Lord Shri Krishna is a favourite god to everyone in this land, who loves and follows his principles of dharma. The way he preached what life is through Mahabharat, the naughtiness in his childhood, and his leelas in Vrindavan, everything about Lord Krishna is something great to learn and evolve as a complete human being. More than a god he is a great example to mankind of how to lead a life on the path of dharma and righteousness. A few words or lines may not be enough to praise his greatness.
With this blog, today we are going to explore the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi. A wonderful and must-visit landmark destination to witness on this land.
History of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi:
As per the Hindu mythological texts, the city of Mathura was founded in Treta Yug by Shatrugan, who is the brother of Lord Rama. Then in Dvapara Yug, the evil king Kanasaruled the land. He is the uncle of Lord Krishna. When he was cursed that he would die in the hands of his sister’s son, he imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva. In the prison cell, Lord Krishna was born and later handed over by Vasudeva to Nanda to raise him safely in Vrindavan. Later, Lord Krishna killed his uncle Kansa with his own hands.
The temple near the cell today is the Shri Krishna Janmastal and various temples are also formed. In total, the complete temple complex is called Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Complex. But the temple today also underwent great turmoil to get that structure of the temple. It is the history of 5000 years back.
It is believed that the first temple was constructed 5000 years back by Lord Krishna’s great-grandson Krishna Vajranabha. Again it was rebuilt in 400 AD in the rule of Chandragupta Vikramaditya. In 1017 AD, the temple was destroyed by Mahmud Ghazni and after a century in 1150 AD, Raja Dhrupet Dev Janjua built the temple. Again in the 16th century, the temple was destroyed by Sikander Lodi, who was the then emperor of Mathura. After 125 years, Raja Veer Singh Bundela rebuilt the temple but again Aurangzeb destroyed the temple and built a masjid on it. In the British era, the place of the temple was auctioned in 1815. At last, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya started fighting for the restoration of the temple by forming the “Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi Trust” in the year 1951. Finally, in 1982, the temple was restored to what today you are seeing.
Today temple complex is a result of great battles between kings and emperors. Finally, with the willpower of common people and a strong fight, the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Complex is there to signify the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna.
About the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Complex:
The temple complex consists of various temples namely KeshavdevTemple, Garbha Griha Shrine, Bhagvat Bhavan, and Potra Kund. Garbha Griha Shrine is the major attraction of the complex because it is the location of the prison cell, where Lord Krishna was born. In this temple, you can see the underground prison cell. The special attraction of the temple is the eight-handed goddess Yogmaya. Later, Bhagavata Bhavan is the prominent temple of the complex. It houses five shrines dedicated to Radha and Krishna, Balarama, Subhadra, Rama Lakshman, and Sita and Jagannath. The temple is a great attraction of the complex with beautiful temples, architectural styles, intricate walls, pillars, etc. The assembly hall depicting the complete life cycle of Lord Krishna stands as a great attraction. Apart from these, temples of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva are also prominent temples in the Bhavan.
Located near the Shai Eidgah, Keshavdeva Temple built by Ramkrishna Dalmiain memory of his mother is a great attraction to witness in the complex. Finally, Potra Kund is another special attraction of the place, it is believed that Lord Krishna took his first bath as an infant in this kund.
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Timings:
Summers (April to November):5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Winters (November to April):5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Special days of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi:
Janmashtami is the prominent special day of the temple. On that day, the temple looks elegant and vibrant full of festivities like dramas, plays, and chanting of Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated for almost six days and on the last day, the festival ends with the birth of Lord Krishna. Later Holi is a great festival to witness, during the day different folk and local singers perform devotional songs of Lord Krishna in the temple. On the entire day, the complete Mathura looks vibrant with full of colours.
Basant Panchmi is a special day at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi. On this day, the idol will be decorated with yellow and golden attire and looks very attractive. On this day, every temple of Lord Krishna turns yellow and decorated. Another prominent day is Radhashtami, which is the birth anniversary of Radha. During the day, at the temple, different devotional activities and melodies of Radha and Krishna will be performed. The last important day of the temple is Sharad Purnima, on the full moon day of Ashvin month, this day is celebrated. The special attraction of the day is Raas Leelaperformancesduring the night in the temple.
How to reach Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi:
By Air: The nearest airports to Mathura are Kheria Airport in Agra (46 km away)and Indira Gandhi International Airport (136 km away)in New Delhi.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is the Mathura Railway Station. It is very close to the temple within 10 to 20 minutes you can reach the temple.
By Road: Mathura is well-connected to all nearby cities like Agra, New Delhi, etc. So you can opt for private or state-run buses to the city.
Whenever you are in Mathura on tour or personal visit, never miss the opportunity to explore this wonderful temple of Lord Krishna. To experience the beauty and aura of Lord Shri Krishna’s magic and serenity of the land, a visit to this temple is a must-do thing in Mathura.
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