Spiritual realms
The notes of Lord Krishna’s flute and the hymns of devotees chanting his name resound in your audio, visual and neural sonics creating an aura of peace that remains within your being long after a visit to Mathura and Vrindavan.
Mathura is amongst the seven most holy cities in India and is mentioned in the epics. It was ruled by the Mauryas and later the Sunga dynasty and reached its cultural zenith under the Kushans.
Located on the western bank of river Yamuna, Mathura lies about 50 km north of Agra and 145 km south-east of Delhi. About 11 km from Mathura is the town of Vrindavan. While Mathura is well-known as the janam bhoomi (birth place) of Lord Krishna, Vrindavan is where he is believed to have spent his childhood.
A large number of festivals and fairs are held in Mathura and adjoining areas of Vrindavan Gokul throughout the year.
Every year as the month of September draws close, the ancient cities of Mathura and Vrindavan vibrate with infectious buoyancy. Devotees throng the cities to celebrate Janamashthmi, the birth of Lord Krishna.
Holi, the most colorful and exuberant of all Indian festivals, is celebrated in the region with much merriment, particularly so at the Bakal-Bihari Temple in Dauji village near Vrindavan.
In Barsana near Mathura Lath mar Holi is celebrated before Holi itself. It is believed that Lord Krishna visited the village of Barsana and teased his beloved Radha there.
Mathura and Vrindavan are preferred destinations of pilgrims as these cities are full of temples and the abode of Lord Krishna. Definitely worth a visit are the Govinda temple, an architectural wonder of medieval times, and the Shahji temple known for its sculptures and marble columns.
The eastern wing houses the world renowned Basant Karma with its spectacular chandeliers and paintings. Vrindavan’s longest temple, the Rang Ji temple follows the South Indian architectural design and houses a water tank and a garden.
The beautiful Iskcon temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and international tourists. The temple is adorned with exquisite paintings depicting the life of Lord Krishna. Vrindavan Dwarka Dheesh temple, Madan Mohan temple, Gopi Nath temple, Banke Bihari temple and Gita Mandir are amongst the most visited. The glass temple, the Nidhivan, and Seva Kunj are also favourite tourist spots.
Another place of interest is the Jama Hasid, built by Nabir Khan in 1661 AD. It has 4 lofty minarets with bright coloured plaster mosaic. The Government Museum has a fine collection of rare regional antiques. Also don’t forget the Govardhan, a hill near the town of Vrindavan; it is believed that Lord Krishna lifted the hill on his little finger to protect his people from the wrath of the rain god Indra.
Whether a first time pilgrim, or a veteran temple worshipper, the vibrancy of Mathura and Vrindavan offers everything you could pray for.
The writer is an avid traveller
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