Weekend Getaways
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Mathura
An Ancient Hindu Cultural And Religious Centre
“It is easier to count the number of dust particles on the surface of the earth than to count the number of holy places in Mathura.” Mathura, the holy city of the Vaishnava cult, is popularly known as Brij Bhoomi. This holy pilgrimage on the banks of river Yamuna, is believed to be the birth place of Shri Krishna (the popular incarnation of Lord Vishnu).
'Mathura' literally means the 'City of Gods'. Every Ghat of this religious town is famous for a Krishna myth. Being attacked by the Muslim invaders several times, the monuments and buildings of the city exhibit a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Prime Attractions
Dwarkadhish Temple
Built in 1814, the Dwarkadhish temple is located in the centre of the town. Known for outstanding architecture, the temple id devoted to Lord Krishna and it also boasts of being the most visited temple in Mathura.
Vishram Ghat
Vishram Ghat is the most revered ghat among the 25 ghats/tirthas in Mathurs. Vishram Ghat lies in the middle with with 12 ghats to its south and 12 to its north. Vishram Ghat is the sacred place where Lord Krishna is believed to have rested after slaying the tyrant Kansa.
Archaeological Museum
Located at Dampier Park, this museum is famous for the finest collection of the items from the Gupta and Kushan dynasties (400 BC to 1200AD).
Govardhan Hill
This renowned 5,000 year old hill is formed in the shape of a peacock. As the legend goes, Lord Krishna once lifted this hill on his finger to provide shelter to the villagers from the heavy rain. People believe that Govardhan hill is sinking by the height of a mustard seed daily as it was cursed by Pulastya Muni.
Shiva Temples
There are four important Siva temples that surround Mathura, namely Gokarnesvara Mahadeva in the north, Pippalesvara Mahadeva in the east, Rangesvara Mahadeva in the south, and Bhutesvara Mahadeva in the west. These temples/Shiva-Lingas serve as the dik-pala (protectors) of Mathura.
Radharamana Temple
This ancient temple is devoted to Shri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami (a form of Lord Krishna). The temple does not have any idol of Radharani but a crown is kept next to Lord Krishna's idol signifying her presence.
Shopping
Mathura is famous for its milk products, the sweetmeat 'Peda' and the pure and aromatic 'Ghee'. Tourists can visit the Bengali Ghat, Chatta Bazaar and Chowk to buy holistic items including idols, sculptures and paintings. Several other items such as Rosary beads, Brass statues and utensils for worship are also available here.
How To Reach
By Air
The nearest airport to Mathura is at Kheria (Agra), 62 km.
By Rail
Mathura is connected to the main lines of the Central and Western Railways. One can easily commute to Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gwalior, Calcutta, Hydrabad, Chennai, Lucknow and other important places of India.
By Road
This important pilgrimage centre is well connected to all the major cities by National Highways by the regular state bus services of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana.