Mathura
Distance from
Jaipur 219
Overview
A great city that bares a history of so many centuries, Mathura in the State of Uttar Pradesh is mainly regarded as the birthplace of a most benevolent lord of the Hindu Pantheon. A sacred town with an array of holy shrines and sacred kunds, Mathura boast of numerous legends and myths, which has gained deep-rooted beliefs in the people.
The most holy city of the Vaishnava cult, Mathura welcomes the visitors with the countless tales of the blue god. Each and every spot in this miraculous city has some connection with the most humane incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The serene banks of the river Yamuna and its holy Ghats attribute the religious fervor of the city to a great extent.
British called Mathura as Muttara and the Greeks gave it the name Modoura, the literal meaning of the word is 'city of gods', a sobriquet well suited to its serene ambiance. Though this city is linked mainly with the fable and cult of the Krishna, it is as sacred as to the Jains and Buddhists also.
Since Mathura is the holy abode of lord Krishna, city's festivals unravels Krishna's life from his childhood to adulthood. All festivities and fiestas are centered round the blue god and to the Maduraits celebrations of every kind is an auspicious occasion to pay reverence to the blue god. During Holy and Janmashtami, the city is thronged with exuberant artistic performances.
Though the city has been severely attacked by the Muslim invaders, the monuments and buildings exhibits a unique mix of Hindu and Muslim architecture. With its enchanting holy shrines and serene spots this habitat of Lord Krishna would proffer each visitor with a new vigor and energy.
Attraction
Ghats: Mathura has many serene theerthams, popularly known as ghats. At present the city has about twenty five ghats, and each of the ghats is connected to Lord Krishna in one or the other way. It is conventional that all the devotees should visit the twenty five ghats to end their pilgrimage in Mathura. The ghats towards the north are known as Vishram Ghats and the ghats towards the south are called as Moksha ghats. The devotees believe that a holy dip in the water and performance of poojas would surely retrieve them from their sins.
Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid in Mathura was built by Abo-in-Nabir-Khan, governor of the King Aurangzeb. The mosque was constructed in 1661 and is located near Krishnajanmabhoomi Temple. The mosque represents the architecture of Mughal Era that consists of four minarets along with faded coloured plaster mosaic, which once had decorated the panels of the mosque.
Vishram Ghat: Vishram Ghat literally meaning the resting place is located at the banks of the river Yamuna. The ghat is made up of marble stone and has a large stone arch. According to the legend, it is at this ghat Lord Krishna rested after a long battle with the king Kansa. Furthermore, the ghat is surrounded by several temples like Mukut Temple, Murli Manohar and many other temples. . Aarti on the ghat in evening is a sight worth watching. Tourists can also sight a beautiful view of small oil lamps floating on the river surface.
Sri Keshavji Gaudiya Math: Sri Keshavji Gaudiya Math temple has been built by Sri Srimad Bhakti Prajnana Kesava Goswami Maharaja. Two of his prominent followers are Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Goswami Maharaja and Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The deities presiding in the temple are Sri Sri Radha Vinode Bihariji and Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Giriraja Govardhan. This math is located diagonally across the Rangeshwar Mahadev Temple and Kansa Qila.
Rangbhoomi: Rangbhoomi is located opposite to the post office in Mathura. It was a wrestling arena where the battle between Lord Krishna and king Kansa took place and the latter was killed. After killing Kansa, Krishna set his parent free and reinstated maternal grandfather Ugrasena on the throne. The site nowadays attracts a lot of tourists and devotees due to its mythological significance.
Kusum Sarovar: Kusum Sarovar is a 450 ft long and 60 ft deep tank, located nearby Radha Kunj. The sarovar is believed to be the place where Radha along with gopis used to collect flowers and meet Lord Krishna. The sarovar also encompasses a flight of stairs along its ghat. The ghat comprises huge flora and fauna along with Kadamb tree, which is believed to be the favourite of Lord Krishna. Tourists visiting this ghat can also indulge in bathing or swimming in this sarovar. Moreover, tourists can also sight beautiful view of aarti in the evening.
Mathura Museum: Government Museum, popularly known as Mathura Museum, is located near the Dampier Park. The museum houses artefacts of the Gupta and the Kushan period ranging from 400 B.C. to 1200 A.D. It also encompasses a collection of the Mathura School of Sculptures. Furthermore, tourists visiting the museum can also see a collection of stone sculptures, terracotta, gold, silver and copper coins. The museum also houses ancient paintings, bronze sculptures, pottery and clay seals. The building of museum in itself is a work of art, which is made with red sandstone and is octagonally shaped. The statues of headless figure of Kanishk, standing Buddha and mother goddess along with the memorials of Sunga period are worth watching.
Govardhan Hill: The famous pilgrimage center lies on a tapered sandstone hill known as Giriraj is Govardhan Hill. The term Govardhana means 'which increases the senses'. Most of the tales about Lord Krishna, holding the hill are based on this particular hillside. According to the legends, Lord Krishna held up the hill continuously for seven days during the great flood. It is said that a visit to this sacred hill gives a feeling of piety and wellbeing to the devotees.
Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple: Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest temples of Mathura, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The presiding deity of Lord Shiva is referred to as Bhuteshwar Mahadev. The sanctum of this temple measures around 100 sq. m in area. It is believed that Lord Shiva came to Braj and resided as the protector of Lord Krishna's abode, Sri Vrindavan Dham. The temple also encompasses the cave of Patal Devi, who was worshipped by King Kansa. In the month of Sawan, during five Mondays, the temple is thronged by many devotees.
Rangeshwar Mahadev Temple: Rangeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is referred to as Rangeshwar Mahadev. It is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Shiva as the city of Mathura is dominated by Vaisnavite temples, since it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Jai Gurudev Ashram: Jai Gurudev Ashram is one of the famous tourist spots and pilgrimage attractions in Mathura. Built by Baba Jaigurudev, this temple is also popularly known as Naam Yog Sadhna Mandir. The architecture of this temple resembles that of the Taj Mahal. One of the significant features of this temple is that non-vegetarian pilgrims are prohibited to make any kind of donation. Tourists can also stay in this ashram in order to discover their spiritual side.
Kans Qila: Kans Qila is situated on the northern banks of river Yamuna, which symbolises a blend of Muslim as well as Hindu architecture. Situated near the Krishna Ganga ghat and the Gau ghat in Mathura, tourists can witness the ruins of the fort. The fort was renovated in the late 16th century by Raja Man Singh of Amber, the Rajput general of Mughal emperor Akbar. This fort is believed to be a saviour from the flood in river Yamuna in olden times. It is also believed that Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur built an observatory near the fort, but traces of which cannot be found.
Mathura Jain Chorasi: Mathura Jain Chorasi is one of the few temples for worship by the Jain sect. The temple has a statue of Lord Jambu Swami, which is 21 ft in height. The statue is made of a single piece of granite stone. The main temple has a hall which can accommodate more than five hundred devotees at the same time.
Potara Kund: Potara Kund is one of the famous and significant kunds in Mathura, where Lord Krishna's clothes were washed. Made of red sandstone, this kund comprises many stairs. This kund is surrounded by various temples and shrines that are believed to have been built during the mythological times. As per legend, there were 159 kunds, out of which only four exist. The other kunds include the Shiv Tal, the Balbhadra and the Saraswati kund.
Dwarikadheesh Temple: Dwarikadheesh Temple is one of the most visited temples in Mathura, which is located near the banks of river Yamuna. The temple was built by Seth Gokuldas Parikh in 1814. This temple is known for its beautiful architecture, carvings, paintings and idols of Krishna, Balaram and Radha. Presently, the temple is being managed by the followers of Vallabhacharya sect. Festivals like Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali are celebrated with excitement and devotees visit this temple in large numbers.
Gita Temple: Gita Temple was built by the Birla Group and is located on the outskirts ofMathura. The temple is known for its beautiful carvings and inscriptions of the entire text of Bhagavad Gita. The temple also has an idol of Lord Krishna along with other deities including Lakshmi Narayana, Ram and Sita. It also comprises a Geeta Stambh and numerous paintings. During the occasions of Janmashtami and Holi, the temple is illuminated and decorated.
Krishnajanmabhoomi Temple: Krishnajanmabhoomi Temple is situated in Mathura and was first built by Raja Veer Singh Bundela of Orcha. The temple is constructed over the prison, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. According to the legend, King Vasudeva and his wife Devaki were imprisoned by Kansa, the king of Mathura at this place. He imprisoned them due to a prophecy which stated that the king will be killed by his sister's child. This temple marks the birthplace of Lord Krishna, who killed king Kansa. Several artefacts along with utensils, old statues and a rock based slab have been excavated from this site. The temple shares a common wall with the mosque and devotees have to undergo a security check. Moreover, mobile phones are also not allowed in the temple premises.
Raja Bharatpuras Palace: Raja Bharatpura's Palace is one of important destinations in Mathura. It is a fabulous monument of old times, which exhibits excellent craftsmanship and architecture. The well carved mosaic flooring apartments are a treat to see. The architectural styles are blend of both the Mughals and Rajputs. The palace's central hall is converted into a museum, where visitors can see the royal artifacts of olden era. Various articles are displayed which include artifacts of the 2nd century.
How to reach
By Air: The nearest airport is at Kheria, near Agra, which is roughly 60 km from Mathura. However, being close to national capital, one can fly into the Indira Gandhi International Airport or Palam Domestic Airport in New Delhi and then take a cab/train which would take a couple of hours to reach Mathura.
By Road: Mathura is well connected to all the major cities by National Highways. It is linked by the regular state bus services of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana. Mathura is approximately 145 km from New Delhi and 60 km from Agra. From Delhi, it's National Highway (# 2) and could be easily traversed by a car crossing Faridabad in between. Mathura has two bus stands. The Old Bus stand located near the City Gate, has buses going to Agra and Govardhan. The New Bus Stand has buses going to Delhi, Jaipur, Bharatpur and Deeg.
By Train: Mathura is well connected by Indian Railway network and is on the main lines of Central and Western railways. All the major trains have a stop at Mathura Railway Station. Normally it would take around 2 hours to reach Mathura from New Delhi. Bhopal Shatabdi Express, which leaves New Delhi at 06:15 am and arrives Mathura at 07:34 am, is a convenient train from New Delhi.
