5 Must Visit Temples in Mathura and Vrindavan

A country that is worthy of praises for having a vast collection of different holy shrines, sacred destinations, and many pilgrimage places, India is where one can find the spiritual self, the inner peace, and the enlightenment. Perhaps, this is a sole reason why the country receives a lot of pilgrims every year. And although there are plenty of places that are honoured by the establishment of sacred shrines, Vrindavan and Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh secure themselves a significant position when it comes to spiritual destinations in India. These sacred cities in Uttar Pradesh glorify the birthplace of Lord Krishna and are dotted with various temples. Spending time in their Hindu Temples may offer a solace to your soul and an opportunity of seeking blessings. And if you want to know more about the famous temples, below I have mentioned the top 5 temples you can visit in Mathura and Vrindavan.

* Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

In the midst of the human-swarmed streets of Mathura, one of the most valued and beloved shrines, Janmabhoomi Temple resides. This shrine is known to be the holiest place in Mathura and it is an important pilgrimage for Hindus since it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna. Before the temple was commissioned by the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, Raja Veer Singh Bundela (as per the locals), it used to be a stone-walled prison cell of Lord Krishna’s uncle, King Kans. Besides that, one attraction not to be missed is located at the back of the main sanctum of the temple, a small room that represents a prison where Lord Krishna was born. As you explore further inside the interiors of the holy structure you will also notice a marble statue of Lord Krishna. And the best time to visit is during the festive celebration of Janmashtami, the festivals of Chhappan Bhog and Holi are also celebrated in the temple premises.

* Dwarkadhish Temple

The oldest and one of the famous temples in Mathura, Dwarkadhish is a holy structure that is dedicated to his holiness Dwarkadheesh (Lord Krishna). The temple is called so because Lord Krishna had moved to Dwarka to settle there until his last breath. In Mathura, however, Dwarkadhish Temple is located near Gatashrama and Vishram Ghat in the eastern part of the city and it houses the idol of Radha-Krishna in the main shrine. You may notice a black marble idol of Lord Dwarkadhish (a form of Lord Krishna) in the temple along with a white marble idol of his beloved Radha. One must visit here every year, especially during the festive season of Janmashtami when you are bound to witness and perhaps be a part of a whirlpool of pilgrims that throng from across the globe. The entrance of the Dwarkadheesh Temple is adorned with a Rajasthani style of architecture with an open courtyard in the center along with beautifully carved pillars and painted ceiling. And the best attraction inside the temple compound is perhaps the golden coloured swing of Lord Dwarkadheesh.

* Gita Mandir

Out of the many Hindu temples in Mathura, Gita Mandir which is also known as Birla Mandir, is one of the must-visit temples, which is located a few kilometers away from the city center towards Vrindavan. What is so incredible about this shrine is perhaps that it has the carvings of Lord Krishna’s preaching to his disciple the Pandava Prince, Arjuna during the Kurukshetra War period. As a matter of fact, right at the entrance of the temple, you can witness 18 chapters of Bhagavad Gita inscribed on the pillars. Built with red sandstone, Gita Mandir displays a blend of Hindu and western style of architecture, where the holy idols of Lord Krishna, Narayana, Rama, Goddess Lakshmi, and Sita are placed. Inside the Gita Mandir, a large chariot of Sri Krishna is also painted along with several paintings of Hindu Gods and Goddess on the marbled walls.

* Baba Jaigurudev Mandir

If we compare to other shrines in the city, Baba Jaigurudev Mandir is not a very famous temple in Mathura. However, the beauty of this temple is the heavenly white structure of the building and the domes, if fact, most visitors who come to visit, refer this temple to resembles the Taj Mahal. Nevertheless, Baba Jaigurudev Mandir that is also known as Naam Yog Sadhna Mandir is rather famous for the Bhandara festival celebration, it takes place during the month of August. In addition, a unique thing about this temple is that no donations are accepted from any non-vegetarian.

* Kesava Deo Temple

Another pilgrimage destination in Uttar Pradesh, Kesava Deo Temple is amongst one of the sacred Hindu religious places located near the main Krishna Janmabhoomi Complex in Mathura. This temple is blessed with the deity of Lord Krishna and is said that the original deity was first placed by Shri Bajranabh, the great grandson of Krishna. One unique feature about this Krishna temple is that it has its own festival calendar and that all the functions are held within the premises. Besides, Kesava Deo Temple attracts a lot of Hindu pilgrims mainly for the unusual festival ritual of Lathmar Holi. Other popular festivals that are joyously celebrated here are Krishna Janmashtami and Chhappan Bhog. While exploring Kesava Deo Temple, about 250 metres away, you may also find another small shrine with a similar name, ‘it claims to have seen and felt Lord Krishna’s presence.’ At this temple, you can even see different images of Vasudeva, Devaki, and four-armed Krishna.