Best Places To Visit In Mathura And Vrindavan

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 t...

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 Yamu...

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 th...

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 an...

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. Ka...

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 d...

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 ...

Baglamukhi  or  Bagala  ( Devnagari : बगलामुखी ) is one of the ten Devi mahavidyas  (great wisdom/science) in  Hinduism Devi  Bagalamukhi Devi smashes the devotee's misconceptions and delusions (or the devotee's enemies) with her  cudgel . The word  Bagala  is derived from the word  Valga  (meaning – bridle or to rein in) which, became  Vagla  and then  Bagla . [1]  The Devi has 108 different names (some others also call her by 1108 [2]  names). Bagalamukhi is commonly known as Pitambari Maa in  North India , the goddess associated with yellow color or golden colour. Bagalamukhi is one of the ten forms of the wise Devi, symbolising potent female primeval force. At Bagalamukhi's right is worshipped Her consort,  Ekavaktr Bhairav ,who is white in complexion and holds a trident.

Located right opposite of Maa Gayatri Tapobhumi, Chamunda Devi Temple in Mathura is one of the most important spiritual retreats to visit in India because it is believed that a hair strand of Maa Gayatri fell on this very spot. This event is also mentioned in the sacred text of Shrimad Bhagwat. It is believed in Satyug Lord Krishna offered salvation to a python after which he went to seek blessings from Maa Chamunda here. he deity Maa Chamunda is also the clan Goddess of Nand Baba and it is said that after performing Mundan of Sri Krishna at Saraswati Kund, he also came to seek blessings of Maa Chamunda. The temple is also believed to be a meditation centre for Sage Shandilya and that Sri Gorakhnath also attained knowledge here. During the festivity of Navratri, you can witness a large number of devotees visit this shrine. In fact, on Sundays and on occasion of Akshay Navami and Devthan Ekadashi, the entire temple premises thronged by pilgrims. The major attraction of this place is ...

The eternal area-protector on  Mathura 's western side is Bhuteshwar Mahadev.In the same temple compound is the cave of  Patal Devi , whom  Kansa  worshipped, and a little further on are  Potra Kund , Adikeshav and  Shri Krishna Janma Sthan

Keshi Ghat is the principal bathing place in the town of Vrindavan. It is little east of Chir-ghat on the banks of the  Yamuna . Keshi Ghat is one of the most beautiful ghats of Yamuna with stone inlaid palaces on the banks and massive Madanmohan temple visible in the backdrop. Here the sacred river Yamuna flows very graciously and extends herself to everyone without discrimination. Anyone who touches, drinks, sees, smells and bathes in her waters become infinitely purified. This  ghat  (series of steps leading down to a water body) is named after the pastime of Lord Krishna killing the demon Keshi. Keshi demon, a gigantic horse demon sent by Kamsa, was galloping towards Vrindavan to kill Krishna. He wanted to pulverize Krishna’s lotus like soft body with his legs but Krishna caught his legs, whirled him and threw him away. Keshi again attacked with his wide open mouth wanting to eat Krishna but Krishna teasing Keshi with His thumb put His lotus hand inside K...

Chir Ghat It is connected to the pastime of Lord Krishna when he stole the clothes of Gopis (Cowherd maiden) and tied them to the branch of the old  Kadamba tree  on the bank of river Yamuna, when they were bathing in river Yamuna. It’s believed that the old Kadamba tree is the same tree where Krishna hides himself after stealing clothes of Gopis. At this place of Chir Ghat gopis used to worship Devi Katyayani to achieve Krishna as their husband. Everyday gopis used to come to Chir ghat for bathing in river Yamuna and offering their prayers to Maa Katyayani. In order to fulfill their desire of getting him as their husband, Krishna one day stole their clothes when they were bathing in Yamuna and tied them on the sacred Kadamba tree still present on this Ghat. Even today people pray and make offerings to this tree. A black Idol of Lord Krishna is placed under the tree and few colourful clothes can be seen tied to the branches of the tree depicting that very incident. Ne...

Galteshwar Mahadev Temple   is situated just behind of Shri Krishna Janambhoomi in Mathura. It is one of the few temples in the city that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, given that Mathura was the birthplace of Lord Krishna and all religious activities are more focussed on him.

It is the place where Lord Krishna performed his pastime of showing the whole universe inside his mouth to his foster mother Yashoda. According to the legend, once all the Gopas came to mother Yashoda and informed her that her son Krishna has eaten mud. Mother Yashoda got angry at the deed of Krishna and accompanied Gopas to the place where Krishna was playing, so as to scold him. On reaching she enquired Krishna if he has eaten mud but Krishna denied saying that all the Gopas are lying and he never ate mud. Then Yashoda enquired the truth from Lord Balram who confirmed that Krishna had eaten mud. On asking Krishna again denied that he had not eaten mud. To prove the truth, Yashoda asked Krishna to open his mouth and show if he has not eaten mud. When Krishna opened his small mouth, mother Yashoda was stunned at the sight of the whole universe revolving inside the mouth of Krishna. After having the view of such a sight inside the mouth of her Krishna she lost her senses. A beautif...

Shree Haridev, the presiding deity of Giriraj-Goverdhan, is present on the southern bank of Mansi-Ganga. Shree Krishna took one form as Giridhari(the lifter of Goverdhan hill) and held His second form, Girirajji, on His palm. The pastime of lifting Goverdhan (goverdhan-dharan) will be described later, when we come to Anyora-gaon.

Shri Chetan Temple is located at Giriraj Mountain Govardhan Hill of 21 Km far Lord Krishna's Birth City Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.The temple is dedicated to LOrd Krishna known as Giriraj ji.Popular as a  famous place for Hindu pilgrimage, Govardhan Parvat is a narrow sandstone hill, which is 8 km in length. It is said that Lord Krishna held Govardhan Hill on his little finger to save the town from wrath of the god of rains Indra.  The story goes like this,  All the gwals (people who take care of Cows) and farmers used to worship God Indra (Hindu God of Rain), for the proper rainfall of the season. This was a age long practice going on in Brij area. One day Krishna as a child challenged this practice and argued that it is Indra's duty to give rain whether or not you offer him prayers. Krishna said instead we should worship Goverdhan, who is providing us the water and fodder for the survival of cattle. Gwals agreed on this and offered worship to Goverdhan inste...

Vishakha Kund , which was created by Lord Krishna with his flute to relieve the thirst of Vishakha-Sakhi (close inmate of Sri Radha) and other gopis. It was here near this Kund that Swami Haridas found the beautiful deity of Lord Banke Bihari. A small temple named as  Rang Mahal  is built near to this place of appearance of Banke Bihari. The inner walls of the temple are beautified by fine paintings from the pastimes of Radha and Krishna and colorful glasses. There is a small bed inside the temple. The priest of the temple every evening decorates the bed with flowers and keeps a water container, kumkum (vermillion) and betel nuts. Every morning those flowers and kumkum are found scattered, the water of container is found yellow along with the traces of chewed betel nuts. It’s a popular belief that Lord Krishna and Radha come to this very place at night to perform Rasalila, so the forest is emptied by dusk and no one stays back. There is another small temple commemorating th...

This Kund is located on the outskirts of Nandgaon and is believed to be the abode of Goddess Vrinda who is also known as  Tulsi . Goddess Vrinda along with the help of Yogmaya Purnima Devi would make the arrangements for the loving meetings of the divine couple Radha and Krishna. Vrinda Devi is the presiding goddess of Vrindavan and with her will and powers she would create the beautiful environment full of beautiful groves, creepers and aromatic bushes thus manifesting a perfect atmosphere for the amorous pastime of Radha and Krishna. It is believed that with the blessings of Vrinda Devi only one can enter the transcendental pastimes of Krishna.

Mathura, the Braj Bhoomi is not only a sacred place for Hindus but also for Jains. Jain Chaurasi Temple in Mathura stands as a proof to this. This has been constructed in memory of Jambu Swami, who attained nirvana at the age of 84 in Mathura. Mathura the pilgrimage city is sacred place for all major religions of India like Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, etc. Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, this holy city apart from being the birth place of Lord Shri Krishna is also the place where first Kevali (a tirthankara who preaches and establishes Jain doctrine and order) Anantvirya Bhagvan Bahubali started the Moksha tradition in the chaturtha kaal. He was followed by all the 24 tirthankaras who attained moksha or nirvana through the path for salvation. Jambu Swami was the last Kevali of Chathurtha Kaal. He belongs to Vaishya Vanshiya and attained nirvana, when he was of 84 years, in Mathura which was encircled by 84 forests in those days. From that day onwards this place was called ...

Mahavidya Devi or the  Ambika Devi  is the other name of goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. It’s also believed that the original deity of the temple was set up and worshipped by  Pandavas  during their exile period. The deity of Ambika Devi is believed to be the  kul Devi  of Nand Baba (foster father of Lord Krishna) of Gokul and he often used to come to Mathura to pay his obeisance to Maa Ambika. The temple building has very common and usual Nagar style architecture. It is actually in the form of quadrangle situated on a hill with a series of 30-40 steps leading down from the main gate to the lower ground. It was built by  Marathas  (peshwas) towards the end of 18th century. The idol of Ambika Devi is built of white marble with its eyes very appealing. 

A Banyan tree is called Vata in Sanskrit. The word Shringar means decoration. Thus, Shringar Vata, as the name suggests, means the Banyan tree where Krishna was decorated or the place where Krsna decorates Shrimati Radharani. Shringar Vata is also known as Nityananda Vata. During the Rasa Dance, Krishna left the assembly of all the gopis (cowherd girls) and came here to this place, so as to be alone with Shrimati Radharani. With His own hands Krishna picked beli, chameli and other beautiful flowers that grew in the groves of Shringar Vata and personally decorated Shrimati Radharani’s hairs. There is a beautiful painting in the temple at this place depicting this historical, treasurable and worshipable pastime. This place signifies that the Supreme Absolute Truth, The Cause of all causes, appears in Vrindavan as a simple cowherd boy and becomes a servant to please Shrimati Radharani. Krishna is only conquered by the love of His devotee.

Lalita Kund This Kund is located in the south east direction of Nand Bhavan. It is believed to be the place where Lalita Sakhi used to come for her morning bath. Near to Kund there is a place known by the name of  Jhulan sthali  commemorating the transcendental swinging pastime of Lord Krishna and Radha. It is here at this place that Narada Muni enjoyed the joking pastime with Goddess Radha relating  Lord Krishna  with  Lalita Sakhi .

Vilas Garh It is the pastime place embarking the passionate love of Lord Radha and Krishna. It is located atop the  Vishnu Parvat . This place is closely attached to the Lord Krishna’s dalliance with Gopis and Radharani.  Vilasa  means  enjoying pastimes  and  Garh  means a  private place . According to the transcendental pastimes that took at this place, it is believed that once when Radharani during her initial youth age was playing with her friends suddenly, then Krishna arrived there. He was so much mesmerized by the beauty of Radharani that he continuously stared at her. On noticing Krishna staring at her Radha warned him not to come closer to her. Suddenly then, a huge dust storm started blowing which created the clouds of dust everywhere. Taking its advantage, Krishna came closer to Radharani and embraced her. The place where this pastime took place has been commemorated with a temple of  Vilas-Bihari . There is another pla...

Gopeshwar Mahadev In Srimad-Bhagavat, MahadevSankar, the god of gods, has been called the foremost Vaishshana. He and BhagvatiParvati are always absorbed in meditation on Krishna’s eternal eightfold daily pastimes (ast-Kaliyalila). Once, during Sri Krishna’s manifest pastimes, Sankar desired to take darsan of Krishna’s captivating ras-lila with his own eyes. Being eager to do so, he came directly to Vrndavan from Kailaasparvat. At the gate outside Vrindavan, some attendant gopis stopped him, because no male except for sri Krishna can enter the rasa. But since when has Sankar easily agreed to anything? He asked the attendant gopis hoe he might be admitted and they told him to satisfy BhagavatiYogamayaPaurnamasi with his worship. Shankar followed their advice and after and after arduous worship he received darsan of Yogamaya. Knowing the desire of Sankar, Purnima took his hands and dipped him in the nearby Brahmakund. When he came out of the pond, he had been transformed into ...

Seva Kunj, also known as Nikunj Van (forest), is located in Vrindavan. Vrindavan is a city which goes synonymous with the life of Lord Krishna. It is a town in Mathura district where according to Mahabharata, Lord Krishna spent his childhood. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim point. The place is known as Seva Kunj because Lord Krishna used to do seva (selØess service) of Radha and helped her get ready for Raas Leela (a holy danc

In 1950, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya (Gurudev) is said to have gathered holy soil from 2400 pilgrimage sites to establish this temple, on the right side of the Mathura-Vrindavan Road.

This is one of the favourite meeting places of Shri Shri Radha and Krishna. One can find mention of this place in many of the literatures of the six Goswamis.  Dheera  means gentle and  Sameera  means wind or breeze. Dheera-Sameera, as the name suggests, means the place where the flow of the wind became very slow being intoxicated by the charming sound of Shyamsundar’s flute. Also here is the Pushpa Samadhi of Shrila Gauri Das Pandit, one of the most intimate associates of both Nityananda Prabhu and Lord Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Radhanath Swami  narrated the sweet pastime of Dheera Sameera to a large group of devotees during a Vrindavan Yatra.  One time Radha and Krishna were sitting together in this Dheera-Sameera Kunja and Krishna began to blow beautiful and sweet melodies through His flute. The nectarine sound vibration that emanated from Lord Shri Krishna’s flute was so pleasing that it captivated and intoxicated the hearts and the mind...