Mathura is one of the oldest city in India. It is the birth place of Lord Krishna. Mathura is also known for its old culture and tradition. There are 25 ghats in Mathura on the bank of Yamuna river and the Vishram ghat is the holiest. In 1st century, Mathura was under the Kushana dynasty and in 2nd century it flourished under Buddhist and Jains. There is also a famous art school in Mathura known as Mathura school of arts which flourished under Kushana dynasty. The special delicacy of Mathura includes Mathura peda, Makhan Mishri. The Makhan mishri is also served as prasad in Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. Here are the places to visit in Mathura.
Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir:
Located on the bank of the pious river Yamuna, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is constructed around a prison and the exact location of the prison cell is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The temple also has significant contribution in Hinduism and is the exact birthplace of Lord Krishna. This place is attracted by thousands of tourists and visitors every year.
Dwarkadhish temple:
The Dwarkadhish temple is the largest and oldest temple in Mathura, India. Ornate with Rajasthani architect, the carved pillars and steep slopes of the temple eventually lead to the temple courtyard. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple has intricate sculptures that are designed by dynasties that ruled the region for decades. The temple bears a flag of sun and moon that signifies that Lord Krishna would be there till sun and moon exists. The temple is constructed with pristine limestone that bestow an amazing beauty to the temple.
Kusum Sarovar:
Kusum Sarovar is the exotic lake/pond located near Radha Kunj. At the backdrop of this massive pond, there is a magnificient monument erected by Javahir Singh. The monument in the centre is placed eventually on a highly enriched plinth. Behind the massive monument, there is also a charming flowering garden and at the base of the terrace lies the beautiful deep reservoir, Kusum Sarovar. The site is considered to be the meeting place of Radha and Lord Krishna and is a sacred place for Hindus. Additionally, evening aarti in kusum sarovar in a pleasant evening will definitely be an eye catcher for tourists and priceless moments for shutterbugs.
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund:
Randha Kund and Shyam Kund are the holy reservoirs in Mathura which is a part of Govinda Parikrama. Legends cited when Krishna quelled a demon, Radha asked Lord krishna to take bath in various rivers to clear off his sins. Krishna smiled at her and stucked his feet on the ground from where the mighty pond also known as Shyam Kund emerged. The water of Radha kund is filled with shyam kund. Both the reservoir are revered by devotees. Thousand of Hindu devotees take bath in the holy kund to wash off all the evils and sins.
Kans Quila:
Kans Qila is believed to be the fort of Kans, maternal uncle of Krishna. The fort is a fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture with carved red sandstone pillars in the hall. The fort is ravaged several times by different rulers during Indian mutiny. Today one can see the dilapidated fort due to improper maintenance.
Mathura Museum:
The Archaeological Museum in Mathura was constructed by Mr. F S Growse in the year 1874. Formerly known as Curzon Museum of archeology, The museum exhibit excavation of Mathura and adjacent areas. The museum displays ample collection of Mathura School of Sculptures of 3rd century A. D. which attained a glorious epitomes during Gupta and Kushana emperors. Stone sculptures, bas-reliefs, architectural fragments, inscriptions related to diverse faiths, old coins, terracotta and bronze articles, pottery, bricks, clay seals and paintings are some of the exquisite collections of the quaint museum.
Govardan hill:
Also known as royal hill, the Govardan hill is widely mentioned in Bhagawad Gita, the holy book of Hindus for its immense contribution in hindu mythology. Shaped like a peacock, Govardan hill is a sacred pilgrim spot in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Hindu Mythology cites that Lord krishna raised the hill to defeat Indra, the god of rain,. Carved with stunning red sandstone, the holy rock is worshiped by devotees across the world. A visit to the serene place will unfold many Hindu myths and legends that visitors and devotees can wait for.