Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is located in the holy city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. It is built around the prison cell in which Lord Krishna’s parents, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva were imprisoned by his evil uncle Kansa. The temple is of great significance for the Hindus as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
The Dwarkadhish Temple, touted as one of the holiest temples in Mathura, is famous all over the country for its elaborate architecture and paintings. Built in 1814, the temple is relatively new but is highly revered. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna known as Dwarkanath, depicted in a black marble idol.
Located on the Vrindavan - Mathura Road is the famous Birla Mandir, also popularly known as Gita Mandir. It is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan - an avatar of Vishnu. The architecture of the temple speaks of its magnificence and the exquisite carvings and paintings of its grandeur.
Govardhan Hill or the Giri Raj is situated at a distance of 22 km from Vrindavan. It has been stated in the Holy Bhagwat Gita that according to Lord Krishna, Govardhan Parvat is not different from him. Therefore, all his worshipers worship the pure rocks of the hill just like they worship his idol. The hill is made up of sandstone and stands 80 ft tall with a circumference of 38 km. Some interesting places one gets to visit the hills including Mansi Ganga, Mukharvind, and Daan Ghati.
Situated near Govardhan Hill in the small town in Mathura is one of the holiest places in Braja - the Radha Kund and Shyam Kund. The two holy water tanks lying next to each other are considered to be the supreme of all holy places, containing pure and sacred water, also known to contain magical properties to heal for conception.
Rangji Temple, also known as Sri Ranganath Temple, is situated on the Vrindavan - Mathura Marg. It is dedicated to Lord Sri Goda Ranagamannar - a South Indian Vaishnava Saint, and Lord Ranganatha - an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The highlight of the temple is the idol of Krishna present in the form of the groom with Goda (Andal) as his bride.
Located between Govardhan and Radha Kund in Vrindavan, Mathura, Kusum Sarovar is a beautiful reservoir fringed by palatial sandstone building from the bygone era. The reservoir has a flight of stairs which can be used to descend in the pond. The sarovar is believed to have got its name from one of the girl attendants of Radha, named Kusum. The water is ideal for swimming and dips. Kusum Sarovar also has several temples and ashrams in the vicinity.
Situated near Gotam Nagar on the cliff near Bankey Bihari temple is the Radha Vallabh Mandir, one of the seven temples of Thakur of Vrindavan. This temple is the epitome of the sacred and divine love of Radha and Krishna, displayed in the rarest form 'Ras-bhakti'. Enshrined by Lord Krishna, the temple does not have a deity of Radha. Instead, it has a crown placed next to Lord Krishna to signify her presence.
Vishram Ghat is a revered and sacred bathing ghat located at about 4.5 kilometres from Mathura Junction on the banks of River Yamuna. It is the main ghat of Mathura and is central to 25 other ghats. Pilgrims from all over the country visit Vishram Ghat to bathe in its holy waters and perform the traditional parikrama that starts and ends here.
Initially known as Curzon Museum of Archaeology, Government Museum Mathura is located at Dampier Park. Also called Mathura Museum locally, the repository is one of the finest in the country and houses a fairly big collection of ancient relics, sculptures, coins and paintings.
Located on the banks of the serene Yamuna River, Kans Qila is an ancient fortress in Mathura dedicated to Kans - the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna. Situated near the Krishna Ganga Ghat and Gau Ghat, the fort is a popular tourist spot and has been constructed as a fusion of Hindu- Muslim architecture. Kans ka Qila is in a dilapidated state due to negligence but is still thronged by tourists and alike.
Located at a distance of 8 km from Barsana and 50 km from Mathura, Nandgaon is a quaint little town situated at the base of a Nandisvara Hill and which holds immense religious significance. The town is highly revered by Hindu pilgrims as it is believed to be the home of the foster parents of Lord Krishna- Shri Nandji and Yashoda Maiyya. There is also a spacious temple situated atop the hill which is dedicated to Shri Nandji.
