Mathura one of the ancient cities and also homeland and birthplace of Krishna. Traditionally it is believed that it was founded by Shatrughna after killing Yadava Lavana at the site of Madhuvana. According to Ramayana it was founded by Madhu (a man of the Yadu tribe). Later on Madhu’s son Lavanasura was defeated by Satrughana. It is in the state Uttar Pradesh and located 162 kilometres (101 miles) south-east of Delhi; and about 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) from the town of Vrindavan. It is considered the heart of Brij Bhoomi, the land of Krishna. The twin-city to Mathura is Vrindavan. Gokul located 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) south-east of Mathura.
According to the Archaeological Survey of India plaque at the Mathura Museum, the city is mentioned in the oldest Indian epic, the Ramayana.
It is one of the Sapta Puris, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus.
Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex is an important group of temples built around what is considered to be the birthplace of Krishna. The temple complex contains Keshav Deva temple dedicated to Krishna, Garbha Griha shrine where Krishna was born in Dvapar Yuga, Bhagavata Bhavan where presiding deities are Radha Krishna and the Rangabhoomi where the final battle between Krishna and Kamsa took place.
The Dwarkadheesh Temple is one of the largest temples in Mathura. Vishram Ghat at the bank of river Yamuna is said to be the place were Krishna had rested after killing Kamsa. The present Shri Dwarkadheesh Mandir built in 1814 where Krishna is worshipped as Dwarakanath along with Radha.
Kusum Sarovar – Picture at the top of page
Kusum Sarovar – As the name suggests, Kusum Sarovar is a place surrounded by a variety of flowers and Kadamb trees. It is said that Radha would come here under the pretext of collecting flowers for her friends, but would secretly meet with Krishna and have playful conversations. According to legends, once while collecting flowers, Radha’s dress got stuck in thorns and Krishna came to help Radharani disguised as the gardener and took out her stuck dress from the thorns. It is also believed that Krishna used to play hide and seek with his friends on this ancient site and would collect flowers to make garlands for Radha.
Govardhan hill (26 km from Mathura): Indra intimidated humans by either giving them no rain or would flood them if he was no longer satisfied by their worship. Krishna on finding out opposed the performance of sacrificial worship for Indra and emphasized the importance of Karna and doing one’s duties. Infuriated by this, Indra invoked clouds and flooded the region with rains lasting for 7 days and nights. In response to this, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on His little finger to protect the animals and people and keep them safe. Indra accepted defeat and left to his heavenly kingdom after offering his prayers. Many devotees do Parikrama of the hill.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan has about 5,500 temples dedicated to the worship of Krishna and his chief consort, Radha. Vrindavan was almost forgotten and lost over time until the 16th century when it was rediscovered by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In the year 1515, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Vrindavan, with the purpose of locating the lost holy places associated with Krishna’s life. Positioned on the banks of the revered Yamuna River Vrindavan bears witness to the enchanting tales of Krishna’s childhood, his divine plays, His dancing with the Gopis and his celestial love with Radha.
Vrindavan The Banke Bihari Mandir
The image of Banke Bihari installed in the Shri Banke Bihari Mandir, is the one granted to Swami Haridas by the celestial couple Radha-Shyam themselves. Submitting to the desire of devotees The Lord appeared in person with his divine consort and left back a black charming image before disappearing.
Banke Bihari Vrindavan
Gopeshwar Mandir
As per the popular belief, Lord Krishna and Sri Radha Rani along with the Gopis were performing Raas Leela on the night of Sharad Purnima, when Lord Shiva expressed his wish to be a part of the same to experience the bliss of Raas Leela. However, Lord Shiva, being a male was not permitted to do so and was stopped by Vrinda Devi. Determined to participate, Lord Shiva started praying and meditating on Goddess Radha who gave him permission to join Raas Leela after getting induced into Sakhi Bhav.
Lord Shiva took a dip in the holy Yamuna river and emerged as a beautiful damsel, after which he was allowed into the Raasmandal. Being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva himself, Lord Krishna recognised the female guise of him and named her Gopeshwar/Gopinath.
Radha Raman Temple, is an early modern period Hindu temple in Vrindavan, India dedicated to Lord Krishna as Radha Ramana
The modern ISKCON Temple is also a beautiful one.
Gokul
Gokul is located at a distance of 15.8 kilometers from Mathura in the east-south direction. Gokul is famous for Lord Krishna because Shri Krishna spent his childhood here in Gokul. After Krishna was born his father, Vasudeva, to save Him from the evil King Kansa, carried him across river yamuna on a stormy night,and took Hm to Gokul. Here, he grew up under the loving care of Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda. He spent his childhood here and performed many miracles. Chaursi Khamba in Mahavan (Old Gokul) is considered the real home of Lord Krishna. Krishna and Balaram stayed here till they were 2-1/2 years old.
The house, known as Nanda Bhavan, was built over 5,000 years ago by the divine architect Vishvakarma. It stands on a hill and is supported by 84 pillars, which is why it is called “Chaurasi Khamba” (Chaurasi means “84” in Hindi). These original pillars are said to date back to Nanda Maharaja’s time. Inside the temple, there are three main deities: Nanda Maharaja on the left, Yashoda on the right, and Lord Balarama in the center. Below them is a deity of baby Krishna, seen swinging in a cradle.
At this very place, the demoness Putana came disguised as a mother, smeared poison on her breasts, and tried to kill baby Krishna by feeding Him. However, Krishna sucked out her life along with the poison and liberated her from her demonic form. This act also fulfilled her wish from a previous life to serve the Lord as a foster mother.
Brahmand Ghat is associated with one of Krishna’s famous childhood miracles. It is said that when Yashoda Maiya suspected Krishna of eating sand, she asked him to open his mouth. To her surprise, she saw the entire universe inside his mouth. This miraculous event makes Brahmand Ghat a must-visit.
Chintaharan Mahadev Temple after witnessing the universe in Krishna’s mouth, Yashoda was filled with worry. It is believed that she prayed at this temple, and Lord Mahadev (Shiva) appeared to take away her worries.
How to reach:
Rail.
Mathura is well connected with the major cities of India. Railway Station(s): Mathura Junction (MTJ), Mathura Cantt. (MRT)
Road
Mathura is well-connected by road to the rest of by regular buses.
Air
Mathura 46 km away from Kheria Airport (AGR), Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Mathura 136 km away from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi
