Mathura, Hindu Pilgriamge in India
MATHURA FACTS & FIGURES
Location
of Mathura:
Western Uttar Pradesh,
North India Best time to Visit: Throughout the year
Significance: The Holy Birthplace of Lord Krishna, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi.
Mathura, a little
town on
the River Yamuna
is synonymous with
Lord Krishna who
is believed have
been born here.
Alive with devotion
to Lord Krishna
- the evergreen
hero of Hinduism,
the lover of Radha
and re-incarnation
of Lord Vishnu -
it has a peaceful
and refreshing air
about it. Mathura
without Lord Krishna
is like Bethlehem
without Christ.
The city of Mathura is located at a distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra (India). The city has for long attracted Krishna devotees from across the world. Even the casual visitor finds the temples and monuments set in idyllic environs refreshing to core.
The city of Mathura is located at a distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra (India). The city has for long attracted Krishna devotees from across the world. Even the casual visitor finds the temples and monuments set in idyllic environs refreshing to core.
Prominent
Pilgrimage Attractions
of Mathura
• Vishram Ghat
This
is the sacred spot
where Lord Krishna
is believed to have
rested after slaying
the tyrant Kansa.
• Dwarkadheesh Temple
Built
in 1814, it is the
main temple of the
town. The best time
to visit the temple
is during the festive
days of Holi, Janmashtami
and Diwali as it
is grandly decorated.
• Archaeological Museum
Located
at Dampier Park,
this museum has
the finest collection
of rare items from
the Gupta and Kushan
period (400 BC to
1200AD).
• Mansarovar
The
rare wetland grove
and bird sanctuary,
roughly five acres
in size, is located
a few miles across
the Yamuna River.
Local tradition
has it that the
lake, or 'sarovar',
was formed from
the tears of Sri
Radha, while in
an intensely emotional
state of wounded
love. She came here
alone when she feared
she had lost Krishna.
In her memory a
solitary image of
her is worshipped
in a small shrine
beside the lake.
• Govardhan Hill
There
are interesting
legends attached
to Govardhana Hill.
It is said to be
in shape of a peacock
in the pose when
he curves its neck
and puts his head
under its stomach.
Radha Kunda and
Syama Kunda are
said to be its eyes,
Dan Ghati to be
its long neck, Mukharavinda
to be its mouth
and beak and Punchari
to be its back and
tail feathers. Govardhan
Hill is situated
some 20 km west
of Mathura• Kusuma Sarovara
Kusuma Sarovara
is a 25 minutes
walk from Radha
Kunda. Kusuma means
"flower,"
and here the gopis
would pick flowers
for Krishna. Kusuma
Sarovara is the
best swimming spot
in Mathura.
• Holy Tirthas
There are 25 holy
tirthas (bathing
places or ghatas)
in Mathura. Visram
Ghata is in the
middle and there
are 12 ghatas south
of Visrama Ghata
and 12 ghatas north.
The 12 ghatas in
the south extend
to Moksa Ghata.
These holy tirthas are mostly located about 400m south of Visrama Ghata, almost right next to each other. Many of the ghatas are known now by different names. Asi Ghata, Prayaga Ghata, Chakra Tirtha Ghata, Krishna Ganga, Dhruva Ghata and Visrama Ghata are still known by the same names.
These holy tirthas are mostly located about 400m south of Visrama Ghata, almost right next to each other. Many of the ghatas are known now by different names. Asi Ghata, Prayaga Ghata, Chakra Tirtha Ghata, Krishna Ganga, Dhruva Ghata and Visrama Ghata are still known by the same names.
How to Reach Mathura
•
Air: Kheria
in Agra is the nearest
airport.
•
Rail:
Mathura railway
station is located
south of the new
bus stand. Mathura
is well connected
by train.
•
Road: The
new bus stand is
located near Hotel
Mansarovar Palace.
