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Tshe land where Shri Krishna was born and spent his
youth, has today little towns and hamlets that are still alive with the
Krishna legend and still redolent with the music of his flute. Mathura, a
little town on the River Yamuna was transformed into a place of faith after
Lord Krishna was born here. Vrindavan, a village - once noted for its
fragrant groves, is where he spent an eventful youth. There are numerous
other little spots in the area that still reverberate with the enchantment
of Shri Krishna.
Located - The city of Mathura is located at a distance of 145 km
south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra (India). The city has for
long attracted Krishna devotees from across the world.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - The nearest airport is Agra, at a distance of 47 km. There
are regular flights from Agra to several cities of India, including Delhi,
Khajuraho and Varanasi.
By Rail - Mathura is well connected by train with Agra (1 hour),
Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur and Kota. The Taj Express runs daily between
Matura to Delhi (2½ hours).
By Road - Bus service from Mathura to Delhi (3½ hours) and Agra (1½
hour) is very good.
WHEN TO GO
Mathura can be travel round the year
the best time between October to March.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Vrindavan - Vrindavan, just 15 km from Mathura, is another major
place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples - both old and
modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable
characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is the wood where he frolicked
with the gopis and tenderly wooed Radha.Vrindavan today, is noted for
its numerous temples.
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Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi - This is the spot where
Lord Krishna was born in Mathura. A marble slab marks the original spot
of birth in the Katra Keshav Deo Temple at the site. The main shrine is
inconspicuous, a narrow passage leads into a small room with a raised
platform to the left, beautiful pictures of the child Krishna adorn the
platform and the story of his birth is both written and illustrated on
the walls. A narrow set of marble steps lead to a terrace through a
walled corridor, creating the effect of a prison while leading out. The
shrine is open everyday from dawn till 12 noon and from 4 pm till dusk. |
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Nandgaon - AT the foot of a hill 51 Kms.
north-east of Mathura is situated the venerable village of Nandgaon. It
is known as the home of Lord Krishna's foster father Nand, in whose
memory a spacious temple stand on the brow of the hill. Probably built
in the middle of the 12'th century by one Rup Singh, It consist of an
open nave with choir and sacrarium beyond. Standing in the center of a
paved courtyard, it is surrounded by a lofty wall which commands an
extensive view of the Bharatpur hill and the level expanse of Mathura
District as far as Goverdhan.
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Gokul - About 15 Kms. of the south-east of Mathura
connected by a metalled road is Gokul, a suburb of the inland town of
Mahavan on the bank of the river Yamuna. Gukul is a celebrated spot
where Lord Krishna was reared in secrecy by his nurse. This place is
very scared and is visited by thousand of pilgrims particularly during
the birth anniversary of the Lord Krishna in july-august and the time of
Annakut festival. Gokul is also associated with the famous saint
Vallabhacharya who lived here for many years. The most important temple
is that of Gokul Nath Ji.
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Baldeo - According to hindu mythology this is the
place where Lord Krishna's elder brother named 'Baldeo' use to rule.
This place is also known as 'Dauji' in the local areas around mathura as
the other name of Lord Baldeo was 'Dau maharaj'. There is a famous
temple in Baldeo of 'Dau Maharaj', where there is a stone statue of him
with his wife situated.
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Goverdhan - It is a religious-town near Mathura,
India, famous for its temple named Daan-Ghati. The temple god is another
form of Lord Krishna. The town is also famous for its 21 kilometer long
Parikrama of the a very old hill called Goverdhan. The parikrama
procession is held in very high religious belief. Its said that Lord
Krishna held Goverdhan hill on his little finger to save the town from
wrath of the god of rains Indra. The town also houses Manasi-Ganga, a
close ended lake. This is another pious place for the devotees visiting
this town.
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Dwarkadheesh Temple - Built in 1814, it is the
main temple of the town. The best time to visit the temple is during the
festive days of Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali as it is grandly decorated.
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Gita Mandir - The Gita Mandir on the Mathura-Vrindavan
road has been built by the Birlas, one of India's premier industrial
clans. It has a fine image of Lord Krishna in its sanctum. The entire
Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on a pillar called the Gita Stambh.the temple
carving and painting are a major attraction. |
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Barsana - 21 Kms. to the north of Goverdhan is
Barsana the birth place of Radha a favourite devotee of Lord Krishna. It
is a famous place for pilgrimage with a regular bus service from Mathura
to Barsana Via Kosi & Goverdhan.
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WHERE TO EAT
There are so many good restaurants and hotels.
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