10 Famous Temples in Mathura and Vrindavan

A country that is worthy of praises for having a vast collection of different holy shrines, sacred destinations, and many pilgrimage places, India is where one can find the spiritual self, the inner peace, and the enlightenment. Perhaps, this is a sole reason why the country receives a lot of pilgrims every year. And although there are plenty of places that are honoured by the establishment of sacred shrines, Vrindavan and Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh secure themselves a significant position when it comes to spiritual destinations in India. These sacred cities in Uttar Pradesh glorify the birthplace of Lord Krishna and are dotted with various temples. Spending time in their Hindu Temples may offer a solace to your soul and an opportunity of seeking blessings. And if you want to know more about the famous temples, below I have mentioned the top 10 temples you can visit in Mathura and Vrindavan.

1.Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

In the midst of the human-swarmed streets of Mathura, one of the most valued and beloved shrines, Janmabhoomi Temple resides. This shrine is known to be the holiest place in Mathura and it is an important pilgrimage for Hindus since it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna. Before the temple was commissioned by the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, Raja Veer Singh Bundela (as per the locals), it used to be a stone-walled prison cell of Lord Krishna’s uncle, King Kans. Besides that, one attraction not to be missed is located at the back of the main sanctum of the temple, a small room that represents a prison where Lord Krishna was born. As you explore further inside the interiors of the holy structure you will also notice a marble statue of Lord Krishna. And the best time to visit is during the festive celebration of Janmashtami, the festivals of Chhappan Bhog and Holi are also celebrated in the temple premises.

Temple Timings: 05:30 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 20:00

2.Dwarkadhish Temple

The oldest and one of the famous temples in Mathura, Dwarkadhish is a holy structure that is dedicated to his holiness Dwarkadheesh (Lord Krishna). The temple is called so because Lord Krishna had moved to Dwarka to settle there until his last breath. In Mathura, however, Dwarkadhish Temple is located near Gatashrama and Vishram Ghat in the eastern part of the city and it houses the idol of Radha-Krishna in the main shrine. You may notice a black marble idol of Lord Dwarkadhish (a form of Lord Krishna) in the temple along with a white marble idol of his beloved Radha. One must visit here every year, especially during the festive season of Janmashtami when you are bound to witness and perhaps be a part of a whirlpool of pilgrims that throng from across the globe. The entrance of the Dwarkadheesh Temple is adorned with a Rajasthani style of architecture with an open courtyard in the center along with beautifully carved pillars and painted ceiling. And the best attraction inside the temple compound is perhaps the golden coloured swing of Lord Dwarkadheesh.

Temple Timings: 06:30 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 21:30

3.Kesava Deo Temple

Another pilgrimage destination in Uttar Pradesh, Kesava Deo Temple is amongst one of the sacred Hindu religious places located near the main Krishna Janmabhoomi Complex in Mathura. This temple is blessed with the deity of Lord Krishna and is said that the original deity was first placed by Shri Bajranabh, the great grandson of Krishna. One unique feature about this Krishna temple is that it has its own festival calendar and that all the functions are held within the premises. Besides, Kesava Deo Temple attracts a lot of Hindu pilgrims mainly for the unusual festival ritual of Lathmar Holi. Other popular festivals that are joyously celebrated here are Krishna Janmashtami and Chhappan Bhog. While exploring Kesava Deo Temple, about 250 metres away, you may also find another small shrine with a similar name, ‘it claims to have seen and felt Lord Krishna’s presence.’ At this temple, you can even see different images of Vasudeva, Devaki, and four-armed Krishna.

Temple Timings: 08:00 to 20:00

4. Banke Bihari Mandir

This is one of the famous Krishna temples in Vrindavan where Sri Krishna is known by the name of Banke Bihari because he is considered as a ‘Supreme Enjoyer.’ Banke means ‘Bent in three places,’ whereas Bihari means ‘Enjoyer’ as you can see in a statute where the idols’ hands are folded to hold a flute with a leg folded standing pose. Banke Bihari Mandir is one of the seven temples of Thakur of Vrindavan, and it is located near Shri RadhaVallabh Temple. Amid the narrow lanes where the devotees rush to seek blessings into the godly kingdom, you can witness love and devotion for Sri Krishna. Here, the main entrance of the temple is adorned with a dark yellow-brown colour with intricate traditional design and perhaps it is the main attraction in Vrindavan. Inside, you can witness a jet black statue of Lord Krishna known as Thakur Ji.

Temple Timings:

Winters

• Morning: 09:00 to 13:00
• Evening: 16:30 to 20:00

Summers

• Morning: 08:00 to 12:00
• Evening: 17:30 to 21:30

5. Prem Mandir

Prem Mandir which means love is a divine temple and it is amongst the top tourist attractions located on the outskirts of Vrindavan. This spiritual complex is dedicated to Sri Krishna and Sita Ram that is beautifully built with white marbles displaying the stunning architectural wonder and also the history of Sanatana Dharma. You can spend a day in this 54-acre holy space and explore the beautiful statue figures of Sri Krishna and his followers located in the main temple. Surrounded by intricate carvings around the temple complex displaying an elaborate inlay work, so far this alluring divine structure in Uttar Pradesh, Prem Mandir is a definite must visit during your tour in Uttar Pradesh. Inside the temple, you can also witness many portraits of Krishna Leela, Govardhan Parwat Leela, and Krishna Kaliya Naag Leela and if you visit this Temple of Love, you are for sure to experience tranquility and bliss.

Temple Timings: 05:30 to 20:30

6.Nidhivan Temple

Probably one of the best places to visit in Vrindavan, Nidhivan Temple is a treasure trove for both pilgrims and nature lovers. Mainly surrounded by trees where the branches are either tangled to the other trees or faced downwards, the locals believe them to be gopis, the queens of Sri Krishna. It is also said that as soon as the sun sets no one is allowed to stay back because Krishna and Radha along with the gopis perform Raas-Leela amid Nidhivan. This religious place in Vrindavan that is prohibited to be visited in the evening because it is believed that whosoever enters the forest after sunset either goes blind, deaf or dumb, basically not in a condition to narrate the story, is thronged with devotees in the afternoon There are a few sightseeing places around Nidhivan like Rang Mahal, Lalitha Kund, Bansi Chori Radha Rani and some temples like Gita Mandir, Shahji Temple, Kalki Mandir and Swami Hari Das Temple.

7.Shri Krishna Balaram Mandir (ISKCON)

Amongst the many temples in Vrindavan, Shri Krishna Balaram Mandir offers a sight to sigh and to top it up, it is considered to be one of the important ISKCON temples in India. As you put your steps into the beautiful structure built by white marbles, you will across an archway along with winding peacock stairways on each side. In fact, this Mandir holds a very special significance to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Set up by the founder of the religious society, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the temple displays Sri Krishna’s transcendental phases. Here, you can find three altars, in the first altar you can find an idol of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, the incarnation of Nityananda Prabhu and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu; in the second or center are the deities of Sri Krishna and Balaram, the divine brothers. And on the third avtar are the idols of Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara and the gopis, Vishakha, and Lalita.

8. Shri Radha Vallabh Mandir

This revered temple which was founded some 450 years ago from the present time is a great place to visit and it holds importance to the people of Vrindavan and Rajasthan. As the pages of history denote the story of the temple, which was destroyed during the rule of the Mughal Emperor by Aurangzeb, the temple was later relocated to Rajasthan. However, presently, this famous shrine is in Vrindavan where like all other temples it follows the tradition and the ritual of the temple along with chanting spiritual and devotional songs. The temple was sculpted and carved by the Goswamis of Shri Radha Vallabh Lal and while travelling to Mathura Vrindavan, a stoppage at Shri RadhaVallabh Mandir should be on your visiting list.

9. Priyakant Ji Temple

This temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is a beautifully styled structure that appears to look as if it sits on a lotus. Priyakant Ji Temple is a 125 feet high masterpiece that is surrounded by ponds and fountains on both sides reflecting the classical Indian architecture. If you visit during the evening, you can witness the entire temple complex illuminate with neon white lights. Since this temple is located on the route to Prem Mandir, you can easily pay a visit.

Temple Timings:

• Morning: 6:00 to 12:30
• Evening: 16:30 to 20:30

10. Radharamana Temple

Radharamana Temple in Vrindavan marks its place to be one of the holiest temples and it deserves a visit by the pilgrims. Basically, the meaning of Radharamana is the one who gives pleasure, in this case, Lord Krishna to Radha and it is yet another name Lord Krishna is called. Radharamana Temple was built in an initiative taken by Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. It is believed that ever since 1542, this temple is being worshipped for the belief that Lord Krishna revealed his holy presence during the full moon day of Vaisakhi from a Salagram-Shila. Every year, during this auspicious event, the idol of Lord Krishna is bathed with milk and various religious items and further distribute the bathed milk to the devotees as a token of blessing, Charanamrita. Apart from the worship of Radharamana, other Salagram-Shilas are also worshipped on the same day. In addition, another attraction here you must not fail to notice is the fire in the temple kitchen. It is said to be lit for more than 460 years, ever since the establishment of the temple and it serves its purpose in cooking.

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