Mathura is a pilgrimage as old as time itself in Uttar Pradesh. Mathura, Vrindavan and the surrounding areas are known as Brij Bhoomi. This is where Shri Krishna was born and lived in the earlier part of His life. Here everything centers around Shri Krishna.
Mathura is one of the Saptapuris (Seven Holy Cities of India) and a highly revered religious destination. This is the land of Shri Krishna, of Radha Rani and the Gopis, of the Yadavas and their beloved cows. This is the land of Yashoda Maiyya, Nand Baba, Vasudeva and Devki Mata. The heart and soul of Brij Bhoomi – the sacred Yamuna River meander through Brij Bhoomi.
The Krishna Trail – Exploring Mathura
Shri Krishna is the Eighth Avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu and the Master of all Mysticism. He appears on earth to protect the righteous when the world is overshadowed by evil.
Not very far from Mathura, Shri Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita to His disciple Arjuna amid a battle. The Bhagavad Gita is the essence of all that is needed to achieve the highest position and unite with God. This is how he has a place in everyone’s heart.
Also, Mathura is where Shri Krishna was born to Vasudev and Devki Mata in a tiny prison cell. He was then whisked across the Yamuna to be brought up by Nand Baba and Yashoda Maiyya. Mathura is the place where He chose to be born.
This is how, Mathura has its beauty in the adorable temples, atmosphere, interesting history and many other peaceful places that are the main attractions of Mathura.
In every temple, Krishna lover devotees come from different cities even from different countries. By such an observation, Foreigners are more obsessed with Mathura than actual Indians because of their faith and purity in everything which cannot be seen anywhere else.
Also, the significance of Mathura has endured through the centuries and is home to several ancient temples and places connected with Shri Krishna. Let us look at some of them –
Shri Krishna Janmasthan Complex
The Shri Krishna Janmasthan consists of a group of temples built on the spot where Shri Krishna was born. The original temple has been in existence since time immemorial. It has been looted and destroyed multiple times by invaders in the last 1000 years. The complex has three main shrines and a sacred Kund besides a library, Ayurveda Bhavan, a guest house, an open arena and shops.
Top 12 Temples in Mathura
There are many famous Temples which are the main attractions of Mathura given below.
1. Keshavdev Temple
Keshavdev Temple was built by Ramakrishna Dalmia in 1958 and inaugurated by Hanuman Prasad Poddar, one of the founders of Gita Press in Gorakhpur. In Keshavdev Temple Lord Krishna sits with long-haired and that is the main attraction apart from other Temples.
Keshavdev Temple has its own beauty of faith and calmness that you will ever see whenever you visit. This is how this temple is one of the most visited places by many devotees.
Keshavdev Temple Timings
The time to visit the Keshavdev Temple is from 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
2. Garbha Griha Temple
Garbha Griha temple is full of stories because this is the exact location where Shri Krishna was born. It has an underground cell and a marble pavilion. Adjacent to the temple is a shrine dedicated to Yogmaya Devi.
The natural coldness is the attractive thing about this temple because it is an underground place. People are literally obsessed with visiting this place in their life at least once!
Garbha Griha Temple Timings
The Garbha Griha Temple is open from 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM and from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
3. Bhagavata Bhavan
This temple dedicated to Srimad Bhagavad Gita was completed in 1982. The entire Gita is engraved on copper plates on the walls of the temple. Enshrined in the sanctum are Murtis of Radha-Krishna, Balaram, Subhadra, Shri Jagannath, Shri Rama-Sita-Lakshman, Durga Mata, Hanumanji and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Scenes from Shri Krishna’s life are depicted on pillars, the ceiling and walls.
Above eye-catching Murties and other watchable things are the main attractions of the Bhagvata Bhavan in Mathura.
4. Potra Kund
This is a sacred stepped Kund also known as Pavitra Kund. It is believed Shri Krishna was given His first bath here. The steps were built by Mahadji Scindia in 1782 and later renovated by his descendants in 1850.
This Potra Kund is a very Holy and peaceful place, Devotees go there just want to take a plunge in the water of the Kund with faith and love for Shri Krishna.
Potra Kund Timings
Potra Kund is open for 24 hours.
5. Dwarkadhish Temple
Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the oldest temples in Mathura. It is also one of the largest temples located in spacious premises. Dedicated to Dwarkadhish – as Shri Krishna was known after He established a new kingdom in Dwarka, the temple was built by the Scindias of Gwalior in 1814.
A black stone Murti of Shri Krishna and a white marble Murti of Radha Rani are enshrined here. The temple is an architectural splendor with a richly carved Rajasthani-style entrance and intricately carved pillars that support the ceiling. Another temple dedicated to Shri Vishnu with a Shalgram Murti has also been built within the premises.
Dwarkadhish Temple Timing
The Dwarkadhish Temple is open from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM (every day)
6. Yamuna Dharmaraj Temple
This temple is dedicated to Mata Yamuna and Her brother Yama – also known as Dharmaraj. Mata Yamuna and Yama are the daughter and son of Surya Dev, the Sun God. Located near Vishram Ghat, this is among the oldest temples in Mathura. The festival of Bhai Dooj is celebrated here with great fanfare and zeal.
Yamuna Dharmaraj Temple Timing
The Yamuna Dharmaraj Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 4:00 PM
7. Adi Varaha Temple
Adi Varaha Temple is considered the oldest temple in Mathura. It is dedicated to the primeval form of Vishnu Bhagwan’s Varaha Avatar. It is believed the image of Varaha Avatar was created by Rishi Kapila in Sat Yuga. The Murti enshrined here is made of black stone.
No matter how old this temple is, the inner peace and calmness that you will feel here is memorable for all the Devootes.
Adi Varaha Temple Timing
Adi Varaha Temple is open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (summers), or 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM (winters).
8. Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple
Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple in Mathura is yet another ancient temple. This is one of the few temples not dedicated to Shri Krishna in Mathura. Also a part of this temple is the Patal Devi Temple. It is believed that Mathura was established after Mahadev’s killing of the demon Madhu. The Shivling was also enshrined at that time. Mahadev is also known as the ‘Kshetrapal of Mathura’.
Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple Timing
The Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and
4:30 AM to 10:30 PM (everyday)
9. Chamunda Devi Temple
Chamunda Devi Temple is a Shaktipeeth temple. It is believed a strand of Mata Parvati’s hair fell at this spot. The unique feature of this temple is that there is no Murti here. Rishi Shandilya and Guru Gorakhnath have meditated and are said to have achieved enlightenment here. This is an ancient temple that is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana.
Chamunda Devi Temple Timing
The Chamunda Devi Temple is open for all day.
10. Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
We all know that Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple also known as the Krishna Janmasthan is full of Faith and a Holy place in Mathura. Many believers say that this temple was built 5000 years ago.
Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Timings
The opening and closing time of Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple are 5:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Entry Fees
There are no entry fees to visit Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
11. Gita Mandir
Gita Mandir is one of the Holy places in Mathura which was built by the Birla group many years ago. Gita Mandir has its own beauty of unique architecture and eye-catching paintings, drawing around every wall and many more things inside the Mandir. The peace and purity you are going to feel is speechless!
Gita Mandir Temple Timing
The Gita Mandir is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
12. Jugal Kishore Temple
The Jugal Kishore Temple is located near Kesi Ghat where Shree Krishna had killed Kesi, who was the horse demon – from that time this Ghat was named “Kesi Ghat”.
This is how The Jugal Kishore Temple is a little bit interesting and mysterious place in Mathura. Also, there is a fixed time to visit this temple is given below.
Jugal Kishore Temple Timing
The Jugal Kishore Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 Noon (Monday to Sunday)
Jugal Kishore Temple Entry Fees
There are no entry fees to visit the Jugal Kishore Temple.
For more detail on Mathura Temple Timings check out our updated Blog.
Vishram Ghat and other Ghats of Mathura
There are 25 Ghats on the banks of the Yamuna River in Mathura. Vishram Ghat is the most important ghat in Mathura. It is believed that Shri Krishna rested here after the killing of Kansha. Vishram Ghat is almost exactly in the center with 12 ghats on one side and 12 on the other.
In each of the ghats you will find some ritual being performed, sadhus bathing and people paying respects to their ancestors. Besides Vishram Ghat some of the other important ghats are – Akrura, Chakratirth, Ganesh, Yamuna, Kankhal, Prayag, Krishnaganga and Saraswati Sangam ghats.
Some of the ghats are elaborately built with pillared porches. Boat rides are available for those so inclined. The ghats transform into magical sights with the arrival of the evening. Aartis and pujas are done at each ghat amid the ringing of bells, chanting of Mantras and blowing of conch shells. Hundreds of lit lamps can be seen floating down the river, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Mathura Puja Booking
If you are planning to visit Mathura, do not forget to book Puja in advance to take advantage of that holy moment.
Vrindavan Best Tour Packages
Also, YatraDham provides the best Tour Packages to travel for Vrindavan is given below.
Where to Stay in Mathura?
Are you searching for the best Stay options in Mathura? YatraDham here to provide the best Accommodation options is given below.
Nearby Places to Visit from Mathura
There are plenty of places which are in nearby areas from Mathura but here are some of them below.
| Places | Distance |
|---|---|
| Kokilvan | 51 km |
| Nandgaon | 1026 km |
| Govardhan hills | 26 km |
| Radha Kund | 26 km |
Besides the temples mentioned above, there are many more to explore in Mathura. A few days in Mathura, Vrindavan and other places in Brij Bhoomi can be an extremely rewarding experience. This is where Shri Krishna Himself lived. What better place can there be to enrich yourself spiritually and recharge with Divine Energy?
