Mathura City, the Birth place of lord Krishna
Mathura is one of the seven Hindu holiest site in India located in west of Uttar Pradesh about 51 km away from Agra, 142 km from Delhi and 23 km from Gobardhan Mountain. Mathura is famous as it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna who is respected as the most powerful god for Hindus. It is believed that the God Krishna was taken his birth as a child of Mata Devoki at the jail of king Kansa (maternal uncle of Krishna). Krishna’s childhood was spent at Gokul in Brindaban just 13 km away from Mathura.
According to mythology of Hindus Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Kingdom which was ruled by Kansa. Previously it was known as Madhuvanas or Madhupura and later it took its final name. The city covers an area of 3801 sq km on the west bank of Yamuna River. From the ancient age of Indian history the culture of the city was highly influenced by the story of lord Kirshna. You will find here lots of Krishna temples and the people of the city celebrated several festivals through out the year which are related to lord Krishna.
Holi, the color festival and the Raaslila are two major festivals in Mathura. These festivals are celebrated with great devotions by the people of Mathura when lots of cultural activities like Rasiya (a traditional folk-song related to love of Radha and Krishna) and Charkula (a traditional folk dance) are performed by locals. During the festival of Raaslilas, Mathura people perform a special Raas dance. They believe that Krishna Ji dance with Gopis (girls) on the banks west of Yamuna at that time.
Climate of Mathura is hot in summer and little cold in winter. From mid April to July, the city receives summer season when temperature varies between 41°C to 28°C. Winter season continue from mid November to march when temperature varies between 27°C to 8°C. Monsoon season of Mathura persists from June to September. Annual average rainfall of the city is about 72 cm. Best season to visit this place is July to August when Janmasthami (Krishna birth day) is celebrated and February to March when the festival of Holi is celebrated.
Tour spots in Mathura
Shahi Idgah Mosque was constructed by Aurangazeb during 17th century about 3 km away from circuit house. It is now a major tourist attraction in Mathura. This mosque is a place where more over 100001 people can perform prayer at same time and they wish Eid Mubaraq each to other.
Keshav Dev Temple is the oldest temple of Mathura which was dedicated to lord Keshav dev. The most suitable time to visit this temple is Chaitra Month when a large fair of Keshav dev is held here every year.
Jai Gurudev Ashram was the abode of Rishi Tulsidas who died in 2012. Jai Gurudev Ji organized a non-profit union which is known as Jai Gurudev Dharam Pracharak Sanstha. It is based from the ashram of Mathura.
Dwarikadhish Temple was constructed by Gokul Das in 1814 on the bank of Yamuna River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is the most popular temple in Mathura which is placed in the heart of the city. During the season of the festival Janmashthami it takes a festive looks when thousand devotees gathered here to pray the lord.
Durvasa Rishi Ashram is placed at the meet point of two rivers; Tons and Majhuee about 7 km away from the headquarters of Phulpur Tehsil. Durvasa Rishi was a great character who used to offer knowledge thousands of students at his Ashram. A large fair held here every year on Kartik Purnima.
Kans Fort is now in ruin but you can still imagine a clear conception of the fort structure as it once was. It was built by Raja Mansingh of Jaipur on the bank of River Yamuna. Kansa was the self-proclaimed King of Mathura and was tyrannous in character.
Vishram Ghat is a very sacred place for Hindus, now it reserved for bath and worship for common devotees. It also the main Ghat of Yamuna River accept 25 other Ghats of the river. It is said that it was here that Lord Krishna rested after the fierce fight with Kansa.
Bhooteshwar Mahadev Mandir of Mathura is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most important religious destinations in Mathura. The temple has four Shiva Lingas which are located on the four sides to protect the city.
Mathura museum is a famous archaeological museum founded by F.S Growse in the year of 1874. You will find here lots of ancient sculptures of the Mathura from 3rd century bc to 12th century ad.
Birla Mandir of Mathura is a worship place of various Gods like, lord Krishna, Lakshmi & Narayana and Sita & Rama. And also a figure of lord hanuman ji is standing out side the temple. You will find here the 18 chapters of Gita written on a pillar of the temple.
Shahi Jama Masjid was constructed by Abo-in Nabir-Khan in the year of 1661. It has four lofty minarets, with bright colored plaster mosaic of which a few panels currently exist.
Banke Bihari is of the ancient temples in Mathura, it was rebuilt in 1921 disciples of Haridas Swami who got the idol of Bankey Bihari from Nidhi Van.
Govind Deb Temple was constructed by Raja Man singh of Jaipur in 1590. it was initially seven storey high but its upper four stories were destroyed by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
Beside of these, there have some more places to visit like Kans Khar Bazar, Galteshwar Mahadev Mandir, Shri Gopal Mandir, Mathura Gate, Sri Keshavji Gaudiya Matha, Rangeshwar Mahadev Mandir, etc.
How to reach Mathura?
Travel by airways There have no airport in the city of Mathura. The closest airport of the city is located at Agra about 55 km away. You will get regular flights from the city of Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi and Khajuraho to Agra airport. The nearest international airport is located at Delhi. After reaching those airports you have to make a road journey to reach this religious city.
Travel by Railways
Mathura is well connected to other major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi etc by railways. You should you’re your journey at the Mathura Junction to reach here. Mathura Cant is another important station of the city.
Travel by Roadways
Several national highways are connected to Mathura which makes the city easy accessible from other major cities of India. Mathura is connected to Delhi and Howrah through the NH-2, Mumbai through NH-3, Agra and Bikaner by NH-11 and Moradabad by NH-93. Bus service from Mathura to Delhi and Agra is very good.
Hotels in the Mathura City
Hotel Sheetal Regency Near krishna Janam-bhoomi, Masani Rd, Mathura Phone: 0565-2404401 |
Radha Ashok Hotel Masani Bypass Rd, Mathura-28101 Mobile No: 9837042944 |
Hotel Goverdhan Palace Narholi Thana, Agra delhi Highway Phone:0565-2409919. |
Hotel Gaurav Goverdhan Mathura-Goverdhan Road, Mathura Phone: 0565-6450445 |
Hotel Abhinandan Govardhan Chauraha, NH-2, Mathura Phone No:0565-2423213 |
Hotel Wingston Masani delhi by pass road, Mathura Phone: 0565-2530908 |
Information about Mathura City
Country | India |
State | Uttar Pradesh |
STD Code | 0565 |
Landmark | On the bank of Yamuna River, near Brindaban. |
Languages | Hindi (main language), Brajavasa, English, etc. |
Climate | Winter average 13°C, Summer average 34°C |
Best season to visit | July to August and February to March |
Attractions | It is a Hindu religious site include many temples along side Yamuna Rivar |
Targeted Railway Station | Mathura Junction. |
Nearest Airport | Agra Airport |