Located in the western part of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura is a jumble of never-ending lanes teeming with folks, rickshaws and glittering shops. The city is dotted with magnificent temples, most of them dedicated to Lord Krishna, the city’s presiding deity and its first citizen. These temples depict various phases of Lord Krishna’s life, taking the devotees back to the divine era. Mathura is an important pilgrimage destination of the Hindus and is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Lord Krishna was born around 5000 years ago on this land as an 8th child to Mata Devaki and Vasudeva in the prison cell of the tyrant Kansa, Lord Krishna’s maternal uncle.
The land is daubed with an enchanting culture, which is enough to capture your heart and touch your soul. Vrindavan is a holy town in Mathura and is the most significant pilgrimage site in Braj region, attracting around 500000 pilgrims every year. It is believed that Lord Krishna spent his childhood here. Even the dust of this holy place is said to be sacred and devotees are often seen smearing it on their forehead. It is believed that Vrindavan was lost over time, until the 16th century, when it was rediscovered by the saint from Nabadwip, Chaitanya, Mahaprabhu, who travelled to Vrindavan in 1515.
Tourist Attractions in Vrindavan
Gopeshwar Mahadev: The temple is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva who wanted to witness the divine dance of Lord Krishna and Gopis but since it could be participated only by females, he bathed in Yamuna and assumed the form of a female. It was the n Lord Krishna asked him to guard the gate to deny entrance of anyone without his permission. The temple houses Shivalingam and main ritual includes its bathing with holy water of River Yamuna. Festival of Mahashivratri is a sight to watch and venerate.
Shahji Temple: Shahji Temple, Vrindavan If any temple in Vrindavan could be considered as an architectural masterpiece it could be none other than Shahji Temple which came into existence in the year 1876. The temple suggests itself as a palace meant for divine residence of Radha and Krishna. It is often referred to as Tehre Khambe Wala Mandir.
Banke Bihari Temple: Established by Swami Haridas worshipping the Tribhangu Posture of Krishna, meaning 'bent in three places', the temple enshrines the idol of Krishna half male and half female depicting left side as Radha and right as Himself. It is believed that Lord had come in the dreams of Haridas telling him about the location burying this idol. He dug the idol and then which could be seen installed in a temple made at the same site.
ISKCON Temple: International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is known for contributing to the fame of Lord Krishna and his ideologies of Karma Yoga in the whole world. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture carved in marble. People of different nationalities can be seen here merging in devotion.
Govinddeo Temple: The temple built in 1590 could be counted as an ancient symbol of secularity as exhibited by the policies of Mughal ruler Akbar as he donated the red stones that were used in the construction of Red Fort of Agra under the guidance of Raja Man Singh. The architecture of the temple displays the influence of both Hindu and Mughal architecture. The temple is now only a reminiscent of that past because Arangzeb destroyed the building later.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism a large number of both national and international tourists. Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in Agra is also located in Uttar Pradesh. The most populous state of India, Uttar Pradesh, today is a flourishing religious, natural as well as historical tourist destination. It boasts of being to several well-known tourist spots in every category that includes Kapilvastu, Kushinagar, Agra, Lucknow, Dudwa, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Deogarh, Jhansi and many more. If you want to absorb the culturally potpourri of this Indian state along with its heritage attractions then opt for Uttar Pradesh Tour Packages. Situated in the northern part of India, bordering with the capital of India New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh is one of the most popular and an established tourist destination for both Indians and non-Indians alike in India.