Places to Visit in Mathura, Tourist Destination Sightseeing
56 km. Mathura on the west bank of Yamuna and Vrindavan, are associated with the most endearing god of the Hindu Religion, Lord Krishna.For in these surroundings, popularly known as Brij Bhooni, Lord Krishna is believed to have grown up, and these are the settings for several anecdotes of his adolescence Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell at Mathura, which has been converted into a temple and is an important pilgrimage for Hindus.
In ancient times , Mathura was a renowned cultural centre and received great stimulus under Emperor Ashok in the spheres of sculpture and architecture. Later Emperor Kanishka made it capital of his eastern empire and the city became an important centre of trade and learning. The Sakas ,Kushans and Gupta emperors too, contributed to the prosperity of Mathura.Mathura became an important centre of art and sculptural activities in India.
Innumerable stone sculpture, particularly of the Buddha and of teh Vishnu and other gods of the Hindu Pantheon from Buddha are proudly displayed in different museum galleries all over the world, for these were the finest pieces ever produced.The Mathura Buddha are noted for their beautiful carved haloes with concentric rings of floral ornamentation about a central lotus. This revolutionariesed Buddhist cult image with its awesome spiritual dignity of form and beautiful realisation as in the moving paintings of Ajanta.
The city today abounds in places of religious and historical interest. A number of fairs and festivals provide an opportunity to enjoy the folk music and dances of Brij.
Vrindavan is another important religious centres. Its temples, some dating back to the 14th century, have attracted many religious scholars.
Mathura’s several places of interest may be conveniently visited in the following travel sequence. One day is required for complete sightseeing.
Tourist Places to visit in Mathura : –
Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir
The jail cell in which Lord Krishna is supposed to have been born has been turned into temple. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Mathura specially among Hindu pilgrimage.
Jama Masjid
The mosque lies in the very heart of the city and was built by Abd-un-Nabir Khan, the governor in 1661 AD, on the ruins of the Keshav Deo temple dedicated to lord krishna, which had earlier has been destroyed. The mosern Kesava Temple has been built at the rear of Katra.
Vishram Ghat
An important bathing Ghat, Lord Krishna is said to have rested here after killing Kansa, the tyrant king of Mathura. The ‘aarti’ in the morning and evening at the river-side is worth seeing.
Dwarkadhish Temple
Built by Seth Gokuldas of Gwalior in 1914, this temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, is in the heart of the city. It is decorated during Janmashtami,Holi, Diwali and other important festivals. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Mathura specially among Hindu pilgrimage.
Timing :0600-1030 hrs. and 1600-0200 hrs.
Sati Burj
On the banks of the river Yamuna , Safi Burj is a slender, four-storeyed, quadrangular tower of red sandstone rising to a height of 17 metres. It was built in 1570 AD by the son of Behari Mal of Jaipur to commemorate the ‘Sati’ sacrifice of his mother.
Kans Qila
Situated to the north of Swami Ghat, on the banks of the Yamuna , this ruined fort was built by Raja Man Singh of Amber (Jaipur). Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh lived here and built an Observatory on the parapet of the fort. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Mathura specially among Hindu pilgrimage.
Timing : sunrise to sunset
Gita Mandir
On Mathura-Vrindavan Road, Gita Mandir is a modern temple with a number of paintings and carving from Hindu mythology inscribed on its walls. The whole of the Bhagwat Gita is inscribed on its Gita Stambha. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Mathura specially among Hindu pilgrimage.
Government Museum
One of the finest museum of India for persons interested in the study of stone and terracotta sculpture, housing a large collection of the Mathura school of ancient India scripture pieces. The collection contains Mauryan 3rd century BC, Sunga,Kushan,Buddhist,Jain and Hindu objects of art. The famous ‘standing Buddha'(5th century AD) can be seen here. A must for visitor to Mathura.
Baldeo
21 km. Site of the famous temple of Baldeo( Dauji), elder brother of Lord Krishna. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Mathura specially among Hindu pilgrimage.
Barsana
47 km. Birth place of Radha, consort of Lord Krishna .It is famous for its Ladliji Temple. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Mathura specially among Hindu pilgrimage.
Bharatpur
36 km. National Park, famous as a bird sanctuary. It has a historic fort and palaces within the city.
Deeg
10 km. The celebrated spot where Lord Krishna was brought up un secrecy. Highly venerated, Gokul is visited by pilgrims, particularly during the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna in July/August and at the time of the Annakut festival. Its most important temple is that of Gokul Nathji. For over three centuries the place has been the headquarters of the Valabhacharya set of Vishnavs. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Mathura specially among Hindu pilgrimage.
Accommodation: UPSTDC Tourist Bungalow
Goverdhan
26 km. A hillock believed to have been held aloft in the air by Lord Krishna on his finger for seven days and nights to protect the people of Brij from the rains inflicted on them by the king of gods, Lord Indra. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Mathura specially among Hindu pilgrimage.
Mahavan
11 km. The place where Lord Krishna is believed to have been cradled. A popular place of Hindu pilgrimage where thousands of yellow robed Vaishnavite devotees go to visit the scenes of youthful adventure and legends of the child Krishna. The ruins of Mahavan , about 30 acre are perhaps the site of an old fortress built by Rana Katira of Mewar. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Mathura specially among Hindu pilgrimage.
Nandgaon
56 km. Known as the house of Lord Krishna’s foster father Nand, in whose memory a temple was built in the mid 12th century AD. It is top in the list of tourist places to visit in Mathura specially among Hindu pilgrimage.
Sonkh
32 km. An archeological site of importance from where numerous ancient period sculpture have been excavated.
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