An Overview :
Situated at the bank of the river Yamuna in the state Uttar Pradesh, the
twin cities Mathura and Vrindavan are two of the most important pilgrimage
places for the Hindus. These two cities are associated with Lord krishna.
Mathura is the birth place for lord Krishan and Vrindavan is the place where
he spent his childhood. With numerous temples the city makes you feel
spiritual with religious surroundings. These two places have innumerable
importance in Hindu mythology.
Mathura :
It is known as the birth place for lord Krishna and occupies a significant
place in the Indian Art History. It is the place where the great Mathura
School of Art flourished here from 1200 years ago. It was the hub of an
incomparable culture and civilization and hence called the Athens of India.
Its rich culture can be seen from its temple architecture and innumerable
religious fairs and festivals. Today, Mathura is an important tourist
attraction for religious and historic interest.
Pilgrimage Shrines :
» Shri Krishna Janmabhumi - It is the birth place
of Lord Krishna and a major pilgrimage place. A stone slab marks the
original birth place of Krishna. Now there is a temple complex with a small
prison where Lord Krishna is supposed to have been born.
»
Dwarkadhish Temple - It was built in early 19th century by Seth
Gokuldass of Gwalior. Dedicated to lord Krishna, the temple attracts
pilgrims from all parts of India for its numerous colourful festivals
celebrated throughout the year.
» Ranghbhumi - It is the place where Krishna killed
Kansa and set his parents free.
» Vishram Ghat - It is the most important bathing
ghat along the river Yamuna, where Lord Krishna took rest after killing the
tyrant king Kansa.
Getting to Mathura :
» By Air - The nearest airport is at Agra at a
distance of 60km.
» By Rail - Mathura Junction is an important
railhead connected to all important cities of India.
» By Road - The NH2 links Mathura to some of the
most important parts of the country. Some major road distances are :
Agra(56km), Delhi(147), Bharatpur(39km), Vrindavan(15km).
Vrindavan :
Vrindavan, the holy city is the place where Lord Krishna spent his
childhood. It is located just at a distance of 15 km from the twin city
Mathura and noted for its temples. Some of the major ones are :
Pilgrimage Shrines :
»
Bankey Bihari Temple - Built in 1864, the temple is dedicated to Lord
Krishna and holds a strong spiritual significance for Hindus. The prime
feature of the temple is the black stone statue of Lord Krishan which was
discovered by Swami Haridas the Krishan devotee.
» Govind Dev Temple - This temple was built by Raja
Man Singh a general of Akbar and is a mixture of Indian, Muslim and western
architectural styles.
» Rangaji Temple - Built in 1851, it is dedicated
to Lord Ranganath another form of Lord Krishna. The prime architectural
features of the temple includes a Dravidian style gopuram or gateway, a 50
feet high gold plated Dhwaja Stambha. The temple also popular for its
festival of Jal Vihar and the Rath ka Mela or the “Chariot Car Festival”.
» Iskon Temple - It is today one of the most
beautiful temples in Vrindavan. Built by the International Society for Shri
Krishna Consciousness(ISKCON) is devoted to Krishna, his brother Balaram and
Krishna's love Radhika. Near the temple complex is the samadhi of Sri
Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON sect.
Getting to Vrindavan :
» By Air - Agra Airport(67km) is the nearest one
and is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi and Khajuraho by regular
flights.
» By Rail - The city has its own railway station
but the nearest major one is at Mathura, which is connected to all the
metros and some other important cities by several express trains.
» By Road - A good network of road links Vrindavan
with all the major towns and cities of Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states.
