A long line of picturesque ghats with their steps leading to the water's edge, arched gateways and temple spires extending along the right bank of the River
Yamuna, emphasise the sacred character of the town of Mathura. The birth place of Lord Krishna, "the best known, best loved and most complex of Lord Vishnu's
manifestations" - Mathura is today an important place of pilgrimage.
An ancient city whose origins fade into the mists of history, Mathura's strategic location at the cross roads of various trade routes - that went westwards to West Asia and the Roman Empire;
northwards, via Taxila, Pushkalavati and Purushapur to Central Asia and the Silk Route and eastwards to China - ensured its position as a
center of trade and a meeting point for varied cultures.
Today, it is a city of temples and shrines bustling with the thousands of devotees who come to visit the city of Lord Krishna. A
splendid temple at the Katra Keshav Dev marks the spot that is believed to be the Shri Krishna Janmasthan - the birthplace of the Lord, by his devotees. Another beautiful shrine, the Gita Mandir, located on the Mathura-Vrindavan Road has a fine image of Shri Krishna in its sanctum. The whole of the Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on the walls of the temple.
The most popular shrine at Mathura is the Dwarikadhish Temple to the north of the town, dedicated to Shri Krishna. This was built in 1815 by a staunch and wealthy devotee, Seth Gokuldas Parikh, Treasurer of the State of Gwalior.
HOW TO GET THERE :
- Road : Mathura is connected to all the major cities, either historical or religious, via the National Highways.
- Air : Nearest airport is Agra, 62 km
- Rail : Mathura is on the main lines of the Central and Western. Railways and is connected with all the important cities of the state and country such as
Delhi, Agra,
Mumbai,
Jaipur , Gwalior
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