Mathura
the divine land, the home of Lord Krishna that still pounding with the
spiritual memoir of the Lord's vast charisma. It is believed that this is
the place where about 5,000 years ago Lord Krishna was born in the prison of
King Kansa.
Mathura an ancient holy city in India derive its eminence from being the
birthplace of Lord Krishna. Situated at a distance of 145 kms from Delhi and
58 kms from Agra in the state of Utter Pradesh, the city is known for its
many temples dedicated to the Lord Krishna located at Katra, Keshav Deo, the
temples are visited by pilgrims from all over the world. The Temple
Dwarkadesh built by Seth Gokul Das of Gwalior in 1814 is arrayed with some
ethereal pictures depicting the entire life of Krishna.
In 600 BC. Mathura was the capital of Braj situated on the West Bank of
river Yamuna. Today Mathura has become the sacred place of religious and
epic interest and attracts pilgrims from the Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina
religion. All round the year, a large number of festivals and fairs are held
in Mathura and the bordering areas of Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana and
Goverdhan.
Attractions of the City
Jama Masjid
Most sacred mosque of Muslims in Mathura built by Abo-in-Nabir-Khan in
1661AD has 4 towering minarets with bright colored plaster mosaic of which a
few panels still exist.
Vishram Ghat
This holy ghat on the bank of river Ganga is the place where Lord Krishna
is believed to have rested after assassinating the duce Kansa.
Dwarkadheesh Temple
Built in 1814, it is the main temple of the town, located in the eastern
part of Mathura not far from the Yamuna River. During the festivals of Holi,
Janmashtami and Diwali, pilgrims throng the temple from all over the country
and participate in the festivities with great devotion and excitement.
Gita Mandir
The temple is situated on the city outskirts, the temple carvings and its
paintings are a major attraction for the visitors.
Government Museum
The museum comprises of diverse collecting of stone sculptures,
bas-reliefs, architectural fragments and inscriptions etc. There are also
thousands of terra cotta inscribed bricks, pottery pieces, clay seals,
bronze objects and number of coins and paintings.
Govardhan
It is the same hill, which Krishna is believed to have held atop. Each
hilltop is associated with some incident from Krishna's life. Barsana
represents the four faces of Lord Brahma, the Creator.
Excursion
Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan together form Brajbhoomi, the birthplace of Lord
Krishna and also the center of the Lord's romantic stories. Vrindavan is at
a distance of 15 kms from Mathura. This holy city is also honored for its
diverse Hindu shrines and is home to about 4000 temples both big and small.
Pagal Baba and the impressive Iskcon Temple are the most important pilgrim
center. Every year thousands of devotees visit the place from all over the
world.
Festivities in Brajbhoomi
Brajbhoomi is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and also the center of the
Lord's romantic tales. Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is
celebrated here with great enthusiasm every year in August-September. During
the festival time many shows are organized based on the life of Lord
Krishna.
Accessibility
Air : 62 km from Mathura, Kheria in Agra is the nearest airport.
Rail : Situated on the Delhi-Bombay main lines, it is well
connected by railways to all major cities. Mathura is an important railway
junction with direct trains to many places.
Road : Mathura is linked by road to Delhi and major cities of
Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. The road distance from Delhi is
145 kms. Taxis and tourist cabs from Agra are good options. A number of
tourists' coach run between Delhi and Mathura-Vrindavan everyday.
