Mathura is the land on which Lord Sri Krishna is born. This is one of the most important religious places in India. this city is in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Mathura is visited by devotees not only from all corners of India but also from other countries. It was earlier called ‘Vrindavan’ situated on the banks of River Yamuna. Later on it became popular as Mathura. There are number of Krishna temples in the city. This place is important as religious place and equally important for its history and temple sculptures. Large number of people participates in the annual ‘Rath Yatra’ in Mathura. Krishnashtami is celebrated grandly here and the daily ‘Deep Aarti’ for river Yamuna also attracts large number of devotees.
What to see at Mathura:
Krishna Janmabhoomi temple:
This is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna was born. There is also a museum here in which the things found during excavation are kept which include a platform that is found in prisons.
Dwarkadhish temple:
This was built in 1814 and is located in the middle of the city of Mathura. One of the most visited temples of Mathura, this attracts the devotees with its beautiful paintings and carvings. Holi and Janmashtami are celebrated here grandly.
Banked Bihari Temple: This temple was built in 1864. The architecture of the temple mesmerizes the visitors. The idol of Lord Krishna in this temple can be seen for 15 minutes for each hour.
Madan Mohan temple:
This is a very ancient temple and is situated near Kali Ghat. This is said as the first temple to be built in Vrindavan. The idol of this temple was shifted to Rajasthan during the time when Aurangzeb was destroying Hindu temples, it is said.
ISKON temple:
One of the most beautiful temples in Mathura is the ISKON temple.
Rangji temple:
This temple is built in south Indian temple architecture style. This was built in 1851 by Seth, a rich family in Mathura. Main deity here is Rangnath Swamy. Every year Rath Yatra is held for ten days in the month of Chaitra.
Shahji temple:
This was built by Shah kundan Lal of Lucknow in 1876. The architecture and the sculptures are very beautiful.
Govind Dev temple:
This temple was built by General Man Singh in 1950 this is built in a combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture styles.
What to see around Mathura:
Vrindavan: This is right next to Mathura city. Vrindavan is believed to be the place where Krishna spent his childhood. this ancient town is most visited by Hindus. There are many important temples in this holy city.
Gokul: This is only a few kilometers away from Mathura. When Krishna was born in the prison, he was brought here by Vasudev to save him from Kamsa.
Nand gaon: This is the home of Nand and Yashoda.
Agra: This is located 58 kilometers away from Mathura. This is the place where the most famous Taj Mahal and Red Fort are located.
Getting to Mathura:
Mathura is situated 145 kms from capital city of India, New Delhi. This is at a distance of 58 kms from Agra. Well developed road and railways are available to reach the place. Mathura is one of the major city between New Delhi and Agra and daily many number of buses and trains run between the two. Nearest airport to Mathura is Kheria (Agra) which is at a distance of 62 kilometers.
Getting Around Mathura:
There are many private buses, tempos, Rickshaws and Tongas that offer to take the devotees around Mathura.
Best Time to visit Mathura:
The climatic conditions in Mathura are extreme. Best season to visit this place is from October to March.
Where to stay at Mathura:
Mathura receives large number of tourists every day and there are hotels that suit to every pocket. It has standard and budget hotels which offer comfortable accommodation.
Where to eat at Mathura:
Mouthwatering delicacies are offered in eat outs in Mathura. Visitors will be thrilled to enjoy budgeted and clean food at the canteens that run by temples and also other places.