Mathura - Uttar Pradesh - Tourism

Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna which is located at the centre of Braj or Brij-bhoomi, called Shri Krishna Janma-Bhoomi, literally: 'Lord Krishna's birthplace'. It is one of the seven cities (Sapta Puri) considered holy by Hindus. The Keshav Dev Temple was built in ancient times on the site of Krishna's birthplace (an underground prison). Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Kingdom, ruled by Kansa the maternal uncle of Krishna. Mathura has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY - Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India.

Tourist Attractions: 

Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple: Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is located in Mathura near the railway station. The temple is one of the main attraction of the city in Uttar Pradesh and an important place of pilgrimage for the devotees of Hindu community. This Temple is distinguished as the place of birth of Lord Krishna. It is a popular belief that nearly 5000 years ago Lord Krishna was born in the prison of King Kansa in Mathura. Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura can be visited between 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM all throughout the year. As per the legend King Kansa, the ruler of Mathura was a tyrannical ruler. As per the divine prophesy his sister's son would kill him. As a result he imprisoned his sister and brother-in-law. Lord Krishna was given birth in the prison itself.

Dwarkadheesh Temple: Dwarkadheesh Temple is located near the eastern banks of river Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh.  The temple was constructed in 1814 and is located at a central place in the city of Mathura. It can be visited between 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM all throughout the year. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna.

The Dwarkadheesh Temple in Mathura is considered to be one of most visited temples in the city. The architecture of the temple is very interesting with beautiful carvings and paintings. Festivals like Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali are celebrated with lot of pomp and grandeur in the temple. During these occasions loads of tourists visit the temple to receive the blessings of the Lord. Presently the management and administration of the temple is looked after by the followers of the Vallabhacharya sect.

Jama Masjid, Mathura: Jama Masjid, Mathura was constructed by Nabir -Khan in 1661 A.D. He was the governor of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. This mosque is a popular place of worship of the Muslims of the region. It is visited by thousands of devotees to offer prayer from all across Uttar Pradesh and India. The mosque is adorned with four soaring minarets. These minarets are decorated with vibrantly colored plaster mosaic. Some of these panels exist even today.

Kesava Deo Temple: It is believed that Kesava Deo Temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh was constructed over the prison cell in which Lord Krishna was born. As per the legend, Lord Krishna was born in a small prison room as his parents were in the captivity of the tyrant ruler Kansa. During Aurangzeb's reign the temple was demolished on his instructions and the Jama Masjid was built on the site by the local governor, Abe-In-Nabir Khan. Few years back the remnants of the old temple could be seen behind the mosque but now been modern buildings have covered it.

Rangbhoomi: Rangbhoomi is one of major attraction in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh and tourists visit this interesting place every year. Rangbhoomi in Mathura is situated opposite to the Mathura post office.Rangbhoomi has great economical significance as it was a part of the Mauryan Empire. According to the legend, Rangbhoomi is the wrestling area where Lord Krishna defeated and killed his maternal uncle Kansa and also freed his parents from the prison. Kansa had kept his sister and husband prisoners and he killed all their children but was unsuccessful in killing Krishna who was saved by his father, Basudev. The Vishram Ghat is close by and it is said that Lord Krishna took rest at this ghat after killing Kansa.

Mathura Krishna Balarama Mandir: Mathura Krishna Balarama Mandir is a beautiful temple made of marble, which was built in the year 1975 in Uttar Pradesh.  The presiding deities of the temple are Radha-Syamasundara, Gaura-Nitai and Krishna Balarama. The temple attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world.

Krishna Balarama Mandir was set up by the divine grace of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He was the founder acharya of the religious society that is famous all over the world, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness popularly known as ISKON. The Samadhi Mandir of Swami Prabhupada is located in front of the temple. After his demise in 1977, his body was laid to rest here. The house Swami Prabhupada has been converted into a museum. A guest house, goshalla, restaurant and a gurukula are also located here.

Gita Mandir Mathura: Gita Mandir is situated at a distance of five kilometers from Mathura in Uttar Pradeshand is one of the most popular attractions of Mathura. The magnificent mandir was built by Birla ,one of the leading industrial powers of India .The excellent architecture of the temple attracts tourists from all over India.

The whole of Gita, the sacred book of the Hindus, is inscribed on the temple. Beautiful carvings and paintings enhance the beauty of the temple. There is a beautiful image of Lord Krishna is present in the sanctum of the Mandir. The Gita Stabmh is also present in the temple. The temple is decorated beautifully on the auspicious occasion of Janmasthami and Holi. 

The temple is open throughout the week and there is no entry charge. Worshipers can visit the temple in the morning and offer their offerings. There are small shops outside the Gita Mandir which sell flowers ,sweets and other essential commodities required for the puja.

Shopping: 
The colorful Mathura Bazaars are the perfect time pass. Along with catering to the spiritual needs, you can allot some time for shopping in Mathura.The most interesting part of the bazaars in Mathura is that majority of them are located near the famous temple complex.So after or before offering prayers at the temples, as time permits, you can explore these bazaars to make amazing purchases.The best areas to explore the markets in Mathura are Bengali Ghats, Chatta Bazaar, Dwarkadheesh Temple at Naya Bazaar, Tilak Dwar and Chowk. In these areas you will be fascinated at the variety of items that range from ritual and religious souvenirs like tiny 'Astadhatu' busts of Hindu gods and goddesses, Rosary beads, Brass statues to utensils for worship.

Best Time to visit: Oct- Mar