Step into the birthplace of Shri Krishna, where temples are not just monuments, but gateways into His timeless pastimes
Temples of Mathura
The Royal Lord of Mathura
1. Shri Dwarkadhish Mandir
Introduction
Built in 1814 by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, a devout treasurer of the Gwalior estate, the Dwarkadhish Temple is one of Mathura’s most magnificent shrines. Though relatively new compared to other ancient temples, it radiates an aura so powerful that devotees feel the timelessness of Krishna’s presence.
Divine Experience
The deity is worshipped as Dwarkadhish – King of Dwarka, resplendent in royal attire, adorned with jewels and flowers.
Every morning and evening, the darshan transforms into a spectacle of devotion with elaborate shringaar, bhajans, and aarti.
The temple is especially famous for its Jhulan Yatra (swing festival) in Shravan, when the deity is placed on beautifully decorated swings and devotees sing rain-soaked melodies of Radha and Krishna.
Architecture & Atmosphere
The temple is adorned with Rajasthani – style architecture, intricate carvings, and paintings that narrate Krishna’s leelas.
Its courtyards are always alive with chanting, colors, and the fragrance of sandal and flowers.
Being close to Vishram Ghat, the temple becomes the heart of festive processions during Janmashtami and Holi.
To visit Dwarkadhish is to behold Krishna as a King, yet still approachable as the mischievous child of Mathura.
The Birthplace of the Supreme Lord
2. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi
Introduction
The holiest of all Mathura’s shrines, Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple marks the exact spot where Shri Krishna was born over 5,000 years ago. Within the prison of His tyrant uncle, King Kansa, the Supreme Lord appeared as a tender child to liberate the world.
Divine Significance
Devotees believe that the sanctum stands directly upon the prison cell where Krishna took birth. To bow here is to touch the very ground sanctified by His first cry.
The temple complex includes grand shrines of Radha-Krishna, Balram, Subhadra, and other deities.
Pilgrims often describe the atmosphere here as overwhelming—where history, mythology, and divinity merge into one eternal truth.
Festivals
Janmashtami is celebrated here with unmatched grandeur. Lakhs of devotees gather, fasting and chanting until midnight, when Krishna’s appearance is reenacted with abhishek, kirtan, and ecstatic celebrations.
The sound of conch shells, temple bells, and cries of “Nand ke anand bhayo, Jai Kanhaiya Lal ki!” echo throughout Mathura.
Krishna Janmabhoomi is not a place—it is the very heart of Mathura, the navel from which all other holy sites radiate.
Where Krishna Rested After Slaying Kansa
3. Shri Vishram Ghat
Introduction
The sacred Vishram Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna is the most important ghat of Mathura. It is here that Shri Krishna rested after slaying Kansa, hence the name “Vishram” (rest).
Divine Experience
Vishram Ghat is the starting and ending point of the Mathura Parikrama, which covers all the holy ghats and temples of the city.
The ghat glows with thousands of lamps during Yamuna Aarti every evening. The reflection of lights dancing on the water feels like the very universe bowing to Yamuna Maharani.
Pilgrims bathe here before visiting Janmabhoomi, believing that Yamuna’s waters purify the soul for darshan.
Surrounding Ghats
To the north, twelve ghats such as Ganesh Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Saraswati Sangam Ghat, and Krishnaganga Ghat, each with its own unique history.
To the south, eleven ghats including Prayag Ghat, Shyam Ghat, Ram Ghat, Dhruva Ghat, Saptrishi Ghat, and Surya Ghat, each linked to divine leelas.
Festivals
Janmashtami & Jhulan Yatra: Special celebrations occur here with processions, swings, and boat rides on Yamuna.
Kartik Purnima: Thousands of diyas float on the water, creating a divine scene beyond imagination.
To sit at Vishram Ghat at sunrise or sunset is to feel Krishna’s presence, resting, smiling, and blessing all of Braj.
The Essence of Mathura’s Temples
Together, Dwarkadhish Mandir, Krishna Janmabhoomi, and Vishram Ghat form the sacred triangle of Mathura’s devotion. They embody Krishna as:
The King (Dwarkadhish)
The Child (Janmabhoomi)
The Victor and Protector (Vishram Ghat)
Plan Your Visit
Location: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
Best Time to Visit: August–March (Janmashtami, Kartik Purnima, Holi)
Come to Mathura, not as a tourist, but as a seeker. For here, every stone speaks, every ghat glows, and every temple whispers the eternal name of Radhe Krishna.
