Lord Krishna and followers of the Vaishnavism tradition.

Key Highlights of Mathura:

1. Religious Significance: Mathura is one of the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism (Saptapuri). It is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have been born in a prison cell (the Kansa's prison) in the city. Krishna's childhood and early life, as depicted in sacred texts like the Bhagavata Purana, are central to the faith and devotion of millions of Hindus around the world.

2. Krishna Janmabhoomi: The Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, located in the heart of Mathura, marks the exact spot where Lord Krishna is believed to have been born. The temple is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and attracts millions of devotees annually. The site is often referred to as the "Birthplace of Lord Krishna," and it holds deep historical and spiritual importance.

3. Temples and Pilgrimage Sites: Mathura is home to many temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and his various forms. Notable temples include:

   • Vishram Ghat: Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, it is a significant place where Lord Krishna is believed to have rested after killing his tyrant uncle, Kansa.
   • Dwarkadheesh Temple: A popular temple that honors Lord Krishna as the king of Dwarka.
   • Govind Dev Temple: One of the oldest temples in Mathura dedicated to Lord Krishna.
   • Keshav Dev Temple: Another important temple associated with Lord Krishna's birthplace.

4. Yamuna River: The Yamuna River plays a pivotal role in the spiritual life of Mathura. The river is associated with numerous stories from Lord Krishna's childhood, including his playful exploits with his devotees (the Gopis). Pilgrims often take ritual baths in the Yamuna to purify themselves.

5. Religious and Cultural Festivals: Mathura is especially vibrant during festivals that celebrate Lord Krishna, such as:

   • Janmashtami: The festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mathura. Devotees participate in fasting, chanting, and reenactments of events from Krishna's life, including the famous dahi handi (breaking of the pot of curd).
   • Holi: The festival of colors, celebrated with special fervor in Vrindavan (close to Mathura), is associated with the playful exploits of Krishna and his devotees. The celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan are famous for their exuberance and joy.
   • Radhashtami: Celebrating the birth of Radha, Lord Krishna's divine consort, this festival is significant for devotees of Krishna's love aspect.

6. Vrindavan: Located just a few miles from Mathura, Vrindavan is another crucial site in the Krishna mythology. It is the town where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and youth, and it is filled with temples, ghats, and sites related to Krishna's life. Vrindavan is considered one of the holiest places for devotees of Krishna.

7. Historical and Cultural Legacy: Mathura has a rich history, with evidence of its prominence dating back to ancient times. It was an important center for art, sculpture, and culture during the time of the Maurya and Kushan empires, and it played a key role in the development of Indian art. The city's iconic Mathura school of sculpture produced some of the finest examples of Buddhist, Hindu, and Greco-Roman art, which influenced the development of art in ancient India.

8. Modern Mathura: Today, Mathura is a bustling city that serves as both a pilgrimage center and a growing urban area. It is connected by road and rail to major cities in India and continues to be a major destination for both religious tourism and cultural exploration. The city also enjoys a developing infrastructure with new temples, cultural centers, and accommodations for the increasing number of visitors.