Legend:- Krishna
was born of Devaki, the wife of Vasudeva, while the couple was imprisoned
in Mathura by the evil king Kansa. Legends have it that the
eighth child of Devaki was destined to
kill Kansa. However, Kansa managed to kill all children, but Krishna,
the eighth child escaped. When Krishna was born, the doors of the prison magically
opened and the guards fell asleep. Vasudeva then took Krishna across the
Yamuna River to Gokul to be cared for by his foster parents, Nand
and Yasoda in Vrindavan. When Krishna and Balarama
were older, they were invited to Mathura, where Kansa was planning
their deaths. However, Krishna killed Kansa and thereafter
established the devout king Ugrasena as the emperor of several kingdoms.
Krishna lived in Mathura for the next 18 years before moving on to Dwarka.
Places of Interest
Krishna Janma Bhoomi - is the prime attraction of Mathura. A stone slab marks the original spot of the birth of Lord Krishna in the Katra Keshav Deo Temple. The main shrine is unobtrusive, a narrow passageway leading into a small room with a raised platform, and pictures of Krishna and tales of his birth adorning the walls.
Dwarkadhish Temple - was built in 1814. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Temple depicts an excellent work of art. The interiors of the Temple are adorned with the images of the Lord Krishna with His beloved Radha. There are images and idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Ranghbhumi - in Mathura spreads the message that one should be bound to one's duty. It explains why Lord Krishna had to slay his maternal uncle Kansa for the welfare of people.
Gita Mandir - on the Mathura-Vrindavan road has been built by the Birlas, one of India's premier industrial clans. It has a fine image of Lord Krishna in its sanctum. The entire Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on a pillar called the Gita Stambh.
Radharamana Temple - This is the famous temple of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. Radharamana means "one who gives pleasure to Radha", and is one of the many names of Lord Krishna. The seva puja of Radharamana was established in 1542, after the Deity self-manifested from a saligram-sila. Also kept iin this temple is the wooden sitting place (hoki) and shawl (chaddar) or Lord Chaitanya, that He gave as a gift to Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. There is no deity of Radharani in this temple, but a crown is kept next to Krishna signifying Her presence.
Jugal Kisore Temple - This is one of the oldest temple of Vrindavana and was completed in 1627. After Emperor Akbar's visit to Vridavana in the year 1570, he gave permission for four temples to be built by the Gaudya Vaisnavas, which were Madana-mohana, Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal Kisore. It is sometimes called the Kesi ghata temple, as it is located next to this ghata.
Kesi Ghata - This is the place where Lord Krishna killed the Kesi demon who appeared in the form of a gigantic horse and then took His bath in this very same ghata. This is also very famous bathing place in Vrindavana. An arati to Yamuna Devi is held here every evening.
