Best Places To Visit In Mathura And Vrindavan

Prem Mandir  is a Hindu temple in  Vrindavan ,  Mathura ,  India . It is maintained by  Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat , an international non-profit, educational, spiritual,  charitable trust . The complex is on a 54-acre site on the outskirts of Vrindavan, and is dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna and Sita Ram. The temple structure was established by the fifth  Jagadguru ,  Kripalu Maharaj . Figures of Shri Krishna and his followers depicting important events surrounding the Lord's existence cover the main temple. Construction began in January 2001 and the inauguration ceremony took place from 15 February to 17 February 2012. The temple was opened to public on 17 February. The cost was 150 crore rupees ($23 million). The presiding deity are Shri Radha Govind (Radha Krishna) and Shri Sita Ram. A 73,000 square feet, pillar-less, dome shaped satsang hall is being constructed next to Prem Mandir, which will accommodate 25,000 people at a time.

Pagal baba temple of Vrindavan is a beautiful and magnificent structure reflecting a glimpse of fine modern architecture. The temple has eleven storeyed building of white marble. It presents a beautiful view of the city of Vrindavan from its topmost floor. It’s popular for its puppet exhibition depicting the incidents from Hindu epics of  Mahabharata  and  Ramayana . The temple was built by Saint named Pagal baba (Shri Shri Sheela Nand Ji Maharaj) by his followers.

Vaishno Devi Mandir is actually located in Katra district in Jammu. Every year thousands of pilgrims from different parts come to this Vaishno Devi temple to have the blessings of Maa Vaishno. But due to certain reasons few people are unable to get the opportunity to visit the shrine. Keeping this in mind Sh. J.C. chaudhary, managing trustee of Jay Kay trust decided to erect a shrine commemorating Maa Vaishno Devi in the divine land of Vrindavan. The temple is built on 11 acres of land and has a huge and beautiful image of Goddess Durga sitting on a Lion which attracts the pilgrims towards the temple. The temple premise has many facilities for the pleasure of devotees. There is a yoga center and a big meditation hall along with dharmshalas and library.

Shri Priyakantju Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the temple ensconced the beautiful and attractive deities of Lord Krishna and Radha.  The theme of the construction of this temple is Radha Krishna, Radharani is in the form of Priya Ji and Bhagwan Shri Krishna takes that of Kant ju giving darshan to the devotees. The temple is situated in the holy city of Vrindavan in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. Built on the structure symbolizing lotus flower, the temple is almost 125 feet high.  The temple is built along roadside and is far above the ground level. The temple is covered with ponds from both sides in which fountains are also fitted. Temples of Lord Ganesh, Hanuman and Lord Shiva are built at the four corners of the temple. Makrana marble from Rajasthan is used in the construction of the temple. The temple reflects a renaissance in the ancient Indian art and architecture. The Vishwa Shanti Charitable Trust resolved to build the Priyakantju temple in 2007. Shri Pri

Gita Mandir ( Known as Birla Mandir) is situated at a distance of five kilometers from Mathura in  Uttar Pradesh and is one of the most popular attractions of Mathura. The magnificent mandir was built by Birla ,one of the leading industrial powers of India .The excellent architecture of the temple attracts tourists from all over India.

Naam Yog Sadhna  Mandir  (Jai Gurudev Mandir)   is a temple in  Mathura , India. It is presided over and was constructed for the  guru   Jai Gurudev  and is also known as the Jai Gurudev Temple. Every year the temple hosts a Bhaandara festival attracting thousands of participants. The temple was constructed as a remembrance of  Baba  Jai Gurudev's guru ji (pandit ghurelal sharma ji). Baba jaigurudeo preaches and runs a charitable organisation from the nearby  ashram  that manages the temple, festivals, a free school for poor children and a free medical dispensary for the needy. Jai Gurudev dedicated the temple and the annual festival to the guru he followed in earlier life: Ghurelal Ji Maharaj, popularly known as 'Dada Guru', who came from Chirauli in  Aligarh , Uttar Pradesh, India. Jai Gurudev believes that mankind has five weaknesses: lust, anger, greed, attachment and egoism. He says that we are now humans again after millions of years as "lower"

Mana  means  jealous anger . This place located on the top of the  Brahmagiri Parvat  marks the Mana (lover’s anger) pastime of Sri Radharani. According to the pastime legend, once Sri Radharani was waiting for the arrival of Krishna. But Krishna was too late. Soon, Radharani’s pet parrot arrived and told her about Krishna’s meeting with a beautiful Gopi named Chandravali which was the reason for his late arrival. Listening to this, Radha was filled with anger and in a fit of jealousy she came to this secluded place and hides herself. When Krishna arrived there, he was worried to see Radharani in such a distraught state. He tried a lot to pacify her anger but failed. Radharani even denied talking to him. Failing to soothe Radha’s anger Krishna went from there and came to Vishakha Sakhi. On realizing Krishna’s concern Vishakha Sakhi suggested him to dress like a Gopi. When Krishna was dressed as a Gopi Vishakha named him as Shyama Gopi and took him with her to Radha. She told Radha

Munger Raj Temple ……..is located at Mathura Road, close to Rama Krishna Mission, Munger Raj Mandir is the heart of Vrindavan. It is Sadhu Maharaja's family temple and was built in 1932 by Sri Raja Raghunandan Prasada Singh, the grandfather of Sadhu Maharaja. There are many appealing kadamba trees gardens and a very dazzling hall with deities of Radha Mohanji and their favoured gopis, Vishakha, Lalita, Campakalata and Citra. Munger Raj Mandir is indeed a place known best for its amazing festivals. The concept of Munger Raj Mandir was conceived by Sri Raghunandana Prasada Singh. He had visioned a place where a loving, caring and warm atmosphere is sensed into the mood of a devotee as soon as he enters the place. The temple has various deities of Lord Krishna and Radharani engraved on silver thrones. Initially, Sri Raghunandana Prasada Singh used to take (hire) trains to help bring thousands of devotees to VrindavanMathura for Vraja Parikrama (http://www.vrindavanonline.in/city-g

Government Museum, Mathura  commonly referred as  Mathura museum  is an  archaeological museum  in  Mathura  city of  Uttar Pradesh  state in  India . The museum was founded by then  collector  of the  Mathura district , Sir F. S. Growse in 1874. Initially it was known as Curzon Museum of Archaeology, then Archaeology Museum, Mathura, and finally changed to the Government Museum, Mathura. The museum houses artifacts pottery, sculptures, paintings, and coins primarily from in and around Mathura, plus discoveries made by noted colonial archaeologists like  Alexander Cunningham , F. S. Growse, and Fuhrer. The museum is famous for ancient sculptures of the  Mathura school  dating from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD., during  Kushan Empire  and  Gupta Empire . today it is one of the leading museums of Uttar Pradesh. The  Government of India  issued a postage stamp on October 9, 1974 on the centenary of the museum.

Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan was born in the Koshal region of India, in a village called Chhapaiya (near Ayodhya, UP). Having served His parents until their demise, the Almighty took to a pilgrimage of India, adopting the life of a nomadic hermit.  On completion of the 7 years’ sojourn of India, the Lord met up with Ramanand Swami, and established the purest and unadulterated form of religion, based on ultimate devotion to God only, with total observance of non-violent dharma. Shreeji Maharaj re-introduced the non-violent yagnas, on a grand scale. He instructed numerous acts of social welfare; alms-houses, digging of village wells / lakes, explained in detail why it is important to worship Satvic deities. Shreeji Maharaj discredited the act of enforced Sati & female infanticide.  After the passing of Shree Ramanand Swami, Shreeji Maharaj held a large gathering of the followers at the town of Faneni. It was during this sabha, whilst explaining that God is one, He is Narayan,

Mukut Mukharbind Temple is located in the small town of Jatipura on the way of Circumambulation. The front gate of the temple is adorned with huge image of Lord Krishna commemorating the pastime of lifting  Govardhan Hill  on his little finger to protect the people of Braj from the anger of Lord Indra.  Mukh  means  Face  and  arvinda  means  lotus flower . Thus this temple is dedicated to the lotus like face of Lord Giriraj. Like the other Govardhan temples, the presiding deities of the temple are in the form of two shilas (rocks from Govardhan hill) one outlining the  crown  (Mukut) of the Lord Giriraj and the other one outlining the  lotus face  (Mukharvinda) of Lord Giriraj and thus temple is called as Mukut Mukharvinda temple. These Govardhan shilas are worshipped and revered equivalent to the idols and lots of pilgrims daily come here to offer their prayers. The temple walls are decorated with paintings of Lord Krishna’s pastimes. Surrounding the actual temple there are lot

Shyam Kutir….. At this celebrated place the Govardhan hill first emerged above the ground and from here the hill elevates in its height till its highest altitude rising just before the village of Aniyora.  Syama Kutir  is the place where Srimati Radharani used to sit on a gem studded throne called  Ratna Simhasana  surrounded with hundreds of sakhis (friends). Near to Syama kutir there is a lake by the name  Ratna Kund  where gopis used to bath. The footprint of Lord Krishna can be seen on one of the small shila here at this sacred place. Nearby there is a large platform with the name Rasasthali commemorating the celebrated pastime of Rasa Dance of Lord Krishna and Radha surrounded by the gopis (cowherd Maiden). It’s the place from where the demon  Sankhachuda  (servant of Kuvera) tried to kidnap Gopis and Sri Radharani when they were busy playing holi with Lord Krishna and Balram. He was named Sankhachuda as he wore the conch shaped gemstone on his head. Fearfully, gopis called

Mathura, the pious city for the devotees of Lord Krishna needs no introduction. Situated at the west bank of river Yamuna, it is an important place for pilgrimage tourism. Although famous for its temples, one of the main attractions of tourists in Mathura is Jama Masjid. It is very popular place of worship for Muslims as well as other pilgrims coming to this region. Jama Masjid Mathura was envisioned and constructed by Abd-un-Nabi Khan or Nabir Khan, as he is commonly known, in 1661. He was the Fauzdaar of Itawa at the time when Aurangzeb ruled Delhi. Later on, he was transferred to Mathura, where he built this renowned mosque. Abd-un-Nabi Khan bought the site from butchers and the rest was obtained from few Kazis. The descendants of kazis still reside there at Kusk Mahalla, the only place in Mathura which is known by a Persian name. It is also said that it is built on the site where Govind Dev Temple (http://www.vrindavanonline.in/city-guide/govind-dev-temple-in-vrindavan) was

Chandra .  "shining" or "moon") is a  lunar deity  and is also one of the nine houses ( Navagraha ) in  Hinduism . Chandra is synonymously referred to as  Soma . Other names include  Indu  (bright drop),  Atrisuta  (son of Atri),  Sachin (marked by hare),  Tārādhipa  (lord of stars) and  Nishakara  (the night maker). Chandra is described as young and beautiful, two-armed and carrying a club and a lotus. [3]  In Hindu mythology, Chandra is the father of  Budha  (planet Mercury). The Chandra is married to the 27 daughters of  Daksha , after whom the  Nakshatras  in Hindu astrology are named. Chandra, who is also known as Soma and Indu, is the basis of  Somvaar , which is  Hindi , and  Induvaasaram , which is  Sanskrit , for  Monday  in the Hindu calendar.

The Vrishbhanu and Kirti kund along with Jal Mahal are associated with the past times of Shri Radha Rani, the conjugal partner of Lord Krishna. It is said that her father Raja Vrishbhanu who was the king of Vrishbhanu Pur built this Kund for bathing of his family. RadhaRani used to come here every morning for her bath, along with her friends and mother etc. Ancient structures disappeared in course of time. However the present structures were built by the local Jat ruler in the 13th century. Many new structures were subsequently added to the complex by Rup Ram, in the early 18th century. He constructed 3 cenotaphs and a temple in the complex.  He also restored the tank. A pillar describing it’s history exists at the site and is the only piece listed by ASI as the protected monument.

Sati Burj It is the oldest, though restored, standing relic of mediaeval period  Mathura . Located near Asi-kunda Ghat of  Yamuna , this is a slender, quadrangular tower of red sandstone commemorating the self-immolation of a faithful wife. She is said to have been the queen of Raja Biharimal of Amber. She was the mother of the famous Raja Bhagwan Das, by whom the monument was erected in the year 1570 AD. It has, as it now stands, a total height of 55 feet and is in four storeys; the lowest forms a solid basement, the second and third are lighted by square windows and are supplied with an internal staircase. The tower is raised on a high plinth, which probably was designed so as to catch the breeze and escape the dust and noise of the surroundings below. Its location in the midst of densely populated locality has made it more obscure. Previously it had a distinct presence due to its elevated position and open skyline from Yamuna side. This Rajput style tower is believed to be havi

Yamuna  is a sacred river in  Hinduism  and the main tributary of the  Goddess Ganga  (Ganges), the holiest river of Hinduism. The river is worshipped as a Hindu goddess called Yamuna In the  Vedas , Yamuna is known as  Yami , while in later literature, she is called  Kalindi . In the Vedas, Yami is associated with her twin brother and partner  Yama , the god of death. Later, she is associated with the god  Krishna as one of  Ashtabharya , [2]  his consort as well and plays an important role in his early life as a river. Bathing and drinking Yamuna's waters is regarded to remove sin.

This is the place on the northern bank of Manasi Ganga where  Sudarshan Chakra  (Lord Vishnu’s personal weapon) stayed and rested. According to the legend behind, when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill up on his little finger to protect the Brajvasis of the anger breakout of Indra, Sudarshan chakra held itself above the land of Braj to evaporate the flood waters due to the rain caused as a result of Indra’s anger. After evaporating the complete flood water with its intense heat, Sudarshan Chakra requested Lord Krishna to allow him to stay there near  Manasi Ganga  as he didn’t want to leave the land of Braj. Thus, with the consent of Lord Krishna Sudarshan Chakra came to reside at this place which later on was known by the name Chakratirtha....

Gaya Kund ……is the lake located on the western outskirts of the Kaman town. It is where Nand Maharaj used to come to offer pinda to his forefathers. It has an equal importance same as that of Gaya in Bihar which is believed to be its expansion only.

Govardhana Hill has a Parikrama of about fourteen miles (23 km.) and can take five to six hours to complete if one walks at a brisk pace. People from all over India visit Vraja in order to perform Govardhana Parikrama. On auspicious occasions like Guru Purnima, Purusottamamasa or Govardhana-puja, over half a million people go around the sacred hill. There is no time limit for performing Govardhana parikrama, for those who perform the da1f4avata Parikrama it may take weeks and sometimes even months to complete. The dandavata parikrama is performed by standing in one spot, offering obeisances like a stick (danda) by lying flat on the ground. One then places a stone where the fingertips touch the ground in order to mark the spot. Standing up, one moves to the stone marker and again offers obeisances like A group of ladies performing parikrama a stick, again marking the spot where the fingertips touch the ground, thus repeating the same process again and again all the way around Go

Yum –Yamuna Temple ………..One among the oldest temples in  Mathura  is the Yam-Yamuna temple (also Yamuna-Dharamraj Temple) situated a few meters away from the Vishram Ghat, on the steps that lead to the main road taking you to the opulent Dwarkadhish Temple. The entrance to the silver gilded temple is through a small gate so you might have to hunch to get in to the main room. The main temple room is a simple affair and gives you a warm feeling akin to a home. In the centre of the room are deities of Yum and Yamuna in black stone, standing with their hands raised in benevolent blessing for the sincere-hearted. The antiquity of the temple can be gauged by the fact that the deities were installed by Vajranabha around 4900 years ago. Dedicated to the brother-sister couplet of Yum and Yamuna, the temple speaks of a history infused in love. It is said that on the day of Bhaiduj, Yamuna had invited her brother over dinner. After the meal, as per the Hindu tradition, Yum asked Yamuna to ask

Potra Kund ……Adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi, a large stepwell stands enclosed within a locked railing known as Potra Kund. The story goes that Devaki (Krishna’s mother) washed her children’s clothes (potra) in this kund (pond). It is fed by the Yamuna River, which flows 3 KM away, through a network of underground pipes.

Shri Krishna Pranami Temple  is multi story holy project of Shri Krishna Pranami Jan Kalyan Trust, Bhiwani popularly known as  Kanch Ka Mandir ( Glass Temple) . Shri 5 Navtanpuri Dham, Jamnagar is the Chief Center of Shri Krishna Pranami Dharma Pilgrimag. .....

Yashoda Kund is the place where Mother Yashoda would come to have bath along with baby Krishna and Balram. Sometimes Krishna and Balram would enjoy the sports with their cowherd friends in this Kund.  Hau-Bilau  is located on the western bank of Yashoda Kund. It is believed that often Krishna and Balram would get so much absorbed in the notorious games with their friends that they would even forgot to go to home for lunch. Then, Yashoda Mayi would herself come to the place to get them back to home. Noticing, mother Yashoda approaching them, Krishna and Balram would run away. Sometimes, mother Yashoda would narrate them the story of Hau-Bilau, terrifying both the brothers and thus easily catching them to bring back home for feeding and bathing. When Krishna and Balram would not listen to her, she would horrify them with Hau-Bilau. Listening about Hau-Bilau, both the brothers would be frightened and ran to their mother. The stony figure representing haua, being present at the place e

Bhojanthali……. At the end of Treta Yuga, a king named Koblaas(not very sure about the name) who ruled Ayodhya was blessed with a daughter named Krishnavati whom he got her married and continued to keep his son-in-law with him.  As he was greedy in expanding his kingdom, he along with son-inlaw attacked the neighbouring kingdom known as Bhadravati and finally in the war , both the king and the son-inlaw lost their lives.  Krishnavati started ruling the kingdom . She was very detached and had no interest in material pursuits and was always engaged in meditation and used to strictly observe Ekadasi vrutham.  On one such Ekadasi, when she was observing Ekadasi vratham on the banks of Sarayu, Lord Vishnu pleased with her prayers appeared before her and granted her a boon.  She remembered her ancestor, Srirama redeeming Ahalya from her curse.  Ahalya who was cursed to turn into a stone was redeemed by Sri Rama’s paada sparsham. Krishnavati recollected this and opted to become a ston

VIMAL-KUND:  On the south-east of Kaman is Vimal Kund. This is one of the most beautiful and important kunds of Vraj formed by the loving tears of the daughters of King Vimala. While Krishna was swimming here, the cows grazed on its banks.

Kankali Devi was mentioned in several religious books and texts. Even the Vishnu Purana, Krishna Katha and Bhagavadgita explain the grandeur and magnificence of Kankali Devi. According to a legend, the birth of Kankali Devi is related to the birth of Lord Krishna. It is said that when the residents of Mathura were terrified of Kamsa , a prophecy stated that the eighth child of Devaki (mother of Lord Krishna) would kill Kamsa. Kamsa was horrified about this and as a result arrested his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudev. He imprisoned them and waited for the eighth child of Devaki. He killed all the six children of Devaki. The seventh child was Balarama, brother of Lord Krishna. He was transferred from Devaki’s womb to Rohini’s  womb. He was saved from Kamsa. The eighth child was Lord Krishna. After the birth of Lord Krishna, Vasudeva carried his son to Nand (friend of Vasudeva). He exchanges his son to Nand’s daughter. Vasudeva brings back the baby girl to the prison. Kamsa

In Vrindavan, on the holy Krishna Janmabhoomi, lies the temple that is a “must visit” destination for devotees completing the 84 kosh Vraj Parikrama Yatra. The temple is centuries old and is the first Indian temple that is dedicated to the divine couple and their Ashta Sakhi’s - the eight “friends” of Radha who were intimately involved in her love play with the Lord Krishna. Mention of the Ashta Sakhis are found in the ancient texts of Ramayan and the Srimad Bhagvat. The temple is called – Shree Radha Ras Behari Ashta Sakhi Mandir and it is home to the divine Ras Leela of Lord Krishna and Radharani.  It is located in close proximity to the Banke Behari mandir. Legend has it that the  Shree Radha Ras Behari Ashta Sakhi Mandir  is one of the two places in Mathura, Vrindavan where the Lord Krishna actually indulges in the Ras Leela with his beloved Radha and her sakhis. On these nights, devotees have reported hearing the sound of the anklets, beating in tune to a divine melody.

Vyomasura cave is a few km out of town, on the side of a hill, Vyomasura put the cowherd boys in this cave, after he stole them. Krishna apprehended and fought with Vyomasura here.Gufa  means "cave".During the fight, Krishna fell from the sky and landed on His feet and hands. Imbedded in the rock, on top of the hill, are perfectly legible footprints and handprints. About ten feet (3  m) from the feet and handprints are the imprints of two marigold flower garlands. This place is on top of the hill, just above Vyomasura's cave.The battle was so heavy that the earth began to  shake. To steady the wobbling earth, Balarama (often known as Dauji) pressed His foot into the rock. His footprint is enshrined across the road from where Vyomasura's cave is located. There is  a small (7 feet high) concrete structure over the footprints.About 50 feet (15 feet) to the right of Vyomasura's cave, in the middle of the hill, is what is said to be the imprints of Krishna's