📍 Sacred City · Uttar Pradesh
Mathura
मथुरा
Also known as: Madhupuri · Brajbhoomi
Spiritual Significance
The birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura and the surrounding Braj region are inseparable from Krishna's life story. The Krishna Janmabhoomi temple marks the exact site of his birth in Kamsa's prison.
History
Mathura was the capital of the Surasena kingdom. Krishna was born here in a prison cell to Devaki and Vasudeva. The city has been a major centre of art, Buddhism, and Hinduism for over 2,500 years. It is part of the ₹30,000 crore Braj region development master plan, which includes a proposed Mathura-Vrindavan Metrolite (12 km light rail), a solar-powered Yamuna boat route, and a 'New Vrindavan' township near the Yamuna Expressway.
Ancient Story
Mathura, the capital of the Surasena Kingdom, was ruled by the tyrannical King Kamsa. A prophecy foretold his death at the hands of his sister Devaki's eighth son. He imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva. In the darkness of midnight, amidst a raging storm, Lord Krishna was born in the prison. The prison doors miraculously opened, and Vasudeva carried the baby across the raging Yamuna River to Gokul to keep him safe.
Location Map
Sacred Significance
One of the seven sacred cities (Saptapuri). The Krishna Janmabhoomi complex, Dwarkadhish Temple, and Vishram Ghat are the holiest spots. The Braj Parikrama — an 84-kos (252 km) pilgrimage circuit around the Braj region covering Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon, and Govardhan — is one of the oldest pilgrimage traditions in Hinduism.
Things to Do
- ✨Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
- ✨Dwarkadhish Temple
- ✨Vishram Ghat Aarti
- ✨Mathura Museum
- ✨Govardhan Hill (26 km)