Are you looking for a spiritual and cultural getaway in India? Do you want to visit one of the most sacred and visited places in the country? If yes, then you should definitely plan a trip to the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. This temple is not only a religious site, but also a historical and architectural marvel that will leave you awestruck.
In this article, we will explore the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple in detail and discover why it is one of the most divine and historical destinations in Mathura and India.
History and Mythology of the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
The Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is believed to be the actual birthplace of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. According to the scriptures and legends, Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in Mathura, where his parents, Vasudeva and Devaki, were imprisoned by his evil uncle, Kansa.
Kansa had a prophecy that he would be killed by the eighth child of his sister, Devaki, so he tried to kill all her children. However, Lord Vishnu intervened and saved the eighth child, Lord Krishna, by miraculously transporting him to Gokul, where he was raised by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda.
The temple was built by King Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, over the prison cell where Lord Krishna was born. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times by different invaders and rulers, such as Mahmud of Ghazni, Sikandar Lodi, Aurangzeb, and Raja Veer Singh Bundela. The temple is also associated with various miracles and divine interventions, such as the appearance of Lord Vishnu’s conch shell, the protection of the idols by the Yamuna river, and the preservation of the prison cell by the devotees.
Architecture and Features of the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
The Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple complex consists of three main structures: the Keshavdev temple, the Garbh Griha, and the Bhagvata Bhavan. The Keshavdev temple is the main shrine, where the idols of Radha Krishna are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful dome, arches, pillars, carvings, and inscriptions that reflect the fusion of Hindu and Islamic influences. The temple also has a museum that displays the artifacts and relics related to the temple and Mathura, such as coins, sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts.
The Garbh Griha is the sanctum sanctorum, where the prison cell where Lord Krishna was born is located. The prison cell is a small and dark chamber, where a stone slab marks the exact spot of Lord Krishna’s birth. The prison cell is also adorned with paintings depicting the life of Lord Krishna, such as his childhood, his love for Radha, his role in the Mahabharata, and his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita.
The Bhagvata Bhavan is a hall where the devotees gather to listen to the recitation and explanation of the Bhagavata Purana, the sacred scripture that narrates the stories and teachings of Lord Krishna. The hall has a magnificent statue of Lord Krishna playing his flute, surrounded by his cowherd friends and cows. The hall also has a library that contains the copies and translations of the Bhagavata Purana in various languages.
Significance and Festivals of the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
The Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is one of the most important and popular pilgrimage sites for the Hindus, especially the Vaishnavas, who consider Lord Krishna to be the supreme personality of Godhead. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, who come to seek the blessings and grace of Lord Krishna. The temple is also a place where various rituals and ceremonies are performed, such as the daily aarti, the abhishek, the bhog, and the darshan.
The temple is also a place where many festivals and events are celebrated with great fervor and joy, such as Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, Basant Panchami, the arrival of spring, Holi, the festival of colors, and Deepavali, the festival of lights. These festivals are marked by special prayers, offerings, decorations, music, dance, and processions. The most famous festival is Janmashtami, which falls in the month of August or September, when the temple is illuminated with thousands of lamps and candles, and the devotees stay awake all night to welcome the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight.
Tips and Suggestions for Visiting the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
If you are planning to visit the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, here are some tips and suggestions that will make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable:
How to reach the temple:
The temple is located in the heart of Mathura, which is well-connected by road, rail, and air from different cities and states in India. The nearest airport is the Agra Airport, which is about 60 km away from Mathura. The nearest railway station is the Mathura Junction, which is about 3 km away from the temple. You can also take a bus or a taxi from Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, or Kolkata to reach Mathura.
What to wear, what to carry, and what to avoid:
When visiting the temple, you should wear modest and comfortable clothing, as the temple is a sacred and conservative place. You should also carry water bottles, cameras, and cash, as the temple does not have any ATM or card facilities. You should avoid wearing shoes, leather items, and non-vegetarian food, as they are not allowed inside the temple premises. You should also avoid taking pictures inside the Garbh Griha, as it is prohibited.
What to do, what to see, and what to experience:
When visiting the temple, you should not miss the opportunity to see and experience the following things:
The prison cell where Lord Krishna was born, which is the main attraction of the temple. You can also touch the stone slab that marks the spot of Lord Krishna’s birth and feel the divine energy.
The idols of Radha Krishna, which are the main deities of the temple. You can also offer flowers, sweets, and milk to them and receive their blessings.
The paintings depicting the life of Lord Krishna, which are displayed in the prison cell and the museum. You can also learn more about the history and mythology of the temple and Mathura from the guides and the museum staff.
The aarti, which is the ritual of offering light and prayers to the idols. You can also join the devotees in singing and chanting the names and praises of Lord Krishna.
The festivals and events, which are the best time to visit the temple and witness the grandeur and glory of the temple and Mathura. You can also participate in the celebrations and enjoy the cultural and spiritual activities.
The Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is a divine and historical destination that you should not miss if you are in Mathura or India. The temple is a place where you can experience the presence and the blessings of Lord Krishna and learn more about the rich and diverse culture and heritage of Mathura.
The temple is also a place where you can find peace and happiness in the midst of the chaos and stress of life. Have you ever visited the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple? If not, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Mathura today and witness the divine and historical destination of the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple.
