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Do you want to go on a spiritual journey but don’t know where? Perhaps you want to find yourself, meditate and feel the strong energy in ancient sites. One such land is Krishna Janam Bhumi Mathura. In fact, it is considered to be one of India’s most sacred lands and is filled to the brim with people seeking spiritual enlightenment at any point of the year. Here is a list of the top 15 spiritual places to visit in Mathura.
1. Govardhan Hill
Govardhan Hill, or Giri Raj, is 22 km away from Vrindavan. Chiefly, it is mentioned in the Holy Bhagavad Gita that Govardhan Parvat is no different from Lord Krishna itself, according to Lord Krishna. All his worshippers thus worship the hill’s simple stones just as they worship his idol. History tells us that Lord Krishna raised the Govardhan Hill on one finger during his youth to save his Mathura village from heavy rain and thunderstorm. Therefore the hill is considered sacred and is visited in devotion by worshipers on Guru Purnima. It’s a serene spot, and a must experience, certainly!
- Time required: 1 to 2 hours
2. Krishna Janmasthan Temple
Situated in the holiest town Mathura, Uttar Pradesh; it is one of the most important temples for Hindus. It is constructed around the prison cell. This is where his wicked uncle Kansa imprisoned the family of Lord Krishna, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva. It is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. In addition to the prison cell, there are other temples in the Mathura region, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The sacred aura and its simplicity, fill the heart with the certainty, that this is indeed the location, where Lord Krishna manifested himself when he entered the temple.
- Time required: 1 to 2 hours
3. Dwarkadhish Temple
One of the top places to visit in Mathura, the Dwarkadhish temple is famous throughout the world for its intricate architecture and paintings. Located within the perimeter of the holy gate of the city, close to the Ghats of the Yamuna River, the temple and its surroundings are a hub of many interesting activities. Every day, thousands of devotees come here to pay their obedience. A series of exquisite ceiling paintings showing the different aspects of the life of the Lord and the magnificent architectural designs and carvings of Rajasthani architecture makes the complex look even more magnanimous. The black-coloured god inside the temple encourages love!
- Time required: 1 to 2 hours
4. Radha Vallabh Mandir
Radha Vallabh Mandir, one of the seven temples in Thakur of Vrindavan, is located near Gautam Nagar on the cliff of Bankey Bihari temple. This temple is the epitome of Radha and Krishna’s holy and spiritual devotion, shown in the unique’ Ras-bhakti’ form. The temple, created by Lord Krishna, has no god of Radha. Alternatively, to indicate her presence, it has a crown positioned next to Lord Krishna. Due to its stunning architecture and beautiful decor, Radha Vallabh Mandir stands out. Moreover, this is among the best places to visit in Mathura for couples.
- Time required: 1 to 2 hours
5. Vishram Ghat
On the banks of the River Yamuna, a sacred ghar located about 5km from Mathura, which is the centre of 25 ghats. There is a parikrama that pilgrims take around the ghat. Literally translating to a place of relaxation, Lord Krishna rested at this place after killing the evil demon, Kansa. There is a heavy crowd around the ghat during Bhaidooj for the holy dip. People can also take a boat ride at the ghat.
- Time required: 2 hours
6. Kumsum Sarovar
A beautiful reservoir made of sandstone and a true remnant of the bygone era, the Kusum Sarovar has a flight of stairs that descend into the pond. According to folklore, the reservoir got its name from one of Radha’s dasis, Kusum. It is a great place for taking a dip during summers. One can also find many temples in its vicinity and around it during their trip to Mathura and Vrindavan. The emerald green water is cool and the pond has a floral border, boasting different flowers. Perfect for quiet evenings, you can watch the sunset here.
- Time required: 2 hours
7. Nand Gaon
Around 50 km from Mathura, NandGaon is a quaint town situated in the Nandishwara Hills. It is the home to Krishnaji’s adopted parents – Nand Ji and Yashoda Maiyya. Many temples are situated on top of this hill. Other popular temples here are Nritya Gopal, Nand Nandan, Udhav Kyaro and Gopinath. The pan Sarovar is the beautiful lake here.
- Time required: 2 hours
8. Birla Mandir
Situated around 6.5 km from Mathura junction on the Mathura-Vrindavan Road, the peaceful Birla Mandir, also called Gita Mandir, is among the most famous places to see in Mathura. It happens to be a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site that is frequented by devotees and pilgrims year-round. Dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan, this holy shrine has remarkable architecture that speaks volumes of its magnificence and shows off its exquisite carvings and paintings with pride.
- Time required: 2 hours
9. Jama Masjid Mathura
Abd-un-Nabi Khan built Mathura’s Jama Masjid in 1661. He was the then Governor of Aurangzeb. It features 4 minarets and beautiful mosaic plastering along with stunning intricate carvings. This place will leave you spellbound with its beauty, making it one of the many reasons why Mathura is among the finest places to explore near Delhi. Other than its brilliant architecture, the history and peaceful aura of this shrine also make it one of the most revered tourist places in Mathura.
- Time required: 2 hours
10. Radha Kund
It is one of the most prominent Mathura tourist places. Radha Kund is near Govardhan Hill in Mathura. It is mostly popular for its pure and sacred water. It contains magical healing powers, making it an important holy site in the city. The Radha Kund dates back to the days of Krishna and Radha and is a symbol of their undying love. An amazingly common belief is that a single dip in the Radha Kund can rid you of your sins and purify your soul. Therefore, it is one of the many reasons it serves as a significant pilgrimage site for the locals and devotees who come from far.
- Time required: 2 hours
11. Kans Qila
Nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River, the majestic Kans Qila is an ancient fortress and one of the most celebrated places to see in Mathura. Located close to the Krishna Ganga Ghat and Gau Ghat, this huge fort serves as a popular tourist spot attracting a large number of travellers every month with its Hindu-Muslim fusion architecture. Even though it’s in a dilapidated state today, Kans Qila doesn’t fail to attract history geeks and architecture lovers from across the country.
- Time required: 2 hours
12. Rangji Temple
This temple too is one of the best places to visit in Mathura. Located on the road between Mathura and Vrindavan. This temple was established as a tribute to Sri Goda Ranagamannar. Moreover, the temple is admired for its architecture that has been inspired by the South Indian temples.
- Time required: 2 hours
13. Vaishno Devi Dham
This is one of the most admired temples in Mathura owing to the lifelike idol of Vaishno Devi. Vaishno Devi Dham is more than just a temple. Also, there’s a dispensary as well as a library established in the temple’s complex. The Dham also has two dharamshalas where many devotees come to stay throughout the year.
- Time required: 2 hours
14. Potara Kund
Potara Kund is among the popular places to see in Mathura. This is one out of the four kund’s in the town of Mathura. Lord Krishna’s clothes were washed in this kund is a popular belief. Apart from the mythological aspects, this place has a must-visit owing to the awe-striking water tank.
- Time required: 2 hours
15. Iskon Temple
A stunning white structure and the beautiful idols of Lord Balrama attracts a lot of tourists to Iskcon Temple. This temple is one of the most famous places to visit in Mathura and it is perfect for those who want to relax their weary soul. Visit the temple in the evening and you will a lot of devotees chanting prayers and dancing in the temple. Many foreigners visit the Iskcon temple and attend the morning and evening prayers.
- Time required: 2 hours
India is woven with spiritual ethos. On exploring them your taste will change with respect to your preferences, perspectives, lifestyle and finally, you change. There are places in the world, where you can feel the connection with the divine. And Mathura is one of them. With so much serenity and peace, this destination charms travellers from all over the globe.
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