Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi:

The  Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi, also known as the Krishna Janmasthan, is a revered pilgrimage site in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is believed to be the exact location where Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, was born. 

 According to Hindu puranas, Mathura was ruled by King Kansa, a tyrannical ruler who was the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna. It was prophesied that the eighth child of his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva would be his downfall. The Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi Temple stands on the site believed to be the underground prison cell where Devaki and Vasudeva were imprisoned. It is believed to be the exact place where Lord Krishna was born. To protect Lord Krishna from Kansa’s wrath, Vasudeva secretly carried him across the Yamuna River to the village of Gokul, where he was raised by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda.

 The sanctum sanctorum houses the main deity, Lord Krishna, in his infant form and the temple premises also include a small temple dedicated to Krishna’s consort, Radha. The history of the temple complex dates back centuries. It has undergone several renovations and expansions over time, reflecting different architectural styles. The temple has witnessed the devotion of countless devotees and played a vital role in preserving the rich cultural and religious heritage associated with Lord Krishna.

Interesting historical facts about Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple Mathura

• • • The Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple was built nearly 5000 years ago by Vajranabha, Krishna’s great-grandson.
    • Then, around 400 AD, under the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya, it was reconstructed.
    • Mahmud of Ghazni destroyed it in 1017 AD.
    • Raja Dhurpet Dev Janjua, the Emperor of Mathura, built the temple for the third time in 1150 AD.
    • It was demolished in the 16th century by Sikandar Lodi, Sultanate of Delhi.
    • Raja Veer Singh Bundela restored it with INR 3.3 million 125 years later, during the reign of Jahangir.
    • In 1669 AD, Aurangzeb demolished it once more and replaced it with a masjid.
    • When Britishers took over the city of Mathura in 1815, the temple area was auctioned off.
    • On February 21, 1951, late Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya took the initiative to rebuild the temple by founding the ‘Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi Trust.’

The temple celebrates various festivals associated with Lord Krishna with great enthusiasm. Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is the most important festival, attracting large crowds of devotees. 

In addition to the Krishna Janma Bhoomi, Mathura is home to several other important temples that hold significance in Hinduism. Here are some of the notable temples near the Krishna Janma Bhoomi:

1. 1. 1. Dwarkadhish Temple: Located in the heart of Mathura, the Dwarkadhish Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the most famous and revered temples in the city. It is believed to be around 200 years old and showcases beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. The temple attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year.

      2. Banke Bihari Temple: Situated in Vrindavan, a town near Mathura, the Banke Bihari Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his child form. The temple is known for its unique deity of Lord Krishna, who is portrayed in a gentle swaying posture. Devotees throng the temple to seek the divine blessings of Lord Krishna and to witness the mesmerizing aarti (devotional ritual) held several times a day.

      3. ISKCON Temple: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has a prominent presence in Mathura. The ISKCON Temple in Mathura, also known as the Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, is a magnificent temple complex dedicated to Lord Krishna and his brother Balarama. The temple premises include beautiful gardens, a goshala (cow shelter), and a Vedic cultural center.

      4. Prem Mandir: Another significant temple in Vrindavan, the Prem Mandir, is dedicated to Radha-Krishna and Sita-Ram. The temple showcases intricate marble carvings depicting various episodes from Hindu epics and the life of Lord Krishna. The temple complex also features beautifully illuminated gardens that create a mesmerizing sight in the evening.

      5. Radha Raman Temple: The Radha Raman Temple, located in Vrindavan, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and holds immense importance for followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. The temple houses a self-manifested deity of Lord Krishna known as Radha Raman, who is believed to have appeared from a shaligram shila (sacred stone).

      6. The Govardhan Parikrama is a sacred circumambulation (circumference) of the Govardhan Hill, located in the town of Govardhan near Mathura. According to puranas, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra, who had sent torrential rains. This act exemplified Lord Krishna’s power and divine protection. It is a significant pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Krishna and holds great spiritual and religious importance.

These temples, along with numerous others, contribute to the spiritual aura of Mathura and Vrindavan, attracting devotees and pilgrims from far and wide. They offer devotees an opportunity to deepen their devotion and connect with the divine through prayers, rituals, and spiritual experiences.

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