Both Mathura and Vrindavan are located in northern India’s state of Uttar Pradesh and are religiously significant to the Hindus. These cities are popular for being the maternal zone and sports ground of Lord Krishna and have a diverse and rich heritage. These holy towns are visited by pilgrims and tourists in a bid to come into contact with the divinity inherent in these places through the many temples and other holy sites present there. Here are the ten most recommended traveler destinations of Mathura and Vrindavan that tourists would certainly love to visit.
Shri Krishna Janmasthana Mandir, Mathura
Image Source: Mathura Online
The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is the most significant place in Mathura since it’s believed that it is the place where Lord Krishna was born. This is the place where it is believed in Hindu legends that Lord Krishna was born from a prison cell. Part of the temple complex is just some of the different sub-temples and every one of these is a unique Krishna temple that is designed to represent some or other incidences from Krishna’s life. This place is a church, it has historical significance and spirituality so it is a place to visit.
Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura
Image Source: Holidify
The Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the oldest temples and probably the best known with Lord Krishna being worshipped at Mathura. Located in Varanasi the construction of this temple was started in the year 1814 AD It is renowned for the outer look of the temple that consists of designs and paintings. It is observed that the temple has only two major celebrations per year which include Janmashtami and another festival Holi and during those days you will find most of the population visiting the temple.
Banke Bihari, Vrindavan
Image Source: Wikipedia
It is one of the seven Atheist Important Pilgrim centers of India and One of the most famous temples in Vrindavan. This temple was established by Swami Haridas in the 19th century and it is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This is some immediate impression that can be made about the sculpture: The deity depicted in the Tribhanga form seems to be very majestic The place is a Temple and there seems to be a heightened sense of spiritualism in the Temple as compared to other places. Employers are reasonable; workers are pleased, and they move to their daily business and distinct ceremonies enchantingly.
ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan
Image Source: Times of India
ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan is one of the main places of interest in the town. This temple is owned and managed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which was started by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and is solely devoted to Lord Krishna and his brother Balaram.
Prem Mandir, Vrindavan
Image Source: Navbharttimes
The Temple of Love also known as Prem Mandir is one of the latest marvels of architecture and a beautiful temple of Lord Radha Krishna and Lord Sita Ram. This construction has been done under the able guidance of Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj and is one of the most fascinating temples to look at with remarkable architecture and some very beautiful marble work. The major tourist gimmick at Mathura is certainly the light and sound show that takes the spectators through the life of Lord Krishna in the evening.
Radha Raman Temple at Vrindavan
Image Source: Wikipedia
The Radha Raman Temple is one of the oldest temples and was built around 1542 AD. This temple is devoted to Radha Raman which is the form of Lord Krishna. The presiding deity here is also referred to as ‘swayambu’ which means the shaligram shila here transformed itself into the deity that is worshiped at the temple today. Several rituals are performed within the complex including the Mangala Aarti in the morning to attract devotees and provide spiritual relief.
Kesava Deo Temple, Mathura
Image Source: Facebook
The Kesava Deo Temple or Kesava Dev Temple is perhaps one of the oldest of all temples that are located in Mathura and it is for this temple that chronologists suggest a construction that might have taken place in the 6th century. Its historical importance makes it a place of interest to the history-minded tourist.
Nidhivan, Vrindavan
Image Source: Times of India
Nidhivan is also known as the mystical garden in Vrindavan in India. It is said to be the place where Lord Krishna practices Ras Lila with Radha and the other gopis every evening. This place is surrounded by trees, which have their stems and branches twined together, and the atmosphere is truly magical. Legend has it that no one dares to venture out and spend the night in Nidhivan because it is believed that this place has been reserved for divine play.
Govardhan Hill, Mathura
Image Source: Mathura Vrindavan Tourism
Govardhan Hill has great importance for the people of India. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna placed it on his little finger to save the villagers from heavy rains. It is particularly of a significant religious importance and the Parikrama of the hill is considered a pious act. The hill is thus home to many beautiful temples and other religious places.
Seva Kunj and Nidhuban, Vrindavan
Image Source: Mathura Vrindavan Tourism
Seva Kunj is a holy place directly connected with the pastimes of Radha and Krishna, and so is Nidhuban. Seva Kunj is known that this place is the accommodation where Lord Krishna once served on Srimati Radharani’s feet. Krishna stepped down from a chariot and made Radha sit in its front resulting in a dance at the nearest Nidhuban. In both examples, there is a presence of godly love and otherworldly quality attached to the portrayal of the women.
FAQs About Top 10 Places to Visit in Mathura and Vrindavan
1 Which is the best time to visit Mathura and Vrindavan?
The best time to travel to these places is between October and March as the weather is relatively cool.
2. How can we reach these places?
These places are well connected by road and train. The nearest large airport is in Delhi located about 150 km from the city.
3. Which are the temples that are must visit?
Some of the must-visit temples include:
– Born in a prison cell in Mathura in India, Krishna is believed to have been born to Devaki in the Vishnupad temple which is now part of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex.
– Dwarkadhish Temple (Mathura)
– Banke Bihari Temple (Vrindavan)
– ISKCON Temple (Vrindavan)
– Prem Mandir (Vrindavan)
– Radha Raman Temple (Vrindavan)
4. Do visitors have any restrictions about dressing?
Whereas, relating to the dress code, it is recommended that visitors wear modest clothing when entering any temple. They recommend that the tourists don traditional or conservative outfits that are not revealing, especially on the upper part of the body, particularly the shoulders and knees. Some traditions include taking off shoes before entering particular places such as temples in many cultures.
5. Is it easy to get lodgings in Mathura and Vrindavan?
There are numerous accommodation facilities found throughout the country and you will be able to get cheap hotels or hotels that fall under the expensive category as well as other hotels that are in between the two categories such as guesthouses. Pre-arrangement is recommended especially during festival seasons to ascertain a vacant position.
6. Is it permissible to take photographs in the temples?
While some temples permit photography, some hold specific restrictions for this activity. Specifically, if some temples offer visitors the possibility to take pictures in some sections of the premises, others might ban photography. Perhaps it is better to ask the temple administration or look at signs posted in the area against taking photos.
7. Connecting to the last question, what should one expect to taste in Mathura and Vrindavan?
Some of the excellent food items available on the Mathura & Vrindavan tour are sweets and snacks like peda, rabri, kachori, lassi, etc. There are also very many vegetarian restaurants as well as bars and joints that will prepare traditional North Indian foods.
8. Is it possible to have some kind of tour to show me around the Mathura and Vrindavan regions?
Yes, several companies undertake nature trail tours and this nature trail takes you to Mathura and Vrindavan and covers most of the tourist attractions and several temples. As for the historical and religious importance of each place, it can be enlightening to take these tours.
9. What are other landmarks to visit except for temples?
Besides temples, you can visit: Besides temples, you can visit:
– Nidhivan (Vrindavan)
– Seva Kunj (Vrindavan)
– Govardhan Hill (Mathura)
– Kusum Sarovar which is near Govardhan consists of a lake located in the Barmer district of Rajasthan.
– Vishram Ghat (Mathura)
Conclusion
Both Mathura and Vrindavan are holy cities shrouded in spiritualism, especially about divine love and devotion. A visit to these places offers one such fascinating pilgrimage where one can equally enjoy, experience, and appreciate the history of the structures and the vibes that these holy grounds offer. Every temple and other religious location has its own story which makes this book full of colors and vivid descriptions of Krishna’s life and his teachings. Whether one is a Holy visitor or a mere traveler interested in cultural tourism turning into India, the following top ten must-visit places in Mathura and Vrindavan are a marvelous tour that unveils the mysteries and truth of Hinduism.
