Where is Mathura?
The city of Mathura, 145 km southeast of Delhi, is located in the western
part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, forming a part of the Great Northern
Plains. The city lies on the west bank of the river Yamuna.
How will you gain access?
There are regular bus services from Mathura to Delhi(3½ hours) and
Agra (1½ hours). The new bus stand is situated near Hotel Mansarovar
Palace. Heading towards south of the new bus stand, one arrives at the
Mathura railway station. By train, Mathura is connected to Agra (58 km),
Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur, Delhi and Kota. The Taj Express runs daily
between Mathura and Delhi.
What does it signify?
The
holy city of Mathura stands on the banks of the Yamuna. The city acquires an
important position both in history and mythology of India. One can find the
city pulsating always with the stories of Krishna, the city being the lord's
birth place. According to the Hindu mythology, a king named Ugrasena ruled
over Mathura. Once Ugrasena and his wife were walking in the garden. A demon
saw the queen and fell in love with her. He diverted Ugrasena and took his
form. As a result of this union, Kansa was born. Kansa later grew up to
dethrone his father. He imprisoned his cousin Devaki too. One day as he was
driving Devaki and his husband Vsudeva, he heard a voice from the sky,
telling him that he was carrying a women whose eighth child would put an end
to him. He made up his mind to kill Devaki. Vasudeva begged to spare her
life, promising to hand him over all the children that would be born. King
Kansa killed all the seven boys. But as soon as the eighth baby-boy was born
Vasudeva, hearing a voice from the heaven, took him out and exchanged him
with a baby-girl born to Yasoda and Nanda. Consequently Krishna arrived at
Vrindavan and was saved. He grew up and, as it was destined, put an end to
Kansa.
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What beckons devotees?
» Sri Krishna Janamsthan
Sri Krishna Janamsthan or the Janambhoomi Complex is the chief attraction of
the city. The site marks the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Myriad of Hindu
devotees arrive here everyday to view this sacred place and to pay their
tributes to the lord. The shrines remains open daily from sunrise till 12-00
noon and from 16-00 hours till sunset.
» Kansa Quila
The Kansa Quila was built by Raja Man Singh of Ambar. Sawai Jai Singh later
added an observatory to the fort. Unfortunately, the fort is now in a state
of desertion and only its foundation exists to be viewed.
» Vishram Ghat
Of all the Ghats that line the riverfront here, the Vishram Ghat is the
most important. It is believed that Krishna rested here after putting an end
to his uncle Kansa. Everday, as Arti is observed, cows, monkeys and turtle
are fed at the Ghat. There are a total of 25 Ghats along the river.
» Potara Kund
The Potara Kund (A sacred pond) is held in high esteem by the Hindu
community. The significant pond lies near the Janambhoomi or Krishna's
birthplace. It is believed that child Krishna's clothes were washed in this
pond.
» Banke Bihari Temple
Banke Bihari Temple, built in the year 1864, is one of Vrindabana's most
popular temples. It was Swami Haridasa who discovered the deity of Banke
Bihari. The temple sees a huge number of devotees daily.
»
Mathura Archaeological Museum
Mathura Archaeological Museum is yet another attraction for the visitors.
The museum has an interesting collection of rare Buddhist and Jain
sculptures from the Kushana era. A standing Buddha, from the 5th century AD,
in the Abhay Mudra (Fearless Pose) is one of the many exhibits.
What is the best time?
Mathura has an extreme and tropical climate. Summers are hot and winters
are cold. July to September is the time of the monsoons. The best time to
pay a visit is between the months of October and March.
