The Krishna Trail: Exploring Mathura Like Never Before For #YehMeraIndiaWaaliFeeling

Nestled on the banks of River Yamuna, the town of Mathura is a fine blend of rich history and a vibrant culture that resonates with a holy character. One of the seven holy pilgrimage centres (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism, this district in the state of Uttar Pradesh is located 182.9 km away from Delhi. It is accessible via train, but people in Delhi and NCR prefer to take memorable road trips. It takes 3 hours to reach Mathura via Taj Express Highway/Yamuna Expressway.

The pious city is the home of Lord Krishna and houses many celebrated and sacred temples dedicated to the presiding deity. There are many serene and surreal locations of cultural significance that depict the character and life of Lord Krishna, his siblings and Goddess Radha. During my recent visit to Vraja dhama, I got an opportunity to unearth many notable places of pilgrimage, namely Vrindavan, Gokul, Govardhan and Barsana in Mathura district. I also came back with a plethora of stories around Lord Krishna’s birth, childhood, youth and his divine association with Radha ji.

Interesting Facts and Legends Associated with Mathura

More than 5000 temples that decorate the route called ‘Parikrama Marg’ in Vrindavan makes the city emanate an undeniable spiritual glow.

According to the legend, Bankey Bihari (Lord Krishna) was immensely mesmerised with one of his devotees and followed her to her house. He then had to be convinced to return to the temple (Banke Bihari), and ever since, there stands a parda between the Lord and his worshippers.

Mangla aarti at Nidhi Van takes place at 8:30 a.m. because it is believed that Lord Krishna leaves his abode every night at 12 and returns at 4 in the morning. He dedicates these four hours to his beloved Radha ji and dances with the Gopis post which then he returns to rest for some time.

Swami Haridas, the guru of Tansen, used to chant the most melodious songs of Lord Krishna. It is said that once Lord Krishna himself emerged from the ground of the forest in Vrindavan to bless him.

Radha Kund is considered to be one of the holiest places created by Brahma and it is believed to be located in the centre of the whole of the Universe.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna killed a demon in the form of a calf. When he was expected to purify himself in the Ganges, he meditated and convinced the Ganges to come to Govardhan. Mansi Ganga, as the name says, was created by the mind of Krishna.

The glories of God and the stories from his birth city are more than we can even fathom. The web of lanes that are lined with temples echo with the mystic tales and lively local life. 

Read More: 10 Pilgrimages in India Worth Taking At Least Once​

Must-Visit Places in and around Mathura

Some travels must be done to rejuvenate the mind and body, while some must be undertaken to appease our soul and spiritual quests. Here is a list of 15 places in and around Vrindavan that will immerse you in spiritual emotions and whet your appetite for trips that invigorate your senses.  

Shri Krishna Janambhoomi

One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Mathura, the temple complex houses the birth-place of Lord Krishna. The massive complex houses various ‘Jhankis’ that depict the deity life. The temple is surrounded by market in narrow lanes. 

ISKCON Temple

The temple is architected with stunning white marble and houses the idols of Lord Krishna and his brother Balram. On the other side Shri Krishna can be seen with Goddess Radha and gopis Lalita and Vishakha in a beautiful sculpture. Visit the temple in the evening to attend the aarti where many foreigners along with locals sing bhajans in praise of the God.

Banke Bihari Temple

This is one of the few temples in Mathura that worships Lord Krishna’s child form. Shri Krishna’s idol in the temple’s sanctum is in the tribhanga pose. The idol is covered with a veil and is opened for few minutes periodically. Legend has that one might lose consciousness looking at the mesmerising eyes of Banke Bihari.

Dwarkadhish Temple

One of the most revered in the country, the Dwarkadhish temple exemplifies stunning Hindu style of architecture with bright coloured walls and ornately carved pillars. The temple is heavily decorated with colourful flowers at all times. Shri Krishna’s idol rests on a higher platform and looks magnificent.

Madan Mohan Temple, Vrindavan

The oldest temple in Vrindavan, Madan Mohan temple is associated with the saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who visited Vrindavan in 1514 during the rule of Sikandar Lodhi. The original idol of God was sent to Rajasthan for safekeeping and was replaced with a replica during Aurangzeb’s reign. 

Prachin Kaalia Temple, Vrindavan

The temple has a popular mythological story attached to it. It is believed that this is the temple where Lord Krishna defeated the venomous snake Kaalia and danced on his hood. One can still find the tree on which he had climbed to take support in order to conquer the snake.

Nidhi Van, Vrindavan

Every tree in this forest radiates mystery as it is said to come alive at night when Krishna and Radhaji meet here and spend time together. No one is allowed to go into the forest area after 5 p.m. 

Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, Vrindavan

Slated to be the world’s tallest temple, Chandrodaya Mandir is under construction by ISKCON, Bangalore. A smaller form of it exists for now. In the same campus, one can also find the Akshay Patra kitchen which serves 1 lakh, 20 thousand children every day.

Raman Reti, Gokul

Raman Reti is believed to be one of the most pious and peaceful places in the region. According to local legend, young Krishna used to roll, walk and play in the soft sand here. This place in Gokul is sure to leave you spellbound with its tranquil setting.

Read More: 5 Pilgrimages You Must Take in This Lifetime​

Deer Park, Gokul

If you have been temple hopping for long enough, take out some time to visit the Deer Park in Gokul. Just across the road from Raman Reti, it is quite an attraction for kids. One can also buy some grains and feed the beautiful antelopes here. The park is home to cranes and emus too.

Ukhal Bandhan Ashram, Gokul

This is a small ashram that echoes the stories of Yashoda Mata tying Lord Krishna with the ukhal to stop him from eating excessive Maakhan (butter). The small town of Gokul echoes with the fables of Shri Krishna and his playful acts.

Bramhaand Ghat, Gokul

The ghat is popularised as the one where Lord Krishna was chased by his mother on the pretext of eating mud. According to the mythological story, baby Krishna then showed his mother a whole universe inside his mouth.

Radha Rani Temple,  Barsana

Home of Shri Radha, Barsana is quite popular as the place where Radha ji grew up. Radha Rani temple is dedicated to her life, her friends (Gopis) and her prowess of being the favourite one of Shri Krishna.

Sudama Kutir, Barsana

Almost all of us have been ground up with the tales that spoke of the true friendship of Lord Krishna and Sudama. This cottage (kutir) is where Lord Krishna’s best friend, Sudama lived. The place now features a temple dedicated to the two of them.

Prem Sagar, Barsana

Mathura-Vrindavan is home to various places that stand witness to the love story of Shri Krishna and Shri Radha. Prem Sagar is one such place as it is believed to be one of the places where the duo used to meet.

Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, Govardhan

These are two holy ponds which represent the eyes of Govardhan. These kunds function as bathing site for devotees. According to popular legends, this was one of the most important places where Krishna and Radha used to meet.

Kusum Sarovar, Govardhan

Ornamented with lake and gardens, this used to be the place where the gopis, smitten by the affection towards Shri Krishna, would pick flowers (kusum) to impress him.

Though Mathura and Vrindavan are famous as major pilgrimage sites of the north, the cities have an undeniable rich culinary scenery. Stroll around in the narrow lanes of the cities to explore the street food here. Begin with snacks calles Samosas and Kachori. Try Shri Krishna’s favourite– Makhan Mishri at the market next to Banke Bihari temple. Don’t forget to try some Bhalla Papdi and thick lassi. Get some Peda packed from the famous Brijwasi Sweets in Mathura.

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