Mathura, located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is an ancient city known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. It's particularly revered in Hinduism as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Here are some of the must-visit places in and around Mathura:
Dwarkadhish Temple: Erected in the 19th century, this temple is famous for its wonderful architecture and carvings. It is a hub of activities during the festive season, especially during Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday).
Vishram Ghat: It is the main ghat of Mathura and is central to 25 other ghats. It's said that Lord Krishna rested here after killing the tyrant Kansa.
Government Museum, Mathura: Often referred to as the Mathura Museum, it is famous for its archaeological discoveries from the Mathura School of Art. It houses a rich collection of sculptures from the Gupta and Kushan periods (400 BCE-1200 CE).
Radha Kund: Although a little away from the main city, this is considered the most sacred of the many tanks in the Braj area. According to the legends, Radha Kund is where Radha and Krishna used to meet.
Kusum Sarovar: A historical sandstone monument on the holy Govardhan Hill between Govardhan and Radha Kund in Mathura district.
Govardhan Hill: It is believed that Lord Krishna lifted this hill on his little finger to protect the people from the wrath of the god of rains, Indra.
Barsana: The birthplace of Radha, Krishna's consort, is known for its beautiful temples and Holi celebrations.
Nandgaon: It is known for the Nand Bhawan, the house of Lord Krishna’s foster father Nanda.
Prem Mandir: This is a relatively new temple in Vrindavan, on the outskirts of Mathura, and is known for its magnificent structure, beautiful gardens, and evening light shows.
When visiting Mathura, it's also recommended to engage with the local culture by attending the aarti (a Hindu religious ritual of worship), tasting the local vegetarian cuisine, and possibly coinciding your visit with one of the many festivals celebrated grandly in the region.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is a state located in the northern part of India. It is the most populous state in India, with a population of over 200 million people. The state is known for its rich history and culture and is often referred to as the "Heartland of India". The state has a total area of 243,286 square kilometers and is bordered by the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar. Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Mathura
It is known as Krishna Nagri, Mathura has many religious places like Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Dwarkadish Temple, Birla Temple, Sabbatical Ghat, Mad Baba Temple, Kansa Fort, Kusum Sarovar, etc.
Kansa Fort
Krishna Nagari i.e. Mathura has one of the most famous and holy places. But, apart from this, Kansa Fort, dedicated to Kansa, the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna, is of great importance from the historical point of view. This fort used to be a rest house for the Pandavas during the Mahabharata period.
Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Located in Mathura, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is considered to be one of the most important gods in Hinduism. The temple is situated on the site where Lord Krishna is believed to have been born and attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year.
Gita Mandir
Located in Mathura, this temple is dedicated to the Bhagavad Gita, which is considered to be one of the most important scriptures in Hinduism. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful environment.
Rangeshwar Mahadev Temple
Located in Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is considered to be the supreme god in Hinduism. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year.
Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple
Located in Mathura, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the destroyer of evil. The temple is situated on the banks of the Yamuna river and attracts a large number of devotees during the festival of Shivratri.
Naam Yog Sadhna Mandir
Located in Noida, this temple is dedicated to the practice of Naam Yog Sadhna, which is a form of meditation. The temple is known for its peaceful environment and offers various yoga and meditation classes.