Mathura

Mathura is an important place of pilgrimage in India as it is the birth place of Lord Krishna. Mathura is one of the most sacred cities of Hinduism and is situated on the western banks of the Yamuna River. The thousands of devotees visit this place throughout the year. It lies at the heart of the Brajbhoomi, a land that is imbued with sanctity, for it was here that the young Krishna was nurtured. The little towns and hamlets in this area are still alive with the tales of his mischievous pranks, his extraordinary exploits and still seem to echo with the sound of his flute. Today, Mathura with its many temples and splendid ghats along the Yamuna river, is an important pilgrimage town. It is also a rapidly growing industrial city. Hindi, English and Brajbhasha are the main languages which are spoken in Mathura.

Take a tour of famous places in Mathura

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Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

The most famous of Mathura’s temples is the Krishna Janmasthan Temple, built around the prison cell where Krishna was born after his parents were imprisoned by his evil uncle, Kansa, King of Mathura. One of the most venerated shrines in India, the temple complex is located west of Mathura’s old city and thronged by pilgrims’ through-out the year, whose number increases exponentially during festivals. It is believed that there was a massive idol of Krishna, over 4m tall and made of solid gold, which was stolen during an attack by Mahmud of Ghazni. The present Krishna Janmasthan Temple complex is fairly new.

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Gita Mandir

Gita Mandir, also known as Birla Temple, is a beautiful temple on the Mathura-Vrindavan Road. It is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site and among the most visited temples in Mathura. Lord Krishna is the presiding deity here. The temple has got a magnificent architecture, with exquisite carvings and paintings further enhancing its beauty. But what makes Gita Mandir Temple special are the pillars inscribed with the chapters of Bhagavad Gita, the holy book of Hindu religion. These pillars have all the 700 verses, divided into 18 chapters, carved with precision. The temple, the pillars and the other structures in the complex are all enclosed within a beautiful garden.

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Dwarkadhish Temple

It is Mathura's most beautiful temple known throughout the country for its ornate construction and murals. Lord Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna known as Dwarkanath, sits like a black marble idol in the shrine.There are a plethora of stunning ceiling paintings depicting various elements of the Lord's life. In addition, the beautiful Rajasthani architectural patterns and craftsmanship make the complex appear even more majestic. The Dwarkadhish temple offers you several exciting activities that increase during the Shravan month when Lord Krishna cradles inside a Hindola (a type of a swing set).It is one of the most visited temples in Mathura.

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Jai Guru Dev Temple

Jai Guru Dev Ashram in the holy city of Mathura is the pilgrimage centre that attracts people from all over the world. This was constructed in remembrance of Pandit Ghurelal Sharma Ji by his disciple Baba Jai Gurudev. Baba Jai Gurudev’s early name was Tulsidas Maharaj and was a religious leader in the northern part of India and revered by both Hindus and Muslims as a Saint.The architecture of Jai Gurudev Temple resembles that of the Taj Mahal being built with white marbles but if seen in close quarters one will notice the difference. This beautiful temple complex is made of domed structures and minarets entirely of white marble and based on Hindu architecture.

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Chamunda Devi Temple

Chamunda Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peetha. It is located opposite Maa Gayatri Tapobhumi on the Chamunda Devi Marg on Mathura Vrindavan road. It is believed that a hair strand of Mother Bhagwati Jagdamba fell at this sacred spot. Also, according to Srimad Bhagwat, Sri Krishna visited Chamunda Devi Temple after liberating the dragon. The main highlight of the temple is that there is no idol of Maa Chamunda inside.It is believed in Satyug Lord Krishna offered salvation to a python after which he went to seek blessings from Maa Chamunda here.

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