Visiting Mathura
A Comprehensive Guide to Śrī Vṛndāvana Dhāma
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Overview
Mathura is an extremely important pilgrimage city where Lord Krishna was born 5,000 years ago. It is 150km south of Delhi and 14km from Vrindavan. Mathura is on the main train line between Delhi and Agra.
Mathura is the center of Braja Mandala. Its parikrama path is 15 km (9 miles). The two main places to visit here are Krishna Janmasthan (the appearance place of Krishna) and Vishram Ghata.
Many pastimes from the Srimad Bhagavatam and other Puranas took place in Mathura. Ambarish Maharaja waited at Ambarish-tila for Durvasa Muni to return, from being chased across the universe by Lord Vishnu’s disc (cakra). At Bali-tila, Bali Maharaja performed his great sacrifice to take over the universe. Lord Vamanadeva begged three steps of land from Bali Maharaja at this place. Narada Muni instructed Dhruva Maharaja in Mathura. Ravana performed austerities to acquire his mystic powers here. About 350m north of Visrama Ghata, on the bank of the Yamuna, is the old Kamsa Tila Fort.
“When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu approached Mathura and saw the city, He immediately fell to the ground and offered obeisances with great ecstatic love. When He entered the city of Mathura He took his bath at Visrama Ghata. He then visited the birthplace of Krishna and saw the Deity named Kesavaji. He offered His respectful obeisances to this deity. (Caitanya Caritamrita. Madhya-lila 17.155-156)
Places of Interest
Mathura is a fairly large and busy city. There are many places to visit in Mathura. If you are coming from Vrindavana you could first go of the Gokarnesvara Siva Temple in northeast Mathura. From there you could go to the Maha-vidya Devi temple, which is in northwest Mathura. From there it is a five minutes drive to Krishna Janmasthan, where Krishna appeared. Also near here is Potra Kunda and Jnana Vapi. Next you could go the Bhutesvara Siva and Patalesvari temples, which are right next to each other, about a five minute drive away in west Mathura.
Your next site to visit is Ranga Bhumi, the Rangesvara Siva Temple and the Keshava Gaudiya Math. All these places are on the same street, in south Mathura. Next you can visit Dhruva Ghata, which is in southeast Mathura, on the bank of the Yamuna.
From Dhruva Ghata you can go to Visrama Ghata, which is in east-central Mathura, on the bank of the Yamuna. Very close to Visrama Ghata is the Pippalesvara Siva temple. You can then walk around and visit the ghats in this area. There are 25 ghats in this area. Visrama Ghata is the most well known ghata and is the central ghata.
Next stop is the Dwarkadish Temple, which is a few minutes walk from Visrama Ghata. Next--take a five minute walk to the Adi Varaha and Sveta Varaha temples, near the Dwarkadish Temple. In the center of Mathura are the Padmanabha Swayambhu Temple and Dirgha Vishnu Temple.
Padmanabha Swayambhu Temple
There is a self-manifested Deity of Lord Vishnu in this temple. Swayam means “Himself” and bhu means “born”. Lord Caitanya is said to have had darshan of this Deity in 1515. This deity is in a house-like temple.
Directions: This is a difficult temple to find. It seems that you have to ask for the Padmanath Deity. This temple is located down a side road off Kotwali Road between Bharatpura Gate and Holi Gate. This road goes north from Kotwali road. The road you go down has a steel beam over the road, to make sure that vehicles that are too high do not enter this road. There is a basket shop next to this road. When you get on this road you walk north about 325m (four minutes) and you will see a pinkest, simply carved, good-sized doorway. From the outside, this place looks like someone’s house. Also, once you are inside it looks like a residence.
Dirgha Vishnu Temple
After breaking the sacrificial bow, that was to be used for the sacrifice called the Dhanur-yajna, Krishna displayed the Dirgha Vishnu form to assure His companions that he would easily defeat Kamsa. The Dirgha Vishnu form that He showed was huge. Dirgha means “large.” After seeing this form the family members and friends of Krishna became relieved of any anxiety and they became sure that Krishna would be victorious. Krishna expanded His form just like Vamana expanded his size to take up the entire universe.
It is also said that when Krishna came to see Kamsa, He increased His size to reach Kamsa, who was sitting high on his throne.
The Deity in this temple is a black Deity of Lord Vishnu holding a club, conchshell, disc, and lotus. It is mentioned in the Caitanya Caritamrita (Madhya 17.191) that Lord Caitanya came here when he visited Mathura.
Directions: The Dirgha Vishnu Temple is on the same road as Bharatpura Gate. This temple is north of Bharatpura Gate; about ten minutes walk from the Bhuteswara Temple.
Kubja Kupa is said to be the house of Kubja. Krishna came to the house of Kubja to fulfill His promise to visit her. There is a sacred well here. This place is located in southeast Mathura, down a side road from the Government
Durvasa Muni’s Ashrama
Durvasa Muni performed austerities opposite Visrama Ghata, on the other side of the Yamuna, at Visanaganja. Durvasa Muni being pleased by services rendered to him by Srimati Radharani gave her the benediction that whatever she cooked would be sweeter than nectar.
“Durvasa Muni was a powerful mystic brahmana determined to observe the principles of religion with great vows and under strict austerities. His name is associated with many historical events, and it appears that the great mystic could be easily satisfied and easily annoyed, like Lord Siva. When he was satisfied, he could do tremendous good to the servitor, but if he was dissatisfied he could bring about the greatest calamity. It is understood that he was a plenary incarnation of Lord Siva, and thus he could be either easily satisfied or annoyed. He was a great devotee of Lord Siva. He could travel a great distance through space, even up to the Vaikuntha planets beyond material space. He traveled all these long distances within one year, during his quarrel with King Ambarish, the great devotee and emperor of the world.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.15.11, purport)
Directions:This place is located on the other side of the Yamuna River from Mathura, in Isapur. You go over the bridge in Mathura and go about 1km east. There is a dirt road on the left, which you go down for about 1km, which ends near this place. You can also take a boat across the river at Visrama Ghata to this place. It is then about a five-minute walk to this place, about 300m.
Description of the holy places of Mathura
Now I look at this great holy place named Sri Visranti. It was here that Krsna took rest after killing Kamsa. O Srinivasa, the supreme ascetic Sri Caitanya also performed many transcendental activities here. All people - women, men, aged, young and even children - would gather to see the great ascetic. Millions of people acknowledged that the best of all ascetics had come to Mathura. Raising their arms in the air and crying, they would shout the name of Hari. The beauty of Gaura Candra charmed the entire world and they could not take their eyes off him. The Lord had fulfilled the desires of every one.
In the Mathura Khanda of Skanda Purana it is stated: the world-famous holy place of Sri Visranti is situated in Mathura. By visiting this place a traveller attains eternal rest. By bathing here and worshipping Achutya, one attains immortality because he is automatically freed from the miseries and agonies of the material world. (Saura Purana) The Yamuna Mahatma of the Padma Purana states: it has been said that divine results can be gained from visiting the mountain Kalinda, from visiting Mathura, from he ganga of Sukartala flowing westwards and from the meeting point of the Bhagirathi. According to scholars, only Sri Virasantai can bestow million of divine results on people. A person can attain Vaikuntha dham if he takes a bath in Tirtha. (Adi Varaha Purana) Now lets look at the beautiful place Gatasiama. Darshana gives the divine results attainable from all other holy places together. (Adi Varaha Purana)
The 24 Tirthas of Jamuna flowing in Mathura
O Srinivasa, in this crescent shaped place there are 24 tirthas of Sri Jamuna. This first one is called Adi Murmukta tirtha. One who bathes in this place gains salvation and one who dies here is promoted to Visnu loka.
(Adi Varaha Purana)
This next place is called Ghuhya tirtha. One who bathes in this place gains salvation and goes to Visnu tirtha. (Adi Varaha Purana) This next place known as Prayaga thirtha is not attainable even by demigods. By bathing here one gets the same result as performing an Agni Stoma yajna. (Saura Purana)
This holy place is called Kankahna Tirtha. By bathing here one attains happiness as in the heavenly planets. (Adi Varaha Purana)
This place is called Timduka tirtha. By bathing here one is promoted to Visnu loka. (Adi Varaha Purana) This place is called Surya Tirtha and it destroys all sins. It was here that Bali the son of Virachana, performed his tapasya. Bathing here during the solar eclipse, on Samkanti and on Sunday will result ifn the benefit as performing the Rajasuya Yajna. (Adi Varaha Purana)
This place is called Vataswami tirtha and it is the greatest of all.
Vataswami Surya has become famous here. Whoever performs sincere worship here on a Sunday will recover from disease, gain wealth in his life and attain the ultimate goal after death. (Saura Purana)
This place is called Dhruva tirtha. It was here that Dhruva did his tapasya by bathing here one is certainly promoted to Dhruva loka. Whoever can perform this sraddhi ceremony in the auspicious titripaksha here will gaurantee the attainment of salvation for the ancestors on his father's side. Performing the ceremony of Pindadana in Dhruva tirtha gives more valuable results than performing the same ceremony in Gaya. Whoever performs Japa, Homa, Tapasya, dhana, or puja here attains one hundred times more results that performing the same activities in any other holy place.
(Adi Varaha Purana) and (Skanda Purana)
This place south of Dhruva tirtha is called Rishi tirtha. By bathing here one attains Visnu loke and also Krsna Bhakti. (Adi Varaha Purana and Skanda Purana) South of Rishi tirtha is Moksha tirtha. A bath here guarantees salvation.
This is koti tirtha, a place which cannot be attained even by demigods. By bathing here and givine in charity here one attains Visnu loka.
This place is called Bhodhi tirtha. One attains pitri loka by performing the Pindadana ceremony here.
This holy place is called Nava Tirtha and it is North of Asikunda. Neither now nor in the future will there ever be a tirtha in the world like Nava tirtha.
This place is called Samyanya tirtha. By bathing here one attains Visnu loka. (Adi Varaha Purana)
This place is called Dharapatana tirtha. By bathing here one attains happiness unavailable even in heaven and by dying here one attains Visnu loka.
This holy place is called Naga tirtha and it is the greatest of all great Tirthas. By bathing here one attains Swarga loka and by dying here one avoids rebirth.
This place is called Ganatavarana tirtha. By bathing here one's sins are destroyed and he is promoted to Surya loka. (Adi Varaha Purana)
This holy place is called Brahma tirtha. One who bathes here attains Visnu loka. Whoever can bathe here, drink the water of the holy place, remain contented and sit on a celsetial seat without feeling restless will get the grace of Brahma and attain the abode of Visnu. (Adi Varaha Purana)
This holy place is called Sone tirtha. It was here that Jamuna was used to carry pure water. By bathing here one becomes accomplished in all spheres of life and attains Sone loka.
This place is known as Saraswati Patana. By bathing here a person becomes an ascetic although he may have no right to be an ascetic by the rules of Chatura Varna (Adi Varaha Purana).
This is called Chakra Tirtha. By bathing here after fasting for three days one becomes free from the sin killing a brahmin (Adi Varaha Purana).
This holy place is called Dasasamedha tirtha. In ancient times the sages worshipped this tirtha. If one bathes here in a contented mood he easily obtains heaven.
This place is known as Vighanarajra tirtha. As it is most auspicious and it frees one from misery. A bath here prevents the king of miseries from causing pain to anyone. (Yama)
This place is called Koti Tirtha and it is alos auspicious. One bath in this holy place delivers the same result as a million baths in the Ganges.
"O listeners there are 24 tirthas on the Northern and Southern side of Sri Visnuvanti. The 12 on the North extend up to Dasasvamadha and the 12 on the South extend to Moksha tirtha. (Mathura Khanda)
Other tirthas of Mathura
O Srinivasa, Caitanya Mahaprabhu happily bathes in all 24 ghats of the Jamuna. The pastimes which he performed at each ghat is beyond description.
Millions of people took their baths with Prabhu and floated in the ocean of happiness. Even demi gods used to mingle with the common people to observe the lila of Mahaprabhu. They all sang the glories of Sri Krsna Caitanya.
Now, Srinivasa, we will visit other holy places.
This place is known as Gokarnakhya but sometimes it is called Viswanath tirtha. It is a favorite place of Lord Visnu.
This place is known as Krsna Ganga. The Adi Varaha Purana states that although a person can take his bath in five tirthas namely Visvinti, Sokara, Nainisa, Proyaga and Puskara - the results obtained from these five tirthas are ten times less than the result attained from one bath in Krsna Ganga.
This holy place is called Vaikuntha. A bath here promotes one to Visnu loka.
This place is called Asikunda Tirtha. If anyone gets the darshan of the four deities - namely Varaha Devi, Narayani Devi, Yamana devi and the auspicious Langali Devi - after taking a bath in this kunda, he gets the same result as circumbulating earth with its four oceans. He attains the good results of visiting all the holy places of Mathura. (Adi Varaha Purana)
This is a well named Chatu Samudaika. By bathing here one is promoted to Deva loka.
O Srinivasa, who can describe the numerous glorious of Sri Mathura? Bathing in the Jamuna of Mathura those results one hundred times superior to those obtained from bathing in the Ganges.
In the Matsya Purana, in a conversation between Yuddistra and Narada, it is stated: O Yuddistra, a man becomes virtous if he takes a bath in the Jamuna, drinks pure water and sings for glories. Even the darshan of Jamuna gives auspicious results. One who believes in the Jamuna or drinks her water guarantees her auspiciousness for seven generations of his family. Whoever dies on the bank of the Jamuna attains the eternal abode.
In the Visnu Dharmattare it is stated: O King, whoever performs the sraddha ceremony on the bank of the Jamuna attains immoral results and becomes happy in heaven.
In the Mathura Khanda of Padma Purana, regarding the contest of the creation of Prajapati marichi, it is said: Rasaswarupa Krsna, the cause of all causes, the eternal, onmiscient blissful Lord, Rasamaya, who is glorified as Brahma by the Upaishads, existed in the form of Jamuna. As iron becomes gold by the touch of the phiolsophers stone, so sins become virtues by the touch of the waters of the Jamuna.
In the Adi Varaha Purana it says: if there are two brahmins - one living in mathura with no knowledge of the Vedas and the other a scholar in all four Vedas who lives outside Mathura - you should feed the ignorant Mathura brahmin. Although a peasant of Mathura may be wicked and unreligious, nevertheless he is respectable to me because a Mathura vasi is always my personification. O Vasundhari all the residents of Mathura are personifications of me. If you feed one brahmin of Mahura you earn the same virtue of feeding millions of other brahmins. The Mathura vasis are worshipped by me because they are my favorite. WHen as resident of Mathura feels satisfied then I also feel satisfied. The places where they reside are certainly holy places and thier houses are full of auspiciousness. In Mathura the insects, birds, animals and other living beings are all eligible for salvation. Lascovious men who lust after other women are all deities disguised as human beings.
O Srinivasa just see Mathua where Krsna enacted many pastimes. This is the house of the gardener Sudama who was a favorite friend of Krsna. Here Krsna killed the Kansa's washer amd he and the cowherd boys dressed themselves in the washer man's clothes. This is the road by which Krnsa went to the palace of Kamsa while the residents of Mathura watched overwhelmed by his beauty. Here Krsna broke the bow with ease. He and his friends strolled about in a magnificent way. The demon Kuvalayapida blocked Krsna's path here and Krsna killed him easily uprooting his tusks. This is the arena where the great wrestling match took place. Ths is the platform where Krsna sat, this is the platform where Nanda and the other Gopals had sat. They all enjoyed Krsna's wrestling. Krsna found that killing Kamsa was great fun. This place known as Kansa khali is the place where Kansa was killed.
Here is the temple of Kubja, known as Kubja kupa. Everyone knows this place. The wonderful pastimes of Krsna with Kubja is knownhroughout the three worlds. These two places Baladva Kunda and Krsna Kupa, are the places where Krsna and balarama sported with their friends. It was here that Sri Krsna Caitanya sat surrounded by people after completing his tour of Mathura. People were overwhelmed to see the ecstatic condition of Mahaprabhu. The brahmin residents of Mathura thought that the ascetic must be Krsna himself. Who could realise the transcendental activities of Mahaprabhu when he concealed himself behind the wall of his golden complexion? A man said, "Very, very fortunate as we have observed Mahaprabhu conquering Mathura." While describing these pastimes Raghava Pandita became so overwhelmed that he could not control himself. Even Narottama and Srinivasa fell on the ground and burst into loud sobbing, calling the name of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. After sometime they pacified themselves and Raghava took them to other holy places of Mathura.
This is the place where Gopala stayed for one month. Sri Rupa Gosvami and his followers became ecstatic when they saw the deity of Sri Gopala. The residents of Mathura were equally happy to have Sri Rupa and his followers in their midst. Look Srinivasa, this is the famous tree under which the son of Ravani, Balarama used to play. During his pilgrimage, Prabhu Nityananda also came to Mathura and stayed here for sometime. He fell into ecstasy seeing his familar sporting places and he roamed here and there in that ecstasy. The residents of Mathura forgot all thier miseries in the pleasure of seeing Adhuta Candra. Taking darshan of all those places will help one forget the agonies of love and become devoted to the feet of Nityananda.
The Dvadasavanas of Mathura Mandala Raghava Pandita, Srinivasa and Narottama then took darshan of Kesava's beautiful dvadasavanans which are auspicious, which removes sins, which bestows virtues.
On the western side of the Jamuna or Madhu tola, Kumuda, Bahuala, Kanyi, Khadinar and Vrndavana: on the Eastern side of Sri Badro, Bandari, Bilva, Lauha, and Mahavana (Padma Purana and Skanda Purana)
Madhuvana O Srinivasa, this is Madhuvana and its darshan will satisfy all desires. In this forest there is a kunda full of transparent water and blue lotuses. If anyone bathes in that water and gives in chatiry he will posess the deserving result.
Talavana
For the good of the adavaras and for his own pleasures Krsna killed the demon who is the protector of the tala flute. (Skanda Purana)
Kumudavana
A person is certain to attain Visnuloka if he visits this place. (Adi Varaha Purana) Sri Raghava Pandita pointed out to Srinivasa that there was another holy place named Daliha. That name has been given by Vajranva and became famous as Kaliupvana in the Padma Purana. It was there that Krsna killed Dantavakra. Again Sri Raghava told them the story about Dantavakra. Once Nanda and others went to visit Krsna at Kurukshetra. Krsna met them and satisfied each person in every way. He assured them that he would visit Vraja in a very short time. Although they were satisfied by his nectar like words and they took their eave from him still out of eagerness they used to wait on the bank of the Jamuna in hopes of seeing him. When the gopis left Kurukshetra Krsna felt very depressed. He went to Dwarka to kill Sishupala and then went to Mathura on the pretext of killing Dantavakra. After that work was completed he crossed the river Jamuna hurriedly and went to meet Nanda and the others. On seeing Krsna the Gopis ran forward shouting welcome, welcome. Krsna returned to his own house in Vraja witand the other gopis and enjoyed himself with the gopas as he always had before. Because the villagers shouted Aoray Aoray (welcome, welcome), the village is now known as Aoray.
Gaurai
There is another village called Jourbaj and Sri Raghava also told the story of that village. Once there was a large village called Dhana where lived a distinguished zamindar who had a good relationship with Sri Nanda Maharaja.
When Nanda returned from Kurushetra the zamindar had a large reception and asked Nanda to glorify the village by staying there for sometime. In Sanskrit this glory is called Gaurava. So the village was named Gauravi but at this time it is known as Gaurai.
In Gopala Champu the same story is told in different ways. When Nandaraj, the master of Vraja returned from Kurukshetra without Krsna he was so depressed that he did not want to go back to his own house. He advised his followers to stay in Gaurai, a place which was far from Gokula. Just as the Parasthana dham has become famous by the name Parashtattna, so also Golulapali was named Golulapati. It was called Gokulapati, after the owner Gokul Nandaraj.
Sri Raghava happily travelled all round Mathura showing the holy places where Krsna had performed his lilas to Srinivasa and Narottama. Then Sri raghava changed the direction to show them a place called Sasthi Karatari.
The place is now known as Sasthighara. It is a beautiful and pleasant place the favorite spot of Lord Krsna. Whoever takes a bath here or fasts for one day is certain to attain Vidyadhara loka.
This place is called Sakata Rohana, in Adi Varaha Purana. It is on the west side of Mathura and thousands of bumble bees live here.
Raghava also pointed out another place known as Garuda Govinda. Once, just in play, Sridham transformed himself into Garuda and Sri Krsna also turned into Visnu Narayana, and mounted the bed-carrier. The whole place was named after him. The same story is given in Sri Laghu Bhagavatam mrta.
While describing the ways of the holy places Raghava arrived at Sastikas'ratavi and explained to Srinivasa the source of tht name of that holy place. Originally it had been called Sasti kalatavi but more recently was known as Sastighara. He pointed out the place where Krsna used to mount his chariot. At that time that place was very beautiful and had been very dear to Lord Krsna. Bumble bees used to hum musically in the beautiful flowerly ardens of Sastikaratavi. If anyone fasts for one day and bathes in this place he enjoys the pleasures of Vidya dhar Loka. This place is called Sakatagram. (Adi Varaha Purana)
The Pandita also showed Srinivasa and Narottama a beautiful lotus filled pond named Sankarshan kunda in one lake known as Manasarsai. A visit to this holy forest would bestow the same virtue as the darshan of Krsna and Lakshmi.
According to Adi Varaha Purana Bahula is the best of all forests. Whoever enters this forest attains Agni loka after that. In Skanda Purana, Mathura Khanda it is also written that Bahula, the wife of Sri Hari lives in the holy forest. O king, this place is asupicious because herein Sri Visnu and Lakshmi resided inside a clump of lotuses in the Sankarshan kunda and whoever enters there in or takes a bath in the month of Chaitra is able to have darshan of Sri Visnu with Lakshmi.
Another holy place is known as Mayurgram. Here Krsna used to enjoy the dancing peacocks with peahens. It was wonderful to watch Radha and Krsna in the midst of the flock of peacocks. The dancing birds turned towards Radha and Krsna and expanded their plumage. The sakhis stood all around and clapped while the peacocks danced. Raghava Pandita pointed out another holy place to Narottama and Srinivasa, called Dakshin Jainad where Krsna enjoyed himself with his beloved Radha. As Raghava continued to describe the holy places they walked until they reached a place called Gandheswar Sthan a place which was named after Krsna's perfume.
Salaya was another place where saint Santanu had performed his tapasya. The lake inside the holy place is full of clear water. As they looked around Salaya Raghava led them to different holy forests.
Bahula forests
When they reached Bahula forest Raghava Pandita told them that this was the place where Sri Caitanya had come in ecstatic joy in a course of his pilgrimages of the Vrndavana forests. Seeing him millions of cows surrounded him and looked at him longingly. Then Gaura touched each one of them as he had touched them when he was in Vrndavana as Krsna. The dear animals, peacocks and koels expressed their joy by flying over his head and running around him. People were overwhelmed to see that even he trees showered flowers on Sri Mahaprabhu's head. All of them said that he must be the same sannyasi form of Sri Krsna. Simply to deceit people he covered his beautiful complexion with a fair one. Crowds of people came forward to meet him; they expressed their desires and he satisfied them all.
The Government Archaeological Museum
Mathura has an excellent museum which has many ancient sculptures of Lord Krishna and Vishnu, some dating from the Kushana and Gupta periods. It has almost 10,000 exhibits many of them dating before the time of Christ. Many of the sculptures here are also of Buddha, which include a famous 5th century standing Buddha. Many ancient sculptures in museums throughout India and in London are originally from Mathura. This museum is located on Museum Road by Dampier Park and is open daily except Mon and government holidays from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. From the middle of April to the end of June it is open from 8:00 am to 12.30 pm. Admission is free.
Train Station
The railway station is in the extreme southern section of Mathura. There are two bus stations in Mathura. The Old Bus Stand is in south Mathura, near the Rangesvara temple. The New Bus Stand is in west Mathura, outside the main area of town.
Information and Tours
There is a Tourist Office on the first floor of a building in the back of the Old bus stand. There is a daily tour to the towns of Vrindavan, Nandagram, Varsana, Govardhan Hill, Radha Kunda, and Krishna Janmasthan that leaves from the Old bus stand at 6:30 am.
Where to Eat
Most of the places in Mathura are cheap vegetarian places. Bhojanalaya vegetarian restaurant at the International Guest House, is located next to Sri Krishna Janmasthan. Open 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Brijraj, across from Sri Krishna Janmasthan, serves snacks and dosas. Brijwasi Mithai Wala, across from Sri Krishna Janmasthan, has good sweets and snacks. Hotel Madhuvan, Krishna Nagar, has Indian and Chinese food. It is one of the best places in town.
Yamuna River Boat Ride
You can take a peaceful and interesting boat ride on the Yamuna near Visrama Ghata. To visit the 25 ghats along the Yamuna takes 45 minutes. To hire a boat for an hour should cost no more than Rs 75. You can hire a boat at several different places in the Ghata area near Visrama Ghata. For Rs 600 you can go to Gokula and back, which will take over six hours.
You can change money at the State Bank of India (407-647) on Railway Station Rd.
History
Mahmud of Ghazni sacked Mathura in 1017. At that time Mathura was considered one of the richest cities in the world. Both Sikander Lodi, in about 1500, and Aurangzeb, in 1669, destroyed temples in Mathura and Vrindavan. The Muslims would sometimes take the deities from the temple and bury them under the steps of a mosque.
The steps of the Nawab Kudsia Begum Mosque had deities taken from Mathura buried under its steps. After the British took over this part of India in 1803, no harm came to the temples or deities.
Sub-pages
There are 8 sub-pages.