Mathura




Birth Place of Lord Krishna

Mathura is one of the most visited cities of the Northern India. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura lies close to Agra (50 km), Vrindavan (11 km), Delhi (145 km) and Govardha (22 km). The city is also the administrative head of the state and one of the popular destinations too. In the olden times, Mathura was a very old trading hub and formed a part of the caravan route. But today it has evolved as one of the important cities of the state and growing with a rapid rate. Currently around 2.5 million people are living in Mathura.

Mathura is popular because Lord Krishna was born here. This is the reason that it is also known as Brij-bhoomi or referred to as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The place where Lord Krishna was born was further transformed into a temple known as the Keshav Dev Temple. As per the epic of the Mahabharata or Bhagavata Purana, Mathura served as the capital city of Surasena Kingdom which belonged to Kansa, Lord Krishna’s maternal uncle.

History

Mathura is one of the oldest cities whose reference can be seen about 2500 years back. It is said that Buddha travelled to Mathura and founded several monasteries here. During the reign of Kanishka (78 AD), the city became very powerful. Even Fa Hien, a Chinese Traveler who came here in 400 AD referred that he explored a number of Buddhist monasteries. But then Mathura was captured by Mahmud of Ghazni in the year 1017 and in 1500 Sikandar Lodi captured it. Even the Mughals reign in Mathura and destroyed the city to a great extent. All the Hindu temples as well as monasteries were looted and destroyed.

For a number of years Mathura was still in a bad condition until the Bhakti cult movement was initiated. This is the time when the nobels, Hindu rulers came together and constructed many beautiful temples and also renovated the few structures. This is how the city was revived again. During the British Rule, Mathura also had a cantonment which was known as Civil Lines. Today it has become one of the popular pilgrimage destinations for the Hindus and people turn out in large numbers to worship Lord Krshan on several occasions. The city is located close to Delhi (140 kms) and Agra (58 kms), thus attracting a lot of people from the Northern India to visit Mathura and enjoy being a part of the pilgrimage place.

Location

Mathura lies on the Western part of the Uttar Pradesh and is a popular North Indian destination. Located on the banks of River Yamuna, Mathura has its own beauty which catches the attention of the people. As it is located close to Delhi and Agra, therefore most of the visitors come to Mathura via this route. The city experiences a typical tropical climate, hence the summers is very hot while the winters are chilly. The months between July and September experience heavy rainfall thus bringing relief from the hot summers.

How to Reach Mathura from Delhi

Delhi (Delhi) to Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) is 150 km.

Time by road is 2 hrs, 10 mins

Mathura is well connected to Delhi by rail and road, therefore you can use any of the modes to reach Mathura. You can find several express trains running on this route at different timings.

If you want to travel by buses, you can also come across excellent bus services from Delhi to Mathura. The fare may range from Rs 250 to Rs 450. The tourists can hire private taxis too whose fare can be somewhat around Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000.

Driving Directions from Delhi to Mathura

Taj Expressway

Taj Expressway, also known as Yamuna Expressway connects the two important destinations Agra and Greater Noida. As it is a 6 lane road now extended to 8 lane, the tourists can enjoy a smooth driving experience. The lane is about 165 km long and was built with a cost of INR12, 839 crore (US$2.4 billion). The expressway was inaugurated by Akhilesh Yadav on 9th August 2012. The project was delayed by two years.

Toll Rates

While travelling through the expressway, you will have to pay the toll rates at three different points, 38 km, 95 km and 150 km when you head from Greater Noida. As per the rules, jeeps or cars will have to pay Rs 2.10/km and mini buses will have to pay Rs 3.23/km. Large buses and trucks will be charged Rs. 6.60/km and heavy vehicles will have to pay Rs. 10.10/km.

Attractions of Mathura

Vishram Ghat

Vishram Ghat is a beautiful place made of marbles and serves as a resting place for the tourists. Situated at the banks of River Yamuna, it offers a great view to the tourists so that they can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the natural beauty. This is the place where Lord Krishna also rested when the battle with Kansa ended.

There are lots of temples located around including the Murli Manohar and Mukur temple which are very popular. People turn out in large numbers to be a part of the grand Aarti which is organized during the evenings every day. It is definitely a lovely view.

Sri Keshavji Gaudiya Math

Sri Keshavji Gaudiya Math temple is a lovely shrine which is dedicated to Sri Sri Radha Vinode Bihariji, Sri Giriraja Govardhan and Caitanya Mahaprabhu. It is one of the popular attractions of Mathura.

Rangbhoomi

Referred to as the wrestling arena, this is the place where Lord Krishna killed Kansa. The kingdom was later on taken up by Ugrasena who was the maternal grandfather. People love to explore this place and that is why it is a famous attraction.

Kusum Sarovar

This sarovar is located close to Radha Kunj and is the place where Lord Krishan used to meet his gopis. The sarovar is surrounded by lots of natural beauty with the tourists enjoying the views and the evening aarti. People also love swimming in this server and spend a lot of time enjoying the views.

Dwarikadheesh Temple

Dwarikadheesh Temple was constructed by Seth Gokuldas Parikh in the year 1814. You will come across the beautiful carvings of Krishna, Radha and Balram. During the festivals like Janmashtami lots of tourists come here to worship Lord Krishna. At the time of festivals, the temple is decorated with lots of lighting and diyas thus attracting the local people as well as the tourists.

Gita Temple

Gita Temple is situated outside the city of Mathura and decorated with the inscriptions from the Bhagavad Gita. Its architecture is worth admiring as it is unique and very lovely. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna but it also has the idols of Ram and Sita too. So you can visit this beautiful temple and worship Lord Krishna.

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