Mathura, India
Region: Uttar Pradesh
Geographic Coordinates: 27.492500, 77.673600
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Population: 441894
Language: Hindi
Mathura is a sacred city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna and is known for its rich cultural heritage, Ancient temples, And vibrant festivals. Mathura has a deep connection with Hindu mythology as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, One of the most revered Hindu gods. The city’s history dates back to ancient times when it was known as Madhupuri or Madhavapuri. It was ruled by various dynasties such as Mauryas, Guptas, Mughals, And Britishers.
The city has witnessed many historical events such as the Kansa-Vadh (killing of Kansa), Which marks Lord Krishna’s victory over his evil uncle. Mathura is famous for its numerous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and other deities. The most prominent among them are Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, Dwarkadhish temple, Banke Bihari temple, And ISKCON temple. These temples attract thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad throughout the year. Apart from religious significance, Mathura also has a rich cultural tradition that can be seen in its art forms like folk music and dance performances such as Raslila.
Raslila is an enchanting dance-drama that depicts Lord Krishna’s life through various episodes from his childhood till adulthood. The city also hosts several festivals that are celebrated with great fervor by locals and tourists alike. Holi or the festival of colors is one such festival that attracts people from all over India to Mathura every year. During this festival, People smear each other with colored powder and water while singing devotional songs. Mathura also offers many opportunities for shopping where one can buy traditional handicrafts like brassware items or local sweets like peda made with khoya (dried milk).
The bustling markets of Mathura are a great place to explore and experience the city’s vibrant culture. Mathura is a city that offers a unique blend of history, Religion, And culture. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring India’s rich cultural heritage. The city’s temples, Festivals, Art forms, And local cuisine make it an unforgettable experience for visitors from all over the world.
- Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Govardhan Hill
- Kusum Sarovar
- Vishram Ghat
- Jama Masjid Mathura
- Mathura Museum
- Radha Kund & Shyam Kund
- Gita Mandir
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Oil refining
- Handicrafts
- Textile production
- Education
- Retail
Mathura is a renowned tourist destination due to its association with Lord Krishna and the presence of several ancient temples and religious sites. The region around Mathura is known for agriculture, particularly dairy farming, sugarcane cultivation and wheat production.
Mathura has an Indian Oil Corporation Limited-owned oil refinery that produces petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel (ATF), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), furnace oil (FO), bitumen and other petroleum products. The city also boasts a thriving handicrafts industry that includes brassware items like statues of Hindu deities.
The textile industry in Mathura has been growing rapidly with the establishment of new mills producing cotton fabrics such as sarees. Additionally there are several educational institutions ranging from primary schools to universities in the city which attracts students from nearby cities as well as other states of India.
Finally there are many retail stores in the city selling clothes, accessories, home decor items etc.
- Birthplace of Lord Krishna: Mathura is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism.
- Mauryan Empire: Mathura was an important center during the Mauryan Empire (322 BCE–185 BCE) and was ruled by Emperor Ashoka.
- Kushan Empire: During the Kushan Empire (30 CE–375 CE), Mathura became a major center for Buddhism and art.
- Gupta Empire: The Gupta Empire (320 CE–550 CE) saw Mathura become an important center for Hinduism, with many temples being built during this time.
- Harsha Vardhana: King Harsha Vardhana (590-647CE) made Mathura his capital city and was one of the greatest rulers in Indian history.
- Mughal Era: During the Mughal era (1526-1857), many magnificent buildings were constructed in Mathura including Jama Masjid, Dwarkadhish Temple, Kusum Sarovar etc
- Akbar’s reign : The famous painter Govardhan lived here under Akbar’s reign and produced some remarkable paintings depicting scenes from Lord Krishna’s life
- Modern era: After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Mathura became part of Uttar Pradesh state
- Kanshi Ram : Kanshi Ram , founder of Bahujan Samaj Party spent his early years in this city
- Narendra Modi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several projects related to tourism development at various sites including Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex
- Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Vishram Ghat
- Kusum Sarovar
- Govardhan Hill
- Mathura Museum
- Radha Kund
- Kans Qila
- Gita Mandir
- Birla Mandir
- Janmashtami is a widely celebrated festival in Mathura, which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. The city comes alive with grand processions, cultural events, and devotional songs.
- Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mathura as it is known to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. People play with colors and enjoy traditional sweets like gujiya during this festival.
- Radha Ashtami celebrates the birthday of Radha, who was Lord Krishna’s beloved companion. Devotees sing bhajans and offer prayers to Radha-Krishna during this festival.
- Govardhan Puja commemorates the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect his people from a torrential rainstorm.
- Brahmotsavam is a grand 10-day festival held at Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Vrindavan where devotees from all over India participate in various cultural programs.
- Guru Purnima is dedicated to honoring spiritual gurus or teachers who have helped guide their disciples on their spiritual journey.
- Kansa Vadh Mela is celebrated in Barsana near Mathura, which commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over his evil uncle Kansa.
- Lathmar Holi is a unique celebration held in Barsana where women beat men with sticks during Holi celebrations as a reenactment of Radha’s playful beating of Lord Krishna with a stick during their courtship days.
- Yamuna Jayanti Mela takes place on Yamuna Jayanti (birthday) and includes a dip in the holy river Yamuna followed by prayers and offerings at various temples along its banks.
- Raslila Mahotsav celebrates the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha through various cultural programs and performances held every year during November-December months at Shri Banke Bihari Mandir, Vrindavan.
- Peda: A sweet made from condensed milk, sugar, and cardamom powder.
- Mathura ke Dubki Wale Aloo: It is a spicy potato curry that is served with puri or paratha.
- Chole Bhature: It is a popular North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpeas served with deep-fried bread.
- Kachori: It is a deep-fried snack filled with spiced lentils or potatoes.
- Brijwasi Sweets: This famous sweet shop offers a variety of sweets including peda, laddu, gulab jamun, and more.
- Govinda’s Restaurant: This vegetarian restaurant serves delicious North Indian dishes like chole bhature, paneer tikka masala, and more.
- Hare Krishna Restaurant: This restaurant serves traditional Indian food including thali meals that include rice, dal, vegetables, chapati and more.
- Brijwasi Mithai Wala: Another famous sweet shop in Mathura that offers various sweets such as peda and laddu along with savory snacks like kachori and samosas.
- Bansal Foods & Sweets Corner – They serve delicious chaat items such as pani puri , sev puri , dahi bhalla etc
- Krishna Prasad – They serve amazing south indian food.
- Vishram Ghat is a popular spot for taking a dip in the holy Yamuna River and performing religious rituals.
- Kans Qila Park is a beautiful park located near the Mathura Fort that offers a peaceful environment for visitors to relax and enjoy nature.
- Radha Kund is a sacred pond where Lord Krishna is believed to have bathed with his beloved Radha.
- Govardhan Hill is considered a sacred site by Hindus, who believe it was lifted by Lord Krishna to protect the people of Mathura from torrential rains.
- Gita Mandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna and features beautiful carvings depicting scenes from the Bhagavad Gita.
- Mathura Museum showcases artifacts related to the ancient history of Mathura, including sculptures, coins, and paintings.
- Barsana Dham is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Radha-Krishna that features several temples and ashrams.
- Chhata Bazaar is a bustling market where visitors can shop for traditional handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, and other souvenirs.
- Rangji Temple is one of the largest temples in Mathura that features intricate carvings and colorful murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Holi Celebrations are one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Mathura with great enthusiasm every year during March-April which attracts thousands of tourists from around India as well as abroad who come here to witness this festival in its true spirit.
