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Learn About Places Uttar Pradesh > Mathura Uttar Pradesh

Mathura Uttar Pradesh

Mathura Uttar Pradesh

Mathura General Information

Krishna, the popular incarnation of Vishnu, is believed to have been born in Mathura. This area, popularly known as Brij Bhoomi, is a major pilgrimage place for Hindus and this area is closely linked with many episodes in Krishna early life. The region is richly interwoven with the legend of Krishna, kept alive today by millions of devotees who look upon him as the most endearing incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and by specific locations associated with the legend. Mathura's history dates back to atleast 600 BC and archaeological remains have testified its importance. It was of significance during the Mauryan era and received great stimulus under Emperor Ashoka. Later, under the Kushans it became a centre of trade and learning, and was practically their southern capital during the first two centuries AD. The earliest sculptural art of india, which is Buddhist, emerged in this region. Mathura, and Braj Bhoomi region, is also important for its festivals in which Lord Krishna forms the principal theme and are distinct to the area. Holi, Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, Kans Vadh, Yam Dwitiya and Hariyali Teej are some which revolve around Lord Krishna and his most famous consort, Radha. Nearby is Vrindavan, 15 km away, is also integral to the legend of Krishna. This is where Lord Krishna played his flute and sported with the gopis. The town was later immortalized in the poems of Mirabai, a princess of medieval India who became an ardent devotee of Krishna. Vrindavan is one of the most important religious centres of Hindu.

Area
37.80 sq. km.

Altitude
187 mt.

Climate
Summer :- Max 45ºC, Min 21.9ºC.
Winter :- Max 31.7ºC, Min 4.2ºC.

Rainfall
63.5 cm average yearly.

Languages spoken
Hindi, English.

STD Code
0565

Mathura Sightseeing

Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi :: Sri Krishna JanamBhoomi, MathuraIt is believed that this is the place where about 5,000 years ago lord Krishna was born in the prison of King Kansa. While excavating this area, many old statues were found which are now displayed in the museum. At present this place has a beautiful temple of lord Krishna.

Dwarkadish Temple :: Dwarkadish Temple, MathuraBuilt in 1814 in the center of the town, it is the most visited temple in Mathura. This temple is managed by followers of Vallabhacharya. Located in the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River, it is architecturally interesting: the temple carving and paintings are major attractions. The temple is a hub of activity during the festive days of Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali.

Gita Mandir :: On the road to Vrindaban it is a modern temple with fine paintings and carvings on the walls depicting themes from Hindu mythology. The whole of Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on a pillar called Gita Stambh.

Ghats :: The Ghats of Mathura are of great architectural, cultural and ritual interest, for devotees from far and wide. There are 25 holy tirthas (bathing places or ghats) in Mathura. Visram Ghat is in the middle and there are 12 more south of Visrama Ghat and 12 ghats north. Those in the south extend to Moksa Ghat. Some pilgrims take bath in all 25 tirthas before beginning Braja Mandala parikrama. Asi Ghat, Prayaga Ghat, Chakra Tirtha Ghat, Krishna Ganga, Dhruva Ghat and Visrama Ghat are still known by the same names.

Sati Burj :: 17 mt. high, built of red sandstone in 1570 AD, is a slim tower which commemorates the death of a noble lady - widow of Raja Bihari Mal of Amer who committed sati. The four storeyed tower was erected by Raja Bhagwan Das on the right bank of the Yamuna at Sati Ghat

The Government Museum :: The Government Museum, Mathura originally founded by F.S. Growse in 1874, is today one of the leading centres for research, study and the preservation of Mathura' s splendid heritage of art. The museum housed in a fine octagonal, red sandstone building, located at Dampier Park, has the largest collection of Kushana sculptures in the country. The Museum has also fine collections of stone sculpture and terracotta, gold, silver and copper coins, clay seals, ancient pottery, paintings and bronzes.

Kusuma Sarovara :: It is a 460-feet long lake with the platforms going out 60 feet into the water. A 25-minute walk from Radha Kunda, it is the best swimming spot in Braja. Legend has it that the gopis would pick flowers from here for Krishna. After going to Radha Kunda one can spend a relaxing hour here. It is a peaceful place. The ghatas at this kunda were built by Jawahir Singh around 1764.

Jama Masjid :: The Jama Masjid with its four lofty minarets and bright mosaic, built in 1661 AD, by Abd-un Nabir Khan, on the ruins of Keshav Deo temple, which was destroyed earlier.

Mathura Excursions

Vrindavan :: Vrindavan, Mathura ExcursionVrindavan, just 15 km from Mathura, is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is where krishna indulged in adolescent pranks like flirting with gopis in the forests and stealing their clothes while they bathed in the river. Little now remains of the legendary forests and the river has meandered away from most of Vrindavan's bathing ghats, but this town still attracts huge numbers of pilgrims. Vrindavan today, is noted for its numerous temples. The bulky red sandstone Govind Dev Temple is the most impressive building in Virndavan. The name means Divine Cowherd-in other words Krishna. Architecturall it's one of the most advanced Hindu temple in northern India and was built in 1590 by Raja Man Singh of Amber. There are many other temples in Vrindavan, including the popular Bankey Bihari, Radha Ballabh (built in 1626), Madan Mohan, the 10 storey Pagal Baba, and the Nidhi Van.

Gokul :: Gokul, Mathura ExcursionGokul 16 km. The town where infant Krishna was brought up in secrecy and home of his foster mother. Yashoda Maiya. The most important temple is Gokul Nathji. Gokul is particularly known for the festivals of Janmashtami. Annakut and Trinvat Mela, which are celebrated here in a distinct style

Barsana :: 47 km. Birth place of Radha. consort of Lord Krishna, it was previously known as Brahmsarin. The four prominent hills are adorned by temples in honour of Radha. called Ladliji. A small lake, Prem Sarovar. is believed to be the first meeting place of Lord Krishna and Radha. Barsana is famous for its holi celebrations, called Lath-maar holi, enacted between the residents of Nandgaon and Barsana

Govardhan :: Govardhan, Mathura ExcursionGovardhan is situated 26 km west of Mathura on the state highway to Deeg. A famous place of Hindu pilgrimage, Govardhan is located on a narrow sandstone hill known as Giriraj which is about 8 km in length. The young Lord Krishna is said to have held Giriraj up on the tip of a finger for 7 days and nights to shield the people of Braj from the deluge of rain sent down by Lord Indra. Govardhan is set along the edge of a large masonry tank known as the Mansi Ganga, which is believed to have been brought into existence by the operation of the divine will. Its enclosures were built by Raja Bhagwan Das of Amer in 1637 and embellished by Raja Man Singh, who built a long flight of steps leading up, from the end of the tank. Close by is the famous red sandstone temple of Haridev and the Kusum Sarovar with exquisitely carved chhatris - the cenotaphs of the members of the royal family of Bharatpur, who perished whilst fighting against the British in 1825. Towards the south is the beautiful chhatri of Raja Surajmal of Bharatpur. Fine frescoes - illuminating the life of Surajmal, vividly depict darbar and hunting scenes, royal processions and wars.

Nandgoan :: Nadgaon lies 8.5 km north of Barsana on the metalled road to Mathura (56 km). According to tradition, it was the home of Shri Krishna's foster father, Nand. On the top of the hill is the spacious temple of Nand Rai, built by the Jat ruler Roop Singh. The other temples here are dedicated to Narsingha, Gophinath, Nritya Gopal, Girdhari, Nand Nandan and Yashoda Nandan which is located half way up the hill. A little beyond is the Pan Sarovar, a large lake with masonry ghats along its sides. Legend has it, that this was the place where Shri Krishna used to take his cows for water. Not far away is the Kadamb grove called Udhoji - Ka- Kyar.

Mahavan :: 18 km. On the left bank of the Yamuna river, it is associated with early childhood of Lord Krishna Amongst its places of interest are temples of Mathura Nathji and Assi Khamba. or eighty Pillars, which follows the contemporary style of Buddhist architecture. Mahavan is connected by regular bus services with Mathura.

Agra :: Taj Mahal, Mathura ExcursionOnce the capital of the Mughals and the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra is just 50 km from Mathura. The Taj Mahal, a symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Other splendid examples of Mughal architecture in Agra include the Agra Fort with its exquisite Pearl Mosque, palaces and darbar halls; the imposing mausoleum of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra, built in an amalgam of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles and Itmad-ud-Daula's tomb, embellished with coloured stone inlay and filigree marble screens
Fatehpur Sikri (60 km from Mathura) The wonderful city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Emperor Akbar. The marvellously preserved fort, palaces and the tomb of Salim Chishti with its delicate lacy marble screens are worth seeing.

Temples

Mathura Temples :: This South Indian style temple was built by the wealthy Seth family of Mathura in the year 1851, and is dedicated to Lord Sri Ranganatha or Rangaji - a form of Lord Vishnu lying down on the Sesa Naga (celestial serpent). This temple has a traditional South Indian gopuram (gateway) and is surrounded by high walls. It is one of Vrindavana's largest temples. Once a year a grand car festival (Ratha Yatra) is held known as Brahmotsava, during the month of Chait (March - April), this festival lasts for 10 days.

Jugal Kisor Temple :: This is one of the oldest temple of Vrindavana and was completed in 1627. After Emperor Akbar's visit to Vridavana in the year 1570, he gave permission for four temples to be built by the Gaudya Vaisnavas, which were Madana-mohana, Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal Kisore. It is sometimes called the Kesi ghat temple, as it is located next to this ghat.

Radharamana Temple :: This is the famous temple of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. Radharamana means "one who gives pleasure to Radha", and is one of the many names of Lord Krishna. The seva puja of Radharamana was established in 1542, after the Deity self-manifested from a saligram-sila. Also kept iin this temple is the wooden sitting place (hoki) and shawl (chaddar) or Lord Chaitanya, that He gave as a gift to Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. There is no deity of Radharani in this temple, but a crown is kept next to Krishna signifying her presence.

Dwarkadish Temple :: The Dwarkadish Temple, built in 1814, is a popular temple in the center of town. This is the most visited temple in the center of town. This is the most visited temple in Mathura. This temple is managed by followers of Vallabhacarya. Once you enter this temple from the street, it is fairly interesting architechually and there is a lot of activity inside. It is located in the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River.

Krishna Balrama Mandir :: This beautiful temple was established in 1975 by His Divine Grace A.c. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founer-acarya of the Interational Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) and has now become Vrindavan's most popular temple and has one of the highest standards of Deity worship and cleanliness. Hare Krishna devotees from around the world can be seen here throughout they year, bringing a truly international flavour to this ancient holy city.

Kaliya Ghat :: Here, Lord Krishna jumped from a big Kadamba tree into the Yamuna river, in order to chastise the Kaliya serpent who was poisoning the waters of the river. The kadamba tree that Krishna climbed is still here, even though the Yamuna does not flow here anymore, except during the rainy season when the river floods.

Madan Mohan Temple :: Madan Mohan Temple is located near the Kali Ghat which was built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is the oldest existent temple in Vrindavan today. The temple is closely associated with the saint Chaitanya. The original idol of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for safe keeping, during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, a replica of the image is worshipped at the temple.

Shahji Temple :: Shahji Temple, another popular temple at Vrindavan, was designed and built in 1876 by a wealthy jeweller, Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow. The deities at the temple are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman.
Noted for its magnificent architecture and beautiful marble sculpture, the temple has twelve spiral columns each 15 feet high. The `Basanti Kamra' - the darbar hall is famed for its Belgian glass chandeliers and fine paintings.

Mathura Travel Information

Air :: Nearest airport is Kheria (Agra), 62 km.
Rail :: Mathura is on the main lines of the Central and Western Railways and is connected with all the important cities of the state and country such as Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gwalior, Calcutta, Hydrabad, Chennai, Lucknow etc.
Road :: Mathura is 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.

Some important cities distance from Mathura

Agra
54 kms.
Bharatpur
112 kms.
Delhi
147 kms.
Alwar
228 kms.

Mathura Festivals

Mathura Festivals are famous worldwide. These festivals are celebrated by the Hindus with pomp and show all over India and with greater extravagance in Mathura. Mathura is particularly famous for Holi and Janmashtami.Festivals in Mathura are celebrated following each and every ritual ever since decades. All the festivals have particular significance in the Hindu religion. The most popular among the festivals of Mathura i is Holi. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna, which occurs usually on Feb-March. People throw colored powdered dye and also colored water on each other playfully. This festival is celebrated with huge applaud in Braja, Nandagram, Varsana and Dauji.Another popular festival of Mathura is Janmashtami, which is to commemorate the birth of Shri Krishna with great pomp and splendor. Ceremonies take place in the holy temples at midnight. The priests bath the image of infant Krishna which is then laid in a silver cradle. Devoted songs are sung and toys are offered for the entertainment of the divine child. Thousands of pilgrims gather to offer their prayers to the Lord and Mathura is crowded unbelievingly during this time.Some more important festivals at Mathura are Vasant Panchami ( in the month of Magha or Jan-Feb), Appearance Day of Shri Banke Bihari ( in the month of Magha or Jan-Feb), Shiva-Ratri ( in the month of Phalguna or Feb-March) and Gaura Purnima ( in the month of Phalguna or Feb-March). The Mathura Festivals are the inevitable times of the year, when Mathura is overcrowded by devotees.

HOLI :: Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna (Feb-March). Holi in Braja is celebrated for several days, at different places around Braja, before the actual day of Holi.People throw colored powdered dye and colored water on each other. This is joyfully celebrated in Braja, especially at Varsana, Nandagram and Dauji. In Varsana the festival includes colorful processions with music, song, dance, and some boisterous scenes around the temples. If you go to these festivals you should expect to be totally covered in dye and never to be able to use the clothes that you are wearing again, at least until next year's festival. This is celebrated at the same time as Gaura Purnima.

Places Holi Is celebrated :: Varsana Groups of visitors go around in small and large groups here. In the afternoon gopas (men) from Nandagram come to Varsana and play Holi with the local gopis (women) of Varsana. The women hit the men hard with 2 ½m (7ft) long bamboo staffs. The men have shields which they protect themselves with. During this time local songs are sung. This festival is celebrated on the ninth day of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).Nandagram The day after the Holi festival at Varsana, Holi is celebrated in Nandagram. The gopas (men) from Varsana come to Nandagram to play Holi with the gopis (women) there. The flag of the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana is carried in an elaborate procession to Nandagram. At this time the residents of Nandagram attempt to capture the flag, but their attempts are foiled. After this, women play Holi with bamboo staffs. This festival is celebrated on the tenth day (dasami) of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).Phalen On the full moon night in Feb/March a huge bon-fire is burned. One of the local priests walks through the fire unscathed. One story about Holi is that Prahlada Maharaja refused to worship his father and wanted to worship his father's enemy, Lord Vishnu instead. His father's sister Holika, who was immune to being burned, sat with the boy in a big fire. Prahlada's devotion was so great that Holika was burnt to death and Prahlada was unharmed. The Holi festival at Phalen re-enacts this event.Dauji (Baldeo) The festival here is a pretty wild event. Women pore buckets of colored water on the men. The men are also thrashed with whips made of cloth, which has been torn apart from men's clothing. The men can not touch the bodies of the women or unveil their faces. From the roof of the temple; basketfuls of colored powder are emptied on participants and onlookers, creating a thick haze of colors.