Around Mathura Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Mathura 

• Gokul
• Mahavan
• Govardhan
• Barsana
• Vrindavan
• Madan Mohan Temple
• Banke Bihari Temple
• Radha Vallabh Temple
• Jaipur Temple
• Shahji Temple
• Rangaji Temple
• Govind Deo Temple
• Shri Krishna-Balram Temple
• Seva Kunj
• Other places

Gokul (15 kms.)

It is believed that Lord Krishna was brought here after birth in secrecy by Nand Krishna spent his childhood at this beautiful village on the banks of Yamuna. It became a major centre of the Bhakti cult during the time of Vallabhacharya (1479-1531). There are a number of important shrines like, Gokulnath, Madan Mohan, Vitthalnath, DwarikaNath and Balkrishna etc. It is also known for Janmashtami celebrations.

Mahavan (18 kins.)

It is famous for the Mathuranath shrine with Chaurasi Khambha (eighty four pillars).

Govardhan (26 kms.)

The sacred site is perched on a narrow sandstone hill known as Giriraj. It is said that Lord Krishna lifted the Giriraj mountain on the tip of a finger for 7 days, to shield the people of Braj from the wrath of Lord Indra. Atop the hill is a temple built by Vallabhacharya in 1520. There is also a huge masonry tank known as Mansi Ganga.

Barsana(50kms.)

It is 19 kms. from Govardhan and is said to be the home of Radha Rani, Lord Krishna's beloved. There are temples dedicated to the divine couple Radha and Krishna. Barsana is also famous for its unique 'Latthmar' Holi-celebrations.

Vrindavan (15 kms.)

Vrindavan, the 'land of 4,000 temples' is another holy site closely associated with Lord Krishna, who is said to have spent a great deal of time here in playful activities with his friends and gopis.

Madan Mohan Temple : The shrine near the Kali Ghat is associated with the saint Chaitanya and is the oldest existent temple in Vrindavan. The original idol of Lord Madan Gopal was taken away to Karauli (Rajasthan), to protect it from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Today, the temple enshrines a replica of the original.

Banke Bihari Temple: It was built in 1864 and is perhaps the most popular shrine here. The idol of Banke Bihari in the temple was discovered in Nidhi Vana by Swami Haridas ji, an ardent devotee of the Lord.

Radha Vallabh Temple : This famous shrine was established by the Radha-Vallabh sect.

Jaipur Temple : The exquisitely carved temple of Shri Radha-Madhav was built in 1917, by king Sawai Madhav Singh of Jaipur.

Shahji Temple : It was built in 1876, by Shah Kundan Lal, a wealthy jeweller of Lucknow. The deities at the temple are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman.

Rangaji Temple : It was built in 1851, in the Dravidian style and is noted for a six storeyed gopuram (gateway) and a gold plated 50 feet high Dhwaja stambha. Lord Vishnu is depicted here resting on the coils of the sacred Shesha-nag. The annual festival of Jal Vihar of the presiding deity is performed with great pomp and splendour at the tank. It is also well known for Brahmotsav' celebrations in March-April.

Govind Deo Temple : The magnificent seven storeyed structure is said to have been built at a cost of one crore rupees ln 1590, by Man Singh. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural style.

Shri Krishna-Balram Temple : This shrine of the ISKCON sect, is one the most beautiful temples in Vrindavan.

Seva Kunj:  According to legends, Lord Krishna performed the Raaslila with Radha and the Gopis here and rested at Nidhi Van.

Other places

Other places of interest are the Sri Radha Shyam Sundar Temple, Sriji Temple, Jugal Kishore Temple, Kesi Ghat, Lal Babu Temple, Raj Ghat, Meera Bai Temple, Imli Tal, Kallya Ghat, Raman Reti, Varah Ghat and Chir Ghat etc.