Mathura is one of Hinduism's seven holiest towns and the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, both in Uttar Pradesh, are sometimes referred to as twin cities (situated only 10km away from each other). Mathura is a small town in India that attracts people from all over the world with its temples dating from different eras.
The Yamuna River runs through one side of Mathura, which is bordered by 25 ghat...
Mathura is one of Hinduism's seven holiest towns and the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, both in Uttar Pradesh, are sometimes referred to as twin cities (situated only 10km away from each other). Mathura is a small town in India that attracts people from all over the world with its temples dating from different eras.
The Yamuna River runs through one side of Mathura, which is bordered by 25 ghats that are best viewed at dawn (just after sunset) when hundreds of diyas are flowing during the daily aarti, and at dawn (just after sunset) when tourists and locals take a holy plunge. Mathura is swamped with tourists and devotees during the two major festivals of Janmashtami (Lord Krishna's birthday) in August/September and Holi in February/March.
If you're seeking for anything more than the traditional tourist traps, the best way to explore Mathura is to take a stroll through the city's streets. The old-world beauty of this Catholic town can be found in every nook and cranny, defying the city's ongoing urbanization. Mathura has a rich past that can only be discovered by visiting the old-fashioned architecture, crumbling ruins of old houses, and the friendly amiability of the residents who are always happy to show you around.
History of Mathura — It's all Worth it!
The history of Mathura may be traced back over 2500 years. Mathura, also called Brij Bhumi, is supposed to be the birthplace and childhood home of Shri Krishna. Mathura is mentioned in the Hindu book Ramayana, as well as in the chronicles of Alexandrian astronomer Ptolemy. He alludes to it as Modoura, or "city of gods."
The city is also significant to Buddhists and Jains, in addition to being a revered Hindu shrine. Chinese ambassador Fa Hien mentions the city's profusion of Buddhist monasteries around 400 AD, during the time of the Kushan empire. Shortly after, the Muslim ruler Mahmud of Ghazni captured the city, razing most of the city's temples. The hallowed city was also ravaged by Aurangzeb. Soon after, the British grabbed control of the city.
When Hiuen Tsang came to Mathura, the number of monks had decreased from 2000 to 3000. In addition, the revived Hindu Bhakti cult resurrected the city from the ruins. The temples were restored, and now it attracts a regular stream of visitors while yet retaining its allure.
Mathura's Thriving Culture
Mathura exudes brightness and vitality. "Radhey Radhey" chants and people referring to themselves as "Brajwasis" can be heard on the streets. Because it is Lord Krishna's birthplace, the city hosts dance dramas, folk melodies, devotional dances, and other events dedicated to him. Throughout the year, Mathura is flooded with tourists and pilgrims who participate in the puja rites and customs. The meal, which is mostly vegetarian, is inspired by Awadhi cuisine. For obvious reasons, Krishna Janmashtami is the city's largest and most popular celebration. Holi, Diwali, Radha Ashtami, Basant Panchmi, and other festivals are also observed.
Uttar Pradesh's Multi Colored Canvas
Mathura, one of Uttar Pradesh's most vivid cities, is one of the heritage cities selected under the HRIDAY-Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana. The city is also known for its industrial and economic backbone, in addition to its religious importance. Mathura's aesthetics are enhanced by its rich, exotic cultural ambience. It has a taste of vernacular texture and a dynamic way of life. Temples of historical significance dot the landscape. Mathura is also known for its Braj culture, as well as the Ras Lilas and Sanjhees.
Things to do at Mathura
- Dip in the Holy Waters of Kusum Sarovar: It's a 450-foot-long water reservoir with a 60-foot depth. The explanation for this reservoir's popularity among Mathura residents is because it is said that Lord Krishna and Radha used to visit surreptitiously at the reservoir's banks. It is also bordered by the Kadamba trees, which are Lord Krishna's favorite. The quiet and tranquility that encircle the water body make all the impact.
- Trek through the Wilderness of Govardhan Hills: The long hiking track is well-constructed and well-served by various roadside cafes. The nicest of all, you can always find a buddy if you choose to travel along this trail at any time of year. Lord Krishna is said to have lifted the whole hill to save his village from a terrible thunderstorm in Hindu mythology. Since then, the mountain has been respected.
- Shopping in Mathura—Live the Epic Journey: You can hope to buy products that are wonderful for worshiping and keeping you near to your god at a religious place like Mathura. You may buy many idols of gods and goddesses in numerous colors and sizes, ranging from hand painted to metal idols and other puja accouterments. Holygate, Krishnanagar Market, Lal Bazaar, and Highway Plaza are the best places to buy these.
- Lathmar Holi— Observe the Merriment: This is the best experience you can have if you happen to be in Mathura during Holi. One of Hinduism's most well-known festivals is Holi, or the festival of colors. It is commemorated to mark the victory of good over evil. Participate in Mathura's Lathmar Holi, which is distinct from Holi in other parts of India. Holi is more than simply colors in Mathura; it's also about Thandai and Sticks (a special drink prepared during Holi).
- Kans Quila—Take a look at the Mahabharata: This fort, as per Hindu legend, dates from the Mahabharata period. So, if you are a history buff who wants to see one of the Mahabharata's tangible relics, you must pay a journey to Kan's Quila, also called Purana Quila. It's a wonderful art form that looks like Mughal and Hindu buildings.
Places to visit
- Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple: Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is situated in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, in the religious center of Mathura. It is structured around Lord Krishna's parents, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva, who were incarcerated by his cruel uncle Kansa in a jail cell. For Hindus, the temple holds significant significance because it is thought to be the home of Lord Krishna.
Tips: If you just have a day, halt at Mathura Junction Railway Station and take an auto or cab to the temple, which is 4 kilometers away.
- Dwarkadhish Temple: The Dwarkadhish Temple, one of Mathura's holiest temples, is known throughout the country for its ornate construction and murals. The temple, which was constructed in 1814, is relatively new but widely respected. Lord Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna known as Dwarkanath, is represented in a black marble idol at the shrine. Every day, thousands of worshippers come to pay their respects.
Tips: You can travel to the neighboring sacred Vishram ghat on the banks of the Holy River Yamuna in the morning and give her your devotion in the shape of milk and pedas.
- Vishram Ghat: Vishram Ghat is a respected and holy bathing ghat on the banks of the Yamuna River, about 4.5 kilometers from Mathura Junction. It is Mathura's primary ghat and serves as a hub for 25 other ghats. Pilgrims come from all over the country to bathe in the holy waters of Vishram Ghat and participate in the customary parikrama that begins and concludes here.
Tips: The finest time to go is during aarti in the evening. You can also take a boat ride on the ghat to appreciate the gorgeous view of the temple.
- Radha Vallabh Mandir: On the cliff of Bankey Bihari temple, Radha Vallabh Mandir, one of the seven shrines in Thakur of Vrindavan, is situated near Gautam Nagar. This temple embodies Radha and Krishna's sacred and religious adoration in its unique Ras-bhakti aspect. Lord Krishna built the temple without a Radha god. A crown, on the other hand, is placed next to Lord Krishna to denote her presence.
- Nand Gaon: Nand Gaon is a small settlement in the Nandishwara Hills, around 50 kilometers from Mathura. Nand Ji and Yashoda Maiyya, Krishnaji's foster parents, live there. On the top of this hill, there are numerous temples. Nritya Gopal, Udhav Kyaro, Nand Nandan, and Gopinath are some of the other renowned temples in the area.
- Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid in Mathura was established in 1661 by Abd-un-Nabi Khan, the Governor of Aurangzeb at the time. This sanctuary, which has four minarets and gorgeous mosaic plastering as well as stunning detailed sculptures, is sure to take your breath away, making it one of the many causes why Mathura is one of the best sites to visit.
How to reach?
- By Air: The closest airport to Mathura is Agra Airport. Nevertheless, due to the limited number of passenger aircraft that run here, the closest commercial airport to Mathura is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Tourists can fly to Delhi from any Indian or foreign city and then take a bus, taxi, or rail to Mathura.
- By Rail: On the Central and Western Railways, Mathura Junction is an important rail hub. As a result, people can go to Mathura by train from major cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Indore, Agra, Delhi, Bhopal, Gwalior, Varanasi, and Lucknow. Local trains run from Delhi, Bharatpur, Alwar, and Agra to Mathura's three other railway stations.
- By Road: Mathura is well connected to Delhi, Agra, Moradabad, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kolkata, and other small towns in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states. Several state government buses, as well as commercial companies, serve Mathura. Direct buses are available from Delhi, Agra, Alwar, Aligarh, Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Ajmer, Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Haridwar, and other cities.