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P a g e | 1 Yaatraa

Mathura Vrindavan Yaatra

As you all knows that, Mathura Vrindavan is world famous Hindu religious tourism place and famous for Lord birthplace, temple and activates. We are placing some information regarding Mathura Vrindavan Tour Packages. During Mathura Vrindavan tour, you may cover the following places.

Place to Visits :

Mathura : Lord krishna Birthplace, , Birla Temple, Mathura Museum, Ghat's

Vrindavan: , Iskcon Temple, Ballabh Temple, Prem Mandir, Nidhi Van, Kesi Ghata and Yamuna River etc. P a g e | 2 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa

Gokul: Childhood living place of lord Krishna Near Mathura

Nand Gayon: Village of lord krishna relatives

Goverdhan: Goverdhan Mountain and Parikrma, , Kusam Sarowar

Barsana: Birthplace of Radha Rani and Temples

Radha Rani: Famous Temple of Radha Rani near Mathura

Bhandiravan: Radhak Krishn Marriage Place, Near Mant Mathura

TOURIST PLACE AT DISTRICT MATHURA

MATHURA

What to See

SHRI KRISHNA JANMA : The Birth Place of Lord Krishna

JAMA MASJID : Built by Abo-inNabir-Khan in 1661.A.D. the mosque has 4 lofty minarets, with bright colored plaster mosaic of which a few panels currently exist.

VISHRAM GHAT : The sacred spot where Lord Krishna is believed to have rested after slaying the tyrant Kansa.

DWARKADHEESH TEMPLE : Built in 1814, it is the main temple in the town. During the festive days of , Janmashthami and , it is decorated on a grandiose scale.

GITA MANDIR : Situated on the outskirts, the temple carving and painting are a major attraction.

GOVT. MESEUM : Located at Dampier Park, it has one of the finest collection of archaeological interest. Rare items from the Gupta and Kushan period (400 B.C.-1200A.D.) are on display. Major attraction for tourists.

Mathura widely known as birth place of lord Krishna is located on the western bank of river Yamuna at latitude 27degree 41 Minute N and 77Degree and 41 Minuet E. It is 145 Km south-east of and 58 Km north west of in the State of . For about 3000 Year it P a g e | 3 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa was the hub of culture and civilization . Held in sanctity by the Buddhists, Jain and Brahmanical faith alike, it has a long and chequered history. One of the Sapta Mahapuris, it was ruled in turns by the kings of Solar and Lunar dynasties and became a center of three Cultures Indo- Scythian and Hellenstic. For are creation Mathura is the Athens of India. The great school of known as Mathura school of Art flourished here for 1200 Years. Such proliflic creativety and gushing devotion to novel Art Forms and experi-ment in and clay figurines as found in this school are rare in the annals of History. A survey of this glorious School of Art can be made in the Government Museum, Mathura. The present day Mathura abounds in Place of Religious and Historic Interest, All round the year A large number of Festival and fairs are held in Matura and adjoining areas of Vrindavan , Brazen and Goverdhan The rascal of Brij is thematically the basis of many performing Arts.

Vrindavan

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WHAT TO SEE

15 Km. north of Mathura on the same bank of Yamuna, lies the celebrated town of Vrindavan, almost as closely associated with Krishna as Mathura itself. Indeed one hardly speak of Vrindavan alone to; the devout Hindu. Mathura-Vrindavan can not a unified image of untold beauty and religious sanctify. What is comparatively a matter of detail is that Vrindavan is believed to have been the stage on which Krishna performed his famous romantic and sportive roles. Unlike busy Mathura. Vrindavan seems perpetually to be dreaming and imaginatively, re-living its romantic past.

There are hundred of shrines in the town, as also numerous ghats and several sacred tanks, of which one called Brahama kund and another named kund are the most highly venerated. The most famous as well as the finest temple in Vrindavan is that of Govinda , dating from 1590. It is a huge, Cruciform, Vaulted building of red sandstone with a nave 30Mt.(100Ft.) in height and breadth the wall is 3 Mt.(10Ft.) thick on an average and is built in two stage. The upper being a regular triforium.

GOVINDA DEV TEMPLE : Built by Raja Man Singh of in 1590, The temple is a testimony of the architectural splendour of medieval India. The temple walls average 10 ft. thickness. The upper state is regular triforium. Originally seven stories high, it's upper four stories were destroyed during the reign of . The Krishna idol was then removed to Jaipur .

SHAHJI TEMPLE : It was constructed in the year 1860. It is a prominent temple of northern India. It is famous for it's explendid art architecture , sculpture and twelve single piece spiral colemns made up of marble approx 15'high. The world famous BASANTI KAMRA is situated in the eastern wing of this temple. This room has spectacular ancient chandelies and rare paintings are available .

RANG JI TEMPLE : Vrindavan 's longest temple, it was constructed in 1851 by Seth Govind Das ji & Seth Laxmi Chand Ji. All were desciples of Acharyavarya Rangdeshie Swami where as the main gate is in style , The temple follows South Indian architectural pattern . The outer wall measure 773 Ft. and encompass a water tank , a garden and the actual temple . The "Dhweja Stambha " , 50 ft. tall , is believed to be gold plated . P a g e | 5 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa

MADAN MOHAN TEMPLE : Situated near ghat , it is believed to have been built by Kapur Ram Das of . The original Image of Madan Mohan was removed to during the regin of Aurangzeb .

KRISHNA BALRAM MANDIR (ISKCON VRINDAVAN ) : This is a International spiritual organisation having 400 centers around the world . This was founded by srila A.C. Swami Prabhupada . thousands of pilgrims and International tourists visited Vrindavan centre which is having beautiful temple of Lord Krishna .

RADHA BALLABH TEMPLE : Built in 1626 this temple is of special architectural interest as remnant of ancient . The Shrine was demolished in the 17th century and the huge structure only the plinth remains.

GOPI NATH TEMPLE : closely resembling the Madan Mohan mandir in style and dimension, it was built by Rai Shilji, a Sekhavat Rajput of Jaipur .

GLASS TEMPLE : Its marvelous art of glass work dazzles the pilgrim's eyes.

NIDHI VAN : Radhika's Kridasthali, the playground of Krishna's consort, it is a place of Hindu veneration. The image of Bihariji was discovered by Ji.

SEVA KUNJ : Krishna's Vihar Bhoomi, it was sanctified for centuries ago by Radha Ballabhiya Samaradayachery Shri Goswami Hit Hari Vanshji.

BANKE BIHARI (Van Ke Vihaari) : One of the oldest temple, it was rebuilt in 1921 discpieles of Haridas Swami who got the idol of Bankey Bihari from Nidhi Van.

GOVARDHAN

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26 Km from Mathura along the road to . It is named after the name of the Goverdhan Hillock" which is said to have raised on the finger and was was put in the condition to save the people from the incessant rain which fell constantly for seven days to destroy the people of Brij. The hillock is 7 Miles in length. The temple of Har Deva Ji in Goverdhan town is 400 Yrs old. The Mansi Ganga which is an artificial lake, was constructed my Man Singh of Jaipur. The dense shady trees the hill ranges and tranquil flow of Mansi Ganga all unite together and make a charming view which the visitor can never forget.

KUSUM SAROVAR :

About two miles from the town, is the boarder of Radha Kund which have significant architectural group erected by T. Sing in honor of his father, , the cenotaph of Suraj Mal which stand on , present in a fine view.

JATIPURA

On the opposite side of Mansi Ganga are two stately cenotaphs built to the memory of the Randhir Singh and Singh, Rajas of Bharatpur P a g e | 7 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa

State. The cenotaphs consist of a lofty and substantial square masonry terrace with corner and lateral alcoves.

5 Kms. to the north of Goverdhan is Radha Kund, A village clustering around two small lake. It is said the Lord Krishna himself bathed here in self-purification. Between Goverdhan and Radhakund is seen the cenotaph of Raja Suraj Mal Bharatpur who was sacrificed in 1763. in front of the cenotaph is an artificial lake with an extensive garden behind.

BARSANA

21 Kms. to the north of Goverdhan is Barsana the birth place of Radha a favourite devotee of Lord Krishna. It is a famous place for with a regular bus service from Mathura to Barsana Via Kosi & Goverdhan.

Barsana originally known as Brahmasaran lies on a slope of ridge. The four prominent peaks of the hill are regarded as amblematic of the four- faced divinity and are crowned by a group temple is honor of Lali Ji a local title of Radha meaning 'the beloved'. There is second hill in Barsana and the path between these two is known as Sankhi Khue. A fair is held in the month of Bhadon(August September)

NANDGAON

AT the foot of a hill 51 Kms. north-east of Mathura is situated the venerable village of Nandgaon. It is known as the home of Lord Krishna's foster father Nand, in whose memory a spacious temple stand on the brow of the hill. Probably built in the middle of the 12'th century by one Rup Singh, It consist of an open nave with choir and sacrarium beyond. Standing in the center of a paved courtyard, it is surrounded by a lofty wall which commands an extensive view of the Bharatpur hill and the level expanse of as far as Goverdhan. P a g e | 8 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa

GOKUL

About 15 Kms. of the south-east of Mathura connected by a metalled road is Gokul, a suburb of the inland town of Mahavan on the bank of the river Yamuna. Gukul is a celebrated spot where Lord Krishna was reared in secrecy by his nurse. This place is very scared and is visited by thousand of pilgrims particularly during the birth anniversary of the Lord Krishna in july-august and the time of Annakut festival. Gokul is also associated with the famous saint Vallabhacharya who lived here for many years. The most important temple is that of Gokul Nath Ji. The principal meals are Janma in Bhadon and Annkut on the day after the new Moon of . The "Trinavat Mela" is also held on the fourth day of the dark half of kartik.

Lying on the left bank of Yamuna. Mahavan is 4 Kms. from Gokul on the road to Sadabad. Lord Krishna is believed to have been craddled in this place. The largest and most sacred temple is that of Mathura Nath an edifice built of rock and plaster. Overhanging the Yamuna at Mahavan is an old building which is identified as the place of 9 Kms from Mahavan on the same route is Baldeo which is another place of pilgrimage. These places can be visited by taxi or auto. There is a bus service to Baldeo.

BALDEO

Baldeo is about 9 Kms. from Mahavan on the road leading to Sadabad. In the center of the town stand the famous temple of Baldeo(Dauji). The elder brother of Lord Krishna. Two annual fair are held at Baldeo. One on the Sixth day of the light half of Bhadon called Deo- other on the full moon of Aghan. There is not a single day in the course of the year in which the temple court are not occupied with Pilgrims. P a g e | 9 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa

Mathura and Vrindavana - Detailed information

Vrindavana and Mathura are the most important places of pilgrimage for devotees of Krishna. Krishna was born in Mathura and spent His childhood in Vrindavan. There are over 5,000 temples in Vrindavan.

The city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajabhumi, is located 140 km south-east of Delhi and 60 km north-west of Agra. Covering an area of about 3,800 sq. km., Brajabhumi can be divided into two distinct units - the eastern part in the trans-Yamuna tract with places like Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and Bajna and the western side of the Yamuna covering the Mathura region that encompasses Vrindavan, , Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon (Nandagram).

The land of starts from Kotban near Hodel about 95 km from Delhi and ends at Runakuta which is known specially for its association with the poet , an ardent Krishna devotee. 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, emphasize the sacred character of the town of Mathura. The birth place of Lord Krishna, Mathura is today an important place of pilgrimage.

Lord Krishna is the most popular person here. Every square foot of Mathura- Vrindavan is wrapped in timeless devotion to Lord Krishna, the eternal hero, the lover of Radha and the cowherd-prince. Mathura without Lord Krishna is like Bethlehem without Jesus. Welcome to Brajabhumi, Krishna's land.

To enable everyone to see the area in a traditional spiritual way, every year in Kartika (Oct/Nov) ISKCON puts on a Braja Mandala . This one-month walking tour goes to all 12 forests in Vrindavan and visits most of major places in the Braja area including Mathura, Radha Kund, Varsana, Nandagrama, , Vrindavan, and Govardhana Hill. It is traditional to do this walk barefoot, although shoes are permitted.

Location

The city of Mathura is located in the western part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the north of India. It is a P a g e | 10 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa part of the great northern plains and is situated on the west bank of the river Yamuna. Mathura is 140 km south of Delhi and 60 km northwest of Agra. The climate of Mathura is extreme and tropical. Summers are extremely hot and winters are cold and foggy. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains from July to September.

History

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 , 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.

By the fifth century BC, during the time of Buddha, it was a major metropolis and the capital of the kingdom - one of the 16 of the period. Mathura saw its `golden age' during the rule of the Kushanas and the able governance of rulers like , , and Vasishka, when the arts flourished and economic wealth grew. It remained a center of power during the Mauryan period, through the enlightened rule of Emperor Ashoka to the (4th century AD).

More detailed history of the area is described in Interim period .

Braj Culture in Mathura

It has often been said that it is easier to count the number of dust particles on the surface of the earth than to count the number of holy places in Mathura. Each of the ghats, for instance, has its own Krishna story (like Visram-ghat where He rested after killing his evil and tyrannical uncle, King Kansa).

Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in Mathura. His father Vasudev aided by goddess Yogamaya brought him out of Mathura, across the raging river Yamuna into the house of Nanda in Gokula. Krishna spent his early childhood here and revealed His divinity. His uncle Kansa's murderous attempts lead Krishna to leave Gokula and move to Nandgaon, a more secure home high up on a hill. From here the young Krishna the cowherd boy would wander into the Vrindavan forests to play with His friends and dally with Radha, His consort. Vrindavan, is a transcendental world, a place of Krishna's lila. Each tree in the area speaks, as it were, of the love of the Divine Couple.

According to the Purana, Sri Krishna along with the had danced the rasa dance on the banks of the Yamuna in Vrindavan. When the gopis felt P a g e | 11 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa conceited about Lord Krishna dancing with them, He disappeared from their midst. In the agony of separation from their beloved Krishna, the gopis recalled and enacted His lilas (divine pastimes of His life) which in course of time came to be known as the Rasalilas. The Rasalila in its present form is ascribed to Svami Haridas and Sri Narayan Bhatt. As per the custom only young boys of 13 to 14 years of age take part in this Rasalila performance. The charming childhood pranks of Sri Krishna constitute the main them of these dramas.

Temple architecture

The basic structure of temples in India is a room or garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) where the image () of the main is kept. The temple is approached by a flight of steps and is often built on a platform. A porch covers the entrance to the temple, which is supported by carved pillars. A prominent roof called the shikhara surmounts the top of the garbhagriha, and dominates the surroundings. As time went by, small temples grew into temple complexes. Some temples have a hall (mandap) from where one can see the sanctum sanctorum.

Temple architecture in India is broadly divided into northern and southern styles, classified by the form and shape of the shikhara and the distinctiveness of its decoration. The shikhara of the temples in South India tend to be made up of distinct horizontal levels that diminish to form a rough pyramid. Each level is decorated with miniature temple rooftops. Some temples from South India also have tall shikharas over the elaborate gateways or gopurams to add to the overall symmetry to the temple complex. The shikhara of the temples in North and Central India, in contrast, resembles an upturned cone that is decorated with miniature conical shikharas. Some temples developed their own local flavor apart from adhering to their basic native style.

Most of the temples in Vrindavan belong to the North Indian style of temple architecture, while a few conform to a mixed style. Most of the temples now present in Vrindavan were constructed after AD 1000, while some of them are of recent origin.

Main Temples and Holy Places of Mathura

Dvarkadhish Temple

The Dvarkadhish Temple, built in 1814, is a popular temple in the center of Mathura town. This is the most visited temple in the center of Mathura and is managed by followers of Vallabhacarya. Once you P a g e | 12 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa enter this temple from the street, it is fairly interesting architecturally. It is located in the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River. The temple is a hub of activity during the festive days of Holi, Janmashtami and Divali.

Kesavadeva Temple, Jami and Katra Masjids (mosques)

Jami Masjid on a plinth raised above street level a little way north, was completed in 1661 by Aurangzeb's governor Abd-un-Nabi. It has long since lost its original vivid glazed tiles, but remains surrounded by four minarets and assorted outer pavilions. Around 500 m west stands another of Aurangzeb's mosques, the impressive red sandstone Katra Masjid. This was erected on the foundations of the once-famous Kesava Deo temple, destroyed by the Moghul emperor, which had itself been built on the ruins of a Buddhist . Some traces of the can be seen around the back, where the Sri Krishna Janmasthan or Janmabhumi complex now stands. Directly behind the mosque, approached through a corridor, a shrine marks Krishna's exact birthplace (janmasthan); its cage-like surround signifies that He was born in captivity, when His parents were prisoners of the tyrant king .

Vrindavan - The City Of Temples

Vrindavan, around 15 km from Mathura, is a little town and a major place of pilgrimage on the banks of Yamuna. Attracting about 500 000 pilgrims every year, mainly during major festivals like Janmashtami, Holi and Radhashtami, it is noted for its numerous temples, both old and modern, big and small (allegedly 5000 altogether). Vrindavan is synonymous with the childhood pastimes of Sri Krishna.

Vrindavan is also the center for various Vaishava groups. In a centuries-old tradition Hindu widows have been coming to live out the rest of their lives in Vrindavan. They are expected to shed all physical adornments, including long hair, wear only white cotton saris and lead an austere lifestyle. In Vrindavan there are thousands of widows coming mostly from Bengal. They begin their day by bathing in the Yamuna and congregate at to sing (devotional songs). In return, they get a daily ration of rice and pulses and some cash. Subsisting on charitable donations made by wealthy traders, the widows pass their life in devotion to Krishna, the Supreme Lord.

History

The name 'Vrindavan' is derived from 'Vrinda', another name for the sacred tulsi (basil) plant. It is said that the entire place was a tulsi grove at one time. According to another tradition, it was named after Vrinda , one of Krishna's consorts. The earliest known shrine in Vrindavan is said to have been built by the local Gosvamis in a large garden called Nidhiban. According to tradition, Mughal Emperor was taken blindfolded inside the grove where he had some kind of a spiritual experience. As a result, he acknowledged the spot as being holy ground. P a g e | 13 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa

The four temples that were built in honor of his visit are Madan Mohan, Govinda Deva, , and Jugal Kishore.

Main Temples

Madan Mohan Temple on the riverside is the oldest structure in Vrindavan. This famous temple was established by Srila Sanatana Gosvami and was the first Gosvami temple built in Vrindavan, which at that time was just a forest. The original Deity of Madana Mohana was discovered at the base of an old vat (banyan) tree by Advaita Acarya, when He visited Vrindavan. He entrusted the worship of Madana Mohana to His disciple, Purusottama Chaube, who then gave the Deity to Sanatana Gosvami. Sanatana Gosvami spend 43 years in Vrindavan. Worshiped along with Madana Mohana are Radharani and Lalita, who were sent to Vrindavan by Purusottama Jena, the son of Maharaja Prataparudra.

This 60 foot high temple was opened in 1580 on a 50 foot hill called Dvadasaditya Tila, next to the Yamuna. Ram Das Kapoor paid to build the temple. One day a ship he owned, loaded with merchandise, went aground in the Yamuna. He was advised by Sanatana Gosvami to pray to Madana Mohana for help. The ship came free and the owner of the ship made a big profit, which he used to built this temple.

The temple is associated with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu who stayed here. Due to the fear of Muslim onslaughts on the temple the original murti was moved to (Karoli). A replica is now worshiped in the temple. The kutir and samadhi of Sanatana Gosvami, together with the puspa-samadhis of Candrasekhara Acarya and Tapana Misra are also here.

Govinda Dev Temple was a grand seven-story structure, with an altar of marble, silver and gold. Architecturally this temple is one of the finest in . A sculptured lotus flower weighing several tons decorates the main hall ceiling. It was built in 1590 by Raja Man Singh from Jaipur, a general in Akbar's army, who was inspired to do it after meeting Rupa Gosvami. It was said to have cost ten million rupees and several thousand men were working for five full years to complete it. Akbar himself had donated the red sandstone for its construction. In 1670, during the rule of a later Mughal king, Aurangzeb, it was plundered and destroyed leaving only three stories of the original temple. During this attack, when few stories remained, all of a sudden the ground began to shake violently and Aurangzeb's men were terrified and ran for their lives, never to return. P a g e | 14 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa

Temple is now empty and the replica of Govindaji is worshiped in the new Govindaji Mandir (located behind the original temple). The original Govindaji is worshiped in Jaipur.

The Deity of Gopinath worshiped in Radha-Gopinath Temple was discovered at Vamsivat by Paramananda Bhattacarya, who entrusted the Deity's worship to Madhu Pandita. On the altar are of Srimati Radharani and Her sister, Ananga Manjari. Madhu Pandita's samadhi is next to the temple.

Gopinathji was originally installed in Vrindavan by Vajranabha, the great grandson of Krishna. When the raided Vrindavan, the original Gopinath Deity was taken to Jaipur. The Gopinath Deity in Jaipur and Lord Krishna are said to exactly resemble each other from Their shoulders down to the waist.

Jugal Kisore Temple (Kesi ghata temple) is one of the oldest temples of Vrindavan, completed in 1627. After Akbar's visit to Vrindavan in the year 1570, he gave permission for four temples to be built by the Gaudiya Vaisnavas, which were Madana-mohana, Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal Kisore. It is sometimes called the Kesi ghata temple, as it is located next to this ghata.

Opposite from the Govinda Dev Temple is an imposing south-Indian temple called Sri Ranganatha (Rangaji) Temple . It is 30 meters high with three gopurams (gateways), a tall shikhara (crown) and gold-plated decorations. This South Indian style temple was built by the wealthy Seth family of Mathura in 1851 and is dedicated to Lord Sri Ranganatha or Rangaji, a form of Lord lying down on the Sesa Naga (divine serpent). This temple has a traditional South Indian gopuram (gateway), a Rajput-styled (architectural style prevailing in the present Indian state of Rajasthan) entrance gate and an Italian-influenced colonnade. One of the enclosures within the precincts of this magnificent temple has a 15-meter-high pillar made of gold. It is one of Vrindavan's largest temples and is surrounded by high walls. Once a year there is a grand car festival (Ratha ) known as Brahmotsava during the month of Caitra (March- April). This festival lasts for 10 days. At the entrance, there is an electronic puppet show about stories of Krishna and a small museum.

One of the most popular in Vrindavan and famous all over India is the Banke Bihari Temple , built in 1864. There are curtains in front of the richly decorated murti. After the main prayers the curtains are drawn apart to give darsan (viewing) to a long line of devotees. The curtain before the Deities is not left open like at other temples but every few minutes it is pulled shut and then opened again. The Deities do not get up until 9 AM. The temple has mangala-arati only one day a year and only once a year can the lotus feet of the Deity be seen, on Akhyaya Tritiya. Many devotees come P a g e | 15 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa every day, especially in the month of Sravana, during Jhulan Yatra, the swing festival. The murti is said to have been discovered by the musician-saint Svami Hari Das in Nidhi Van, a kadamba grove where Banke Bihari was originally worshiped. A contemporary of the Six Gosvamis, Svami , known for his bhajans, was the of the famous musician .

Radharamana Temple is the famous temple of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. Radharamana means "one who gives pleasure to Radha". It is one of the many names of Lord Krishna. The of Radharamana was established in 1542, after the Deity self-manifested from a salagram-sila on the full moon day of Vaisakha (April/May). This event is celebrated every year by bathing the Deity with 100 liters of milk and other auspicious items. The remnants of this abhiseka (bathing) are like nectar. Bhatta Gosvami's other shalagram-shilas are worshiped on the altar here. The appearance place of Sri Radharaman Deity is next to the temple. Radharamanji is one of the few original Deities of the Gosvamis still in Vrindavan. The standard of worship is very high.

Also kept in this temple is the wooden sitting place (hoki) and shawl (chaddar) or Lord Caitanya that He gave as a gift to Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. There is no Deity of Radharani in this temple, but a crown is kept next to Krishna signifying Her presence. Gopal Bhatta's samadhi is located here. The fires for cooking in the temple kitchen have been burning continuously since the Deity was installed over 460 years ago and the cooking still follows cookbooks from that time.

Radha Damodara Temple is one of the most important temples in Vrindavan. The original Deity was hand carved by Rupa Gosvami and given as a gift to his beloved disciple, Jiva Gosvami, who later built a temple. Formerly this spot was in the middle of Seva-kunja and it was the bhajan place (where he performed his devotional activities) of Rupa Gosvami. Other Deities here are Vrindavan Candra worshiped by Krishna Dasa Kaviraja Gosvami, Radha-Madhava of Jayadeva Gosvami and Radha-Chalacikana of Bhugarbha Gosvami. When the original Deities are moved, the replacement Deity is called a pratibhu-murti and is considered as good as the original Deity. The samadhis of Srila Rupa Gosvami, Srila Jiva Gosvami and Srila Krishna Dasa Kaviraj Gosvami are here.

Srila Prabhupada spent here most of his six years (1959 to 1965) before coming to America. He P a g e | 16 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa translated the first three cantos of the Srimad-Bhagavatam here.

In Sri Radha Gokulananda Mandir are the the Radha-Vinoda Deities of Lokanath Gosvami, Radha-Gokulananda Deities of Visvanath Cakravarti, Caitanya Mahaprabhu Deity of Thakur, Vijaya Govinda Deities of Baladeva Vidyabhusana, and the Govardhan-shila given to Raghunath Dasa Gosvami by Sri Caitanya. Also, the samadhis of Srila Lokanath Gosvami, Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura, and Visvanath Cakravarti Thakura are here. Visvanath Cakravarti arranged to have this temple built.

Radha Temple is another very popular temple of Vrindavan which was founded by Gosvami, who started the Radha Vallabha sampradaya emphasizing devotion to Radharani. In this temple, there is no Deity of Radharani, but a crown has been placed next to Krishna to signify her presence. The original temple of Radha Vallabha was destroyed by the Muslims in 1670 and a new temple was built beside the old one.

Radha-Syamasundara are the Deities of Syamananda Prabhu. Darsan is from 8.30 to 11 am and 5 to 8 pm. It is one of the seven major temples in Vrindavan. Syamananda's samadhi is across the street and down from the entrance of the temple.

Sri Gopesvara Mahadeva Mandir is the oldest temple in Vrindavan. Gopesvara Mahadeva is Lord Siva, who came to Vrindavan to become a of Krishna. Here Vrinda Devi blessed him and allowed him to enter the rasa dance of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna then offered Lord Siva the guardianship of the Rasa mandala and placed him at its entrance. Ever since, all Vaisnavas pray first for his mercy to become a servant of the servant of the gopis.

Vajranabha, the great grandson of Krishna, also installed the Siva-linga in this temple. Every morning from 4 am to noon, thousands of people pour Yamuna water over the linga. It is said that the big pipal tree here is a kalpavriksa tree and will fulfill all desires. This temple is in the Vamsivata area.

Jaipur Temple , one of Vrindavan's most opulent temples, was built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Madhav, in 1917 after 30 years of labor. The fine hand-carved sandstone is of unparalleled workmanship, the huge pillars that hold up the roof are each carved from one solid rock, and the intricately fashioned marble on the altar is reminiscent of the Mughal period. The Maharaja financed the railway line that connects Vrindavan with Mathura, just for the purpose of hauling the huge P a g e | 17 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa pieces of sandstone used in the temple construction. The Deities worshiped here are Sri Sri Radha-Madhava, Ananda-bihari and Hansa-gopala.

Shahji Temple , another popular temple at Vrindavan, was designed and built in 1876 by a wealthy jeweler, Shah Kundan Lal of . The Deities at the temple are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman. Noted for its magnificent architecture and beautiful marble sculpture, the temple has twelve spiral columns each 15 feet high. The `Basanti Kamra' - the darbar hall is famed for its Belgian glass chandeliers and fine paintings.

New Temples

Krishna Mandir

Opened in 1975 by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Raman Reti, 3 km from the center of Vrindavan. The principal Deities of this temple are Krishna with His brother Balaram. Next to Them are Radha (Krishna's consort) with Syamasundara and Gaura-. The samadhi (cenotaph) of ISKCON's founder-acarya, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in pure white marble is within the complex in front of the temple. His private chambers have been converted into a museum. The temple is built in the Bengal Renaissance style with bright frescoes on Krishna's life. There is also a guesthouse, restaurant, gurukula and gosalla. devotees from all around the world come here, bringing a truly international flavor to this ancient holy city.

Among the new temples springing up along the Mathura-Vrindavan road is the Gita Mandir which houses the Gita Stambh, a pillar with the entire carved on its surface.

The imposing temple, built by one of the country's leading industrial families, the Birlas, is overshadowed by multistoried edifice known as the Pagal Baba Mandir just down the road.

Other Holy Places of Vrindavan

Seva Kunja and Nidhuban are gardens where Krishna performed many of His pastimes.

The Seva Kunj is where Lord Krishna performed the Rasalila with Radharani decorating her hair with flowers and her lotus feet. Radha and Krishna would sometimes spend the night here, dancing with the P a g e | 18 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa gopis and enjoying transcendental pastimes. There is also a small temple dedicated to Radha and Krishna's pastimes called Rang Mahal. Today this place is surrounded by temples. The Seva Kunja road leads to Srila Jiva Gosvami's Radha Damodar Temple, Srila Syamananda Gosvami's Radha Syamasundara Temple, and Srila Krishna Dasa Kaviraj Gosvami's Radha-Vrindavan-Candra Temple.

At the Nidhi Van (Nidhuban, Nidhuvan) Krishna rested with His beloved Sri Radha. The shrine inside has a bed, which is decorated with flowers by the priest every evening. No one is allowed to stay inside after dusk because according to popular belief the Lord visits the spot with Sri Radha. The samadhi (memorial) of Svami Hari Das is also within this complex. All the groves of Vrindavan are notorious for monkeys that have a special fascination for cameras and spectacles.

At the Imlitala tree (tamarind) Srila Sanatana Gosvami established the worship of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to sit daily under the Imlitala and chant . Deities of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Radha-Krishna are installed under this tree.

Yamuna river flows through Vrindavan and Mathura. It is the most sacred river in India as it is so intimately connected with Krishna's pastimes. Situated on the bank of the Yamuna is the Kesi Ghat, where Krishna killed the Kesi demon and saved His friends. One who bathes here gets the benediction of bathing in all of the holy places, can be purified of all sinful reactions and attain love of Godhead. This is also very famous bathing place in Vrindavan. An arati (prayer with offering of lamps) to Yamuna Devi is held here every day at sunset.

Vrindavan Parikrama

It is customary for devotees to walk around the town of Vrindavan, especially on Ekadasi. There is a parikrama path that goes around the town. This path is one street over from the ISKCON temple. It takes two or three hours to go around the town.

Unique Attractions of Mathura - Holi

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna (Feb-March). Holi in Braja is celebrated for several days, at different places around Braja, before the actual day of Holi.

People throw colored powdered dye and colored water on each other. This is joyfully celebrated in Braja, especially at Varsana, Nandagram and Dauji. In Varsana the festival includes colorful processions with music, song, dance, and some boisterous P a g e | 19 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa scenes around the temples. If you go to these festivals you should expect to be totally covered in dye and never to be able to use the clothes that you are wearing again, at least until next year's festival. This is celebrated at the same time as Gaura Purnima.

Varsana

Groups of visitors go around in small and large groups here. In the afternoon gopas (men) from Nandagram come to Varsana and play Holi with the local gopis (women) of Varsana. The women hit the men hard with 2 m (7ft) long bamboo staffs. The men have shields which they protect themselves with. During this time local songs are sung. This festival is celebrated on the ninth day of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).

Nandagram

The day after the Holi festival at Varsana, Holi is celebrated in Nandagram. The gopas (men) from Varsana come to Nandagram to play Holi with the gopis (women) there. The flag of the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana is carried in an elaborate procession to Nandagram. At this time the residents of Nandagram attempt to capture the flag, but their attempts are foiled. After this, women play Holi with bamboo staffs. This festival is celebrated on the tenth day (dasami) of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).

Phalen

On the full moon night in Feb/March a huge bon-fire is burned. One of the local priests walks through the fire unscathed. One story about Holi is that Prahlada Maharaja refused to worship his father and wanted to worship his father's enemy, Lord Vishnu instead. His father's sister Holika, who was immune to being burned, sat with the boy in a big fire. Prahlada's devotion was so great that Holika was burnt to death and Prahlada was unharmed. The Holi festival at Phalen re-enacts this event.

Climate

Vrindavan is hot in summers, with day temperatures climbing to 45° C. Winters are comfortable, at an average of 32° C in the day and 14° C at night. Except for the monsoon months between July and September, the climate is dry. Light cottons in summer and monsoons, and light woollens in winter are sufficient. Weather conditions are the best from November till March. This period also coincides with the P a g e | 20 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa celebration of Holi in February-March every year. However, other major festivals, like the birth of Krishna and the birth of Radha fall in the month of August. This is an auspicious time for undertaking the chaurasi kos parikrama (circumambulation) or Ban Yatra around the holy sites in Braj Bhumi.

And one of the best times to visit Vrindavan is in the months of July/August when Janmashtami is celebrated in full gaiety. Almost every day there is a festival in Vrindavan, but the major ones include , , Holi, Govardhan Puja, Jhulan Yatra (swing festival), Janmashtami, Radhashtami and Basant Pancami.

How to Reach Mathura and Vrindavan

The nearest airport is Agra. There are regular flights to other important tourist destinations of India such as Delhi, , and . The nearest international airport is Delhi, which is connected to almost every important city in the world with major airlines.

The new bus stand is located near Hotel Mansarovar Palace. Bus service from Mathura to Delhi (3 hours) and Agra (1 hour) is very good. The old bus stand no longer serves local destinations, but there are a few buses to Agra.

Mathura railway station is located south of the new bus stand. Mathura is well connected by train with Agra (1 hour), Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur and Kota. The runs daily between Mathura to Delhi (about 2 hours). A meter-gauge line connects Vrindavan to Mathura. Three local trains leave Mathura Junction each day (6.30 am, 3.40 pm and 7.40 pm) for the station in the south of Vrindavan.

Though Vrindavan itself is a railway station, the major railway station nearby is Mathura on the Delhi- and Delhi-Mumbai main line. Several express trains connect Mathura to other major of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, , Calcutta, and Agra.

Travelers can use auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws to move around the city. Tempos operate back and forth on the 10-km stretch between Mathura and Vrindavan. Distances are very small, but having one's own vehicle allows flexibility. The lanes are congested and it is better to park one's vehicle at one place and walk around.

Accommodation

Vrindavan does not have high quality hotels. However, it has nearly 200 dharamsalas (simple accommodation for pilgrims) that are clean and affordable. ISKCON Guesthouse and MVT are the main and best accommodation places provided by ISKCON and there are appearing new accommodations of hotel type all over Vrindavan every year.