Today we are going to talk about a very special temple which is the Sri Krishna Janmasthan, Mathura.
Sri Krishna Janmasthan, Mathura
Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is one of India’s most well-known temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is the all-powerful Supreme Being. He is a mentor, a philosopher, a pastoral tribe’s child deity, a pole star, a knight in shining armor, and, for some, a “way of life.”
He was a brilliant Sannyasin (a Hindu holy mendicant), a wonderful housewife, and a formidable ruler of several kingdoms. Everyone has been captivated by his 800-year journey, which began as a hero of the Vrishni tribe and culminated in him becoming the Vishnu incarnate.
The temples that have sprung up all over India are memorials of events that occurred during Lord Krishna’s lifetime. Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, a city in Uttar Pradesh.
The abode of Lord Krishna
Mathura is well-known as Lord Krishna’s birthplace, where he spent his childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Mathura, also known as Brij Bhoomi, is one of India’s holiest cities, with a plethora of Hindu temples. It has a rich history, archaeology, religious history, art, and sculpture. It is located on the Yamuna River’s banks.
Mathura is close to Agra, and the locals are friendly and easygoing, always willing to help tourists in any way they can. Brijbasi and Hindi are the primary languages spoken in Mathura. Mathura is associated with the well-known and valiant queen Rani Laxmi Bai, who fought against the British in 1857. Mathura is also well-known among Buddhists and has many Hindu temples. Tourists can experience an incredible sense of love and devotion by listening to the lovely sound of flutes throughout the city. Holi is the most important festival in Mathura, and millions of people from all over the world come to celebrate the joy and excitement of this colorful event.
There are also a variety of lodging options available here, ranging from luxury hotels to guesthouses to Dharamshala to bed and breakfasts. Mathura is famous for its delectable cuisine, which includes pera, jalebis, lassi, and kachoris. Mathura is one of India’s most important spiritual destinations.
About the Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, also known as Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, is built around the prison cell where Lord Krishna’s parents, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva, were imprisoned by his evil uncle Kansa.
Aside from the prison cell, the Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is home to several temples dedicated to the god. The holy atmosphere and purity of the temple instill faith in the heart that this is the location where Lord Krishna revealed himself.
The Keshavdev temple, the Garbha Griha shrine, and the Bhagavata Bhavan are all housed in the Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple.
Keshavdev temple: Ramkrishna Dalmia built the Keshavdev Temple south of the Shahi Eidgah in memory of his mother, Jathia Devi Dalmia. Hanuman Prasad Poddar dedicated the structure on September 6, 1958, after it began construction on June 29, 1957.
Garbha Griha Shrine: This is where Krishna was born in his prison cell. On the property, there is a marble pavilion and an underground prison cell with a large veranda. Nearby is a temple dedicated to the eight-handed goddess Yogmaya.
Bhagvat Bhavan: Built on February 11, 1965, this temple is dedicated to Srimad Bhagavata.
The main shrine has six-foot-tall statues of Radha and Krishna, with the shrines of Balarama, Subhadra, and Jagannath on the right, Rama Lakshman and Sita on the left, Garuda Stambha and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in front of Jagannatha shrine, and Hanuman in front of Ram shrine, Durga temple, and Shivalinga temple. Krishna and his disciples are depicted in paintings on the assembly hall’s ceiling, walls, and pillars. In addition, there are inscriptions of Bhagavad Gita verses on the walls of the circumambulation walkway.
Potra Kund: Potra Kund, also known as Pavitra Kund, is a vast and deep-tiered water tank in the southeast of the Sri Krishna Janmasthan temple that is significant as the first bathing site of infant Krishna after his birth. In 1782, Mahadji Scindia built the tank stairs. His forefathers repaired them in 1850.
History of Temple
Krishna Janmabhoomi holds a special place in the hearts and souls of Hindus because it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. During Krishna’s birth, the tyrant King Kansa, Krishna’s maternal uncle, ruled Mathura. In response to the announcement, he imprisoned Shri Vasudeva and Mata Devaki and arranged for the assassination of all of her children. Devaki, on the other hand, gave birth to Lord Krishna at midnight during her eighth month of pregnancy. Because of a miracle performed by Lord Vishnu, all of the jail doors were left open that night. After his birth, Vasudeva carried the infant in a basket across the Yamuna.
Architecture of Temple
Inside the Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, you can see the unique architecture and artwork that depicts all of Lord Krishna’s significant events. The innate craftsmanship and stunning color play bring the entire temple complex to life.
Festival Celebrated
Janmashtami: If you want to feel alive and vibrant, you must visit Mathura during Janmashtami. The city’s streets and the premise of the Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple are alive with emotion like no other. It denotes the end of sorrow and the beginning of joy.
The temple’s trust decorates the temple with lights, flowers, religious flags, and other accessories, as well as unique outfits for Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. In the temple, professional artists perform devotional prayers and dramas. They act out different scenes from Krishna’s childhood.
The celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth begins at midnight when the Pujaris house the deity in the Garbha Griha, where it is ritualistically bathed with milk and curd, clothed in traditional attire, and placed in the cradle. The worshippers then rock the cradle while singing prayers and devotional songs. Any wish made while swinging the cradle is said to come true. The devotees then offer the Lord ‘panchamrit’ and ‘Chappan bhog’ (56 dishes), which are then distributed to other devotees to break their fast. The locals celebrate this festival for nearly six days and culminate the festivities on the sixth day, after Lord Krishna’s birth, as ‘Chatti.’
Holi Celebration: Holi is one of Mathura’s most well-known festivals. The occasion is known as Mathura’s most colorful day, and it lasts for several days. It begins on Phalgun Amavasya and peaks on Ekadashi, decking the entire city in vibrant colors. Folk and local singers perform devotional and specialized songs in Mathura’s Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple during Holi. Furthermore, on the eve of Holika Dahan, artists put on a one-of-a-kind theatrical performance based on the classic story of Holika and Prahalad.
Basant Panchmi: At Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, the Mathuravasis (people of Mathura) celebrate Basant Panchmi in a unique way. The temple’s trust dresses Lord Krishna in yellow and gold robes with glittering embellishments. The entire city, as well as all of Krishna’s temples, is painted yellow. The yellow light adds a special touch to the party. Every temple in Mathura serves a special bhog of saffron and yellow rice kheer. People come to enjoy the festival’s joy and to see the eye-catching decorations of Mathura’s temples.
Deepavali: Deepavali is India’s most well-known and grand Hindu festival. During Diwali, the entire city of Mathura sparkles with colorful materials, bright lights, and a variety of one-of-a-kind culinary delights. Mathuravasis (locals) offer special prayers, and residents give out sweets to their families and loved ones. It promotes social cohesion. Deepavali is quickly followed by Govardhan puja.
Radhashtami is the anniversary of Radha’s birth. Devotees at Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple perform a variety of devotional activities and songs on Radhashtami. Radha-Krishna melodies are popular at this time, and every pilgrim who visits this location hums the tune.
Several Jhnakis (unique decorative rides) pass through the city, carrying Radha and Krishna deities dressed in beautiful jewels and clothing. You can also eat the prasad, which includes Panjeeri and Rajbhoj.
Gopashtami: This festival commemorates Krishna becoming the first independent cowherd. During Kartik month, people observe this festival and pay their respects to cows. The cowherds then take the cows to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, where they are beautifully adorned alongside Lord Krishna.
Sharad Purnima: The Sharad Purnima festival is celebrated with great joy and delight at Mathura’s Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple. During this event, you can enjoy Raas Leelas (folk song and dance routines) on the temple grounds all night. This is observed on the full moon day of the lunar month of Ashvin, which coincides with the end of the Monsoon season. There is also a special mention of the Goddess Lakshmi in Mathura.
How to get there:
By Road- Mathura is a well-known city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The town is well-connected to the rest of Uttar Pradesh as well as other neighboring cities. Furthermore, it is a popular tourist destination with numerous public and private modes of transportation.
Mathura has two major railway stations: Mathura Junction and Mathura Cantt. Both have excellent connections to all nearby trains in Uttar Pradesh and the rest of India. To get to the Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, you can hire a private cab from one of the top car rental companies in Mathura-Vrindavan or take an autorickshaw.
By Air- Mathura is approximately 2.5 hours from New Delhi, and the nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. You can hire a private cab to get there.
Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is one of Mathura’s largest and most well-known temples. So, connect with your spiritual side and immerse yourself in the beauty of the city and temple.
ALSO READ: Top 6 Temples to visit at Mathura Vrindavan
Image Source: Google