Mathura (Uttar Pradesh, India)

Mathura city is located in the western part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the west bank of the river Yamuna.Mathura (Brajbhoomi) is famous as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, an important deity in the Hindu religious pantheon. It is an important pilgrim place of the Hindus and one of the seven sacred cities in India. The main pilgrim center in Mathura is the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. Mathura is also an important craft center. Lord Krishna Janmabhoomi (birthplace of Lord Krishna) is the main attraction of Mathura and an important pilgrim place of the Hindus. A stone slab marks the original spot of the birth of Lord Krishna. The earlier Kesava Deo temple had the room where Lord Krishna was born. On the road to Vrindaban it is a modern temple with fine paintings and carvings on the walls depicting themes from Hindu mythology. The whole of Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on a pillar called Gita Stambh. The most important bathing ghat of Mathura is the Vishram Ghat, which is believed to be the place where Krishna rested after killing Kansa.

Sightdeeing:

Dwarkadish Temple:
Built in 1814 in the center of the town, it is the most visited temple in Mathura. This temple is managed by followers of Vallabhacharya. Located in the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River, it is architecturally interesting: the temple carving and paintings are major attractions. The temple is a hub of activity during the festive days of Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali.

Krishna Balrama Temple:
This beautiful temple was established in 1975 by His Divine Grace A.c. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founer-acarya of the Interational Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) and has now become Vrindavan's most popular temple and has one of the highest standards of Deity worship and cleanliness