Uttar Pradesh · North
Mathura–VrindavanMathurā–Vṛndāvana
Krishna's birthplace and childhood home, the heart of the Braj region
- Principal temple
- Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex, MathuraKeshavdeva (Krishna); Radha–Krishna
- Best time to visit
- October to March
- Nearest airport
- Agra Airport (AGR), ~60 km; Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi, ~160 km
- Nearest railway station
- Mathura Junction (MTJ), which also serves Vrindavan
- Tradition
- Vaiṣṇava
Overview
Mathura, on the Yamuna, is revered by Hindus as the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri; with its twin town Vrindavan it forms the heart of the Braj region. Vrindavan, a short distance to the north, is where tradition holds Krishna spent his childhood, and it is home to thousands of Radha–Krishna temples. The pair draw large crowds especially at Janmashtami and Holi.
See sources [1–7]- Keshavdeva (Krishna); Radha–Krishna
- Krishna as Dwarkadhish
- Banke Bihari (combined form of Radha and Krishna)
Main temples
Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex, Mathura
Keshavdeva (Krishna); Radha–Krishna
Its Garbha Griha shrine is believed to mark the birthplace of Krishna.
Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura
Krishna as Dwarkadhish
One of the largest temples in Mathura, dating to 1814, and a major focus of Janmashtami crowds.
Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
Banke Bihari (combined form of Radha and Krishna)
A celebrated Vrindavan temple whose image, first worshipped by Swami Haridas, stands in the tribhanga posture.
Key festivals
- Mar
Holi (incl. Lathmar Holi at Barsana)
March
- Aug – Sep
Krishna Janmashtami
Kṛṣṇa Aṣṭamī of Śrāvaṇa (amānta) / Bhādrapada (pūrṇimānta), August–September
Radhashtami
Festival dates follow the Hindu calendar and move from year to year — confirm them with the temple before you travel.
Plan your visit
When to visit
Best time to visit
October to March
Festival days draw the largest crowds. Check the festival calendar above and the temple's own timings before you travel.
How to reach
- By air
- Agra Airport (AGR), ~60 km; Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi, ~160 km
- By rail
- Mathura Junction (MTJ), which also serves Vrindavan
Related
Yātrās through Mathura–Vrindavan
Stories
StoryThe Birth of KṛṣṇaIn the midnight hour, divine light heralded a joyful birth.
StoryThe Fall of KaṃsaThe serpent of tyranny meets its destined end in divine grace.
StoryThe Butter ThiefCaught with butter on his lips — and the whole cosmos in his mouth.
StoryKṛṣṇa Lifts GovardhanaWhen Indra's storm raged, a cowherd boy raised a mountain.
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Sources
- Mathura - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Mathura - Incredible Indiaincredibleindia.gov.in
- Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Banke Bihari Temple - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Vrindavan - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Mathura Junction railway station - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- Krishna Janmashtami - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
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