sundar Temple, Srji Temple, Jugal Kishore Temple, Kesi Ghat, Lal Babu Temple, Raj Ghat, Meera Bai Temple, Imli Tal, Kaliya Ghat, Raman Reti, Varah Ghat and Chir Ghat, etc.
Reaching There
Airport- Kheria (Agra), 62 kms.
Railhead- Well connected.
Road- Well connected.
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