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Explore Agra
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Mathura |
| Mathura, on the bank of river Yamuna, is the birth place of Lord Krishna and is just an hour's drive by car from Agra. The land is replete with imposing temples, each dedicated to the stage's of the lord's life. The groves and ghats of nearby Brindaban with its thousands of temples still echo stories and songs that recount the exploits of this charming God. Among the important temples at Mathura and Vrindavan are Govind Dev Temple, Rangaji Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Keshav Deo Temple, Bankey Bihari Temple and the ISKON temple. Gokul, Barsana and Goverdhan are other townships associated with the lord. Gokul, is the place, hideout rather, where Krishna was brought up in secrecy, far from the eyes of his maternal uncle, Kansa. | |
| His consort, Radha, hailed from Barsana. Goverdhan is the place, where Krishna raised a mighty mountain on his little finger, to protect locals from the wrath of Indra. The Government Museum here is a superb repository of fine sculpture, terra-cotta images, coins and bronze objects that date back to 5th century B.C to the 12th century A.D. | |
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Govind Dev Temple - The Govind Dev Temple was built in 1590 by Raja
Man Singh and now lies empty, its' upper layers having been torn down during
the time of the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, who doubtless considered the
place one of idolatry. A line of beggars sit outside and call for alms as
one approaches while monkeys play amidst the sculptured stonework of it's
interior. However, what remains of this red sandstone edifice is impressive.
A few devotees take shelter here but if one takes the time to examine the
art work and in particular, the vaulted ceiling, one may experience a little
of the devotional fire that inspired it in the first place. ISKON Temple - One of the most impressive temples is another new construction, the ISKON temple, which was built with funds coming from devotees overseas. Here, the marble buildings almost glow with a light of their own and there is evidence of intricate carving. It owes its existence to Swami Prabhupada, a Hindu devotee born in Bengal in 1896. Today, ISKON is a worldwide movement with followers from many different ethnic backgrounds. Dwarkadhish Temple - The Dwarkadhish Temple built in 1814, with its temple carvings and fine paintings is Mathura's most visited shrine and is beautifully decorated during the festival of Janamashtmi. |
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