Visit to Mathura, Krishna Janmabhumi, means exploring the one of the most popular Hindu god Lord Krishna’s birthplace. It is one of the important Hindu holy site and has a rich cultural heritage. Mathura is famous for its festivals, especially Holli. Every inch of Mathura is dressed in reverent devotion to Lord Krishna, who is called as the eternal lover of Radha, the warrior, the ambassador, the hero of the cowherd colleagues. The primary site of the journey for the annual celebration of Janmashtami. Apart from its religious and very cultural significance and vibrancy, Matura is also a hub for traditional handicrafts and art for example paintings, woodwork and sculptures. There is no need to mention that the city of Mathura is not an ordinary equipment city, it is the supernatural land of Lord Krishna and his mates and an immense place for his Divine ‘Leela’ sport. Mathura attracts lots of visitors from all over the world. If you are planning to come you will love this trip.
Mathura At A Glance
Population: As per the estimation of 2023- 634,000 a 2.59% increase from 2022.
Area: It is located approximately 57.6 km.
Weather of Mathura: The minimum temperature is 10 degrees and maximum is expected as high as 27 degrees.
Best time to visit: October to March is the best option to visit.
Area code: 0565
Neighbourhoods of Mathura: Gokul, Gopalpur Gaon, Anandvan phase 2, Moti Kunj.
Language: Hindi, Brajbhasha & English.
Height above the sea level: 584 feet.
Religion: Hinduism – 81.54%
Muslims – 17.22%
Christianity – 0.23%
Jainism – 0.18%
Buddhism – 0.4%
Sikhism – 0.30%
Famous Places To Visit In Mathura
Prem Mandir
Prem mandir translated to “temple of love” is the masterpiece of Hindu architecture and devotion. It is structured very beautifully, This temple is dedicated to lord Krishna, The Prem Mandir is known for its beautiful architecture and complex carvings which make it a popular tourist attraction in Mathura. This includes a temple, an auditorium, a garden, and other facilities such as a digital water fountain show. Visitors can participate in various devotional activities, such as kirtans and bhajans. You can also enjoy cultural programs and exhibitions. It is made up of Italian white marble. Which indicates those scenes of Govardhan hills.
Deity: Radha Krishna on the ground floor, sita rama on the first floor.
Darshan timings: Morning 5:30am to 6:30am and 8:30 pm to 12:30pm, for evening 4:30pm to 8:30pm.
Opening hours: 5:30am to 8:30 all weekdays.
Prem Mandir is Famous for: Its white marble architecture, beautiful greenery gardens, paintings, models of Radha Krishna and musical water show.
Important tips: Shoes, tobacco, drinks, smoking or revealing clothes will not be allowed inside the temple.
Iskcon Temple
Amongst all the temples in Vrindavan, Shri Krishna Balaram temple gives the sight to top it up, this temple is specially dedicated to brothers bond Krishna and Balram. The main temple hall has three elevations each cherishing its most generous form of beautifully adorned deities of Gaura Nitai, Krishna Balram and Radha Shyamsundar. It is considered one of the most beautiful ISKCON temples in India. As you put your steps into the attractive structure built by white marble, you will cross a gallery along with winding peacock stairs on each side. Although, this Mandir holds a very special moment for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This mandir is set up by the founder of the religious society, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the temple depicts Sri Krishna’s transcendental phases.
Deity: Gaura Nitai, Krishna, Balram, Radha Shyamsundar.
Opening timings: morning 5:00 am to evening 8:30 pm
Basic service: prasad, water coolers, shoe stores, parking, CCTV security, washrooms.
Entry fee: it is free for all devotees.
Banke Bihari Temple
Bankey Bihari Temple is a most famous Hindu temple that is devoted to Krishna. In the holy city of Vrindavan in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. It was built in 1864, Bankey Bihari was initially admired at Nidhivan, which is situated near Shri Radha Vallabha temple. In Banke Bihari temple Krishna is in the Tribhanga pose, Under the name of Kunj-Bihari. It is situated near Shri Radha Vallabh Temple. The interesting fact about this temple is that the priest here is seen closing and opening the curtains at short intervals as it is believed that a person might lose consciousness by gazing in the eyes of Krishna.
Deity: lord Krishna
Opening timings: morning 7:45 am to 12:00 pm, evening 5:30 to 9:30 pm.
Entry fee: free for all devotees.
Best month for visit: September and October during the Navratri.
Shri Radha Vallabh Mandir
This holy temple was founded some 450 years ago and now in the present time it is a great place to visit and it holds importance to the people of Vrindavan as well as of Rajasthan. Presently, this famous temple is in Vrindavan where all other temples follow the tradition and the ritual of the temple with chanting spiritual and devotional songs.
The temple was shaped and carved by the Goswamis of Shri Radha Vallabh Lal. As per the pages of the history of the temple, the temple was destroyed during the time of the Mughal Emperor by Aurangzeb, the temple was later relocated to Rajasthan. According to the legends, the charming idol of Shri Radha Vallabhji Maharaj is a form of blessing given by Lord Shiva. while travelling to Mathura Vrindavan, there is a stoppage at Shri Radha Vallabh Mandir that should be on your visiting list.
Timings for Aarti:
Summer:
Mangala aarti – Morning 5:00am
Morning time – 7:00am – 12:00pm
Evening time – 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Winter:
Mangala aarti – 5:30 am
Morning time – 7:00am – 12:00pm
Evening time – 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Jugal Kishore Temple
During your tour to Vrindavan, one of the important centres you can visit is Jugal Kishore Temple located by the holy River Yamuna. It was made in 1627 A.D. This temple has an incredible architectural structure made up of red sandstone. The key attraction of this famous temple is the Kesi Ghat, which is one of the preferred bathing places in Vrindavan/Mathura. Jugal Kishore Temple offers a joyful ambiance, especially during the evening when the lit lamps brighten the dark paths and holy chants float your soul. And for a rather interesting sight, this temple is best visited during the Aarti time, when it is a visual delight that impresses any visitor. So there were four temples -Shri Madana Mohana Temple, Shri Govind Dev Temple, Shri Gopinatha Temple, and Shri Jugal Kishore Temple. But later, Aurangzeb attacked & demolished three out of these four holy temple. Only Jugal Kishore Temples are left in Vrindavan.
Darshan timings: Morning 8:30am to 12:30 pm evening 4:00pm to 8:30pm
Aarti timings:
Aarti: 5:00am
Bhoog aarti: 6:30am
Shayan aarti: 12:00pm (door closed)
Dress code: Formal or traditional clothing
photography & videography: Not allowed
Famous Food In Mathura
Peda of Mathura: The first thing when we talk about Mathura’s famous food is always peda. It is prepared as a bhog for lord Krishna. It is made up of sweet caramelised reduction of milk, with a pinch of ghee to give it a rich flavour.
Aloo Kachori: If you are in Mathura you should start your day with the flavorful stuffed hing kachori with aloo gravy. The best part is the strong flavour of hing in the kachoris Which gives the ultimate taste.
Bedai: It is a famous dish of mathura. It is basically a crispy fried wheat chapati with spicy aloo sabzi. You can have it for breakfast. Those of you who live in Mathura know how mouth-watering the dish is.
Lassi: The lassi is served in earthen cups (kulhad). The lassi is basically rich or in a thick form of malai with a heavy dose of dry fruits on the top.
Fara: It is a type of thick fritters made up of urad moong dal or rice flour. And it is served with spicy green chutney. It is a part of the main meal.
How to reach:
From Delhi
By car: You can drive from Delhi to Mathura and the distance is around 160 kilometers, your journey approximately takes up to 3 to 4 hours. If you go via Yamuna expressway or the NH19.
By train: Take a train from New Delhi railway station to Mathura junction railway station. Several trains are available including express or passenger as well. Your journey will take 2-3 hours to reach.
By bus: You can catch a bus from various bus terminals in Delhi like ISBT (inter-state bus terminal) which is at Kashmere gate also Anand Vihar ISBT your journey will take up to 3-4 hours to reach depending on the traffic conditions.
From Lucknow
By car: You can drive from Lucknow to Mathura and the distance is around 350-400 Kilometers. Depending on the traffic and route conditions. You can also take the Agra-Lucknow Expressway to connect to the Yamuna Expressway.
By train: There are direct trains available from Lucknow to Mathura railway station your journey duration takes up to 6-8 hours.
By bus: The buses depart from the various bus terminals in Lucknow like the Alambagh bus stand also the Kaiserbagh bus stand. The journey takes up to 7-9 hours depending on the route and traffic.
Conclusion
In conclusion Mathura is not just a stopping place, it is a journey of the soul. Mathura in today’s time stands as living evidence to India’s enduring spiritual traditions. Their temples release an aura of calmness and their stories continue to inspire and advise generations of seekers.
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