Temples Of Mathura And Vrindavan

The famous city of Uttar Pradesh (India), Mathura, is an abode of much revered shrines. The temple tour in Mahura is surely to fill one with spirituality and harmony. The beautiful temples are not only haven for the pilgrims but have a long trail of history associated with them. The Padma Purana also maintains that by residing one day in Mathura, devotees can attain Hari bhakti. Mathura is called the land of Lord Krishna. Here Lord Krishna was born and brought up. The popular sites of Mathura are:

Krishna Janambhumi: Krishna Janambhumi means the place where Lord Krishna was born. It is said that Krishna, son of Vasudeva and Devaki, was born in a prison where his parents were imprisoned by his maternal uncle Kansa. Today many devotees come to see the birth place of Krishna, the garbh griha, the sanctum sanctorum.

Dwarkadish Temple: Built in 1814, this temple is a famous site among tourists coming to the town. Managed by the followers of Vallabhacarya, the temple is architecturally remarkable. Entering the temple you climb a couple of steps and you have holy darshan of Lord Krishna. Look up at the ceilings and you will find some fabulous paintings. The sacred river Yamuna is flowing close to the temple, so one can easily go to the ghats also.

Radharaman Temple: This popular temple of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, is dedicated to Radharamana, one of the names of Lord Lord Krishna, Radharaman means one who renders happiness to Radha. The deity of the temple immersed on it self from saligram-sila and there by the seva puja of it began in 1542. Devotees coming to the temple will find Lord Chaitanya's belongings like wooden sitting place (chowki), shawl (chaddar) etc. These things Lord Chaitanya gifted to Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. The interesting feature of the temple is the absence of Radharani idol, but a crown is kept next to Krishna's image to denote Her presence.

Rangji Temple: An affluent merchant family built this temple of Lord Vishnu in a typical south Indian style. Built in 1851, the temple is devoted to Lord Sri Ranganatha or Rangaji who is said to be a form of Lord Vishnu lying on the Sesa Naga (celestial serpent). The devotees will see a south Indian architecture here with South Indian gopuram (gateway) cuddled by high rising walls. Brahmotsava, the elaborate 10 days long rath yatra (car festival) is organized here during March April.

Jugal Kishore Temple: Deemed as one of the oldest Vrindavan temple, it was completed in 1627. Locate close to Kesi Ghat, this temple was made by the Gaudya Vaisnavas, when they sought permission from Akbar and he allowed to build four temples of Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal Kisore and Madana-mohana.

Birla Temple: Also, known as Gita temple, the temple was built by Jugal Kishore in Mathura. The interior of the temple is embellished with the presence of main deities, including Lord Krishna, Lakshmi Narayana, Lord Rama and Sita. Birla temple sparkles during the gita jayanti temple, organized annually by the temple administration.

Vrindavan

Situated 15 km from Mathura, this pilgrimage destination is remarkable for temples of both old and modern style of architecture. Some must-visit temples are:

Madan Mohan Temple: Till date, it is one of the oldest temple in Vrindavan. It is positioned near Kali Ghat and is home to the original idol of Lord Madan Gopal. It is said that the idol has been shifted to Karauli in Rajasthan for the purpose of safety and today, a replica of the Lord is worshiped inside the temple.

Banke-Bihari Temple: It was constructed in 1864 and is one of the attractive shrine at Vrindavan. Devotees believe that the image of Banke-Bihari was discovered by Swami Haridas (a great follower of Lord Krishna) in Nidhi Vana.

Other popular temples in Vrindavan are Radha Vallabh Temple, Jaipur Temple, Shahji Temple etc.

A temple tour in Mathura Vrindavan will take us to many more shrines. Plan your next trip to Mathura soon and see you there.