India is an excellent spot if you’re searching for mediums to tune in with your inner self and find mental peace. This is because of its numerous famous holy spots and pilgrimage sites that devotees come to seek. Among these spiritual destinations, our next sacred sites in Uttar Pradesh appear to be Vrindavan and Mathura.
These cities consider religion inseparable from their traditions and are therefore have a connection with Lord Krishna. Those temples are several in number that allow visitors to obtain peace and luck. Therefore, we will talk about the top five renowned Mathura temples that will be on your visit list if you have planned to visit Mathura once in your lifetime.
Why to Visit Mathura?
Mathura is a famous city where Krishna spent his childhood, youth, and part of his maturity, and it is worshipped as a place of a God. When you visit this site, you will feel the atmosphere mixed with the peace, and desire of the sacred Ganges.
It possesses a separate identity from that of the state and one of its prominent forms is often called Brij Bhoomi, which is believed to be one of the holiest places in India, known mainly for hosting many Hindu temples.
Here are the best 5 famous temples in Mathura:
1. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Janmabhoomi Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Temples of Mathura. Located in the middle of the bustling streets, this place is so much revered by people. The Bethna Mandir holds the greatest significance in Mathura and has been said to have been the birthplace of the deity Nari-Krishna, and one of the most important pilgrimages for the Hindus.
According to the locals, it existed as Kan’s (Kans’s grandnephew) stone-walled jail cell and then King Veer Singh Bundela renovated it.
What is more, a little side stage of the main sanctuary is traditionally dedicated to one of the most important events in the life of Lord Krishna – his birth in a prison.
As you travel farther into the sacred temple, you will come upon a marble figure of Lord Krishna. The greatest time to come is during the Janmashtami festival, although the temple grounds also host the Chhappan Bhog and Holi festivities.
Timings – 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
2. The Dwarkadhish Temple
The Dwarkadhish temple, considered one of the holiest temples in Mathura, is well-known throughout the country for its beautiful construction and murals. The temple, constructed in 1814, is relatively new but widely known.
The temple and its surrounds, located within the boundaries of the city’s sacred gate and near the ghats of the river Yamuna, are a focus of many intriguing activities.
Timings: SUMMERS
Opening hour is 7:00 AM.
Morning Aarti: 7:45–8:00 AM
Darshan Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Winter Darshan times: 8:45 AM – 1 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
3. Gita Mandir
Among the many Hindu temples in Mathura, Gita Mandir, also known as Birla Mandir, is a must-see temple located a few kilometers outside the city center, near Vrindavan. This temple is particularly remarkable since it has statues depicting Lord Krishna teaching his devotee, Pandavas Prince Arjuna, during the Kurukshetra War.
Indeed, 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita are etched on the pillars immediately at the temple’s entrance. Gita Mandir, built of red sandstone, combines Hindu and Western architectural styles and houses the sacred idols of Lord Krishna, Narayana, Rama, Goddess Lakshmi, and Sita.
Inside the Gita Mandir, a magnificent chariot of Sri Krishna is painted, as are other paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses on the marbled walls.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
4. Kesava Deo Temple
The temple of Shri Krishna in Mathura known as Kesava Deo not only testifies to his sincere devotees from centuries ago but is also a place that is still alive in the hearts of people. As it serves as an everlasting monument to humankind’s religious beliefs with its antique origins and complex architecture, the building attests that it is a symbol of spirituality that is preserved in time. The visitors get a nice feeling from the external peace and incense aroma which is enough for them to say a prayer and get the blessing.
Be it a physical or dream fulfillment, it is what symbolizes desire and releases devotees’ chains. Walking across the entrance threshold of the temple, one will touch the borders of God’s presence and kiss the moment of awe and worship of Lord Krishna. If the Kesava Deo Temple is a place of worship, it is also a peaceful sanctuary for the dedicated worshippers as already stated.
Timings:
• Morning: 5:00 – 12:00, Mon – Fri
• Evening: 4 PM – 8 pm
5. Chamunda Devi Temple in Mathura
Chamunda Devi Temple in Mathura, located just across from Maa Gayatri Tapobhumi, is one of India’s most significant spiritual retreats to visit since it is said that a hair strand from Maa Gayatri landed in this particular area. This occurrence is also recounted in the ancient book Shrimad Bhagwat.
According to Satyug legend, Lord Krishna saved a python before going to seek blessings from Maa Chamunda here.
Maa Chamunda is the clan goddess of Nand Baba. It is believed that after Sri Krishna’s Mundan ceremony in Saraswati Kund, he came to seek her blessings.
The temple is also said to have been a meditation facility for Sage Shandilya and a location for Sri Gorakhnath to learn. This temple receives a large number of visitors during the Navratri festival.
In fact, on Sundays and the occasions of Akshay Navami and Devthan Ekadashi, the whole temple grounds are crowded with people. The main appeal of this location is that the Chamunda Devi Temple does not have any idols.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most renowned temple in Mathura?
1. The Janmabhoomi Temple, one of Mathura’s most treasured and revered sanctuaries, is located in the center of the city’s crowded streets. This temple is considered the holiest spot in Mathura and is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus since it is said to be the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna.
2. Which should I visit first: Mathura or Vrindavan?
2. You should visit Mathura first, as the temple shuts at 11 a.m. After that, you can travel to Vrindavan. The main attractions include Banke-Bihari Temple, Radha-Vallabh Temple, Prem Mandir, and Isckon Temple. There are some wonderful Dhabas for lunch along the Mathura-Delhi Highway near Mathura.