India is a country with a vast collection of sacred destinations, holy shrines, and other pilgrimage sites. People from various parts of the world come here looking for inner peace, to find themselves, and in search of enlightenment. There are various places like Iscon, Rishikesh, Varanasi, and many others, but there is something very different about Mathura and Specially Mathura temples.
Mathura, the abode of beloved Lord Krishna, is known to be the place where he spent his entire childhood and his adolescent years and a part of his adulthood as well. Because of that, Mathura is considered among the sacred places in India.
Situated on the bank of the Yamuna River, the city boasts of its archaeology, epigraphy, art, history, religion, and sculpture. There are plenty of temples in this city, but we are going to look for the best Mathura temples in this article.
Best Mathura Temples
This sacred city is dotted with numerous temples. Though this is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, you would be surprised to know the city has temples worshipping various other Gods, and not just Lord Krishna. But it is difficult to cover all of these, so here are the best Mathura Temples that you should never miss once you visit the city.
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Mathura could be called the city of temples, but one that you can never miss is the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. Furthermore, this temple exudes mythology and is built surrounding the cell where Lord Krishna was born. In addition to that, this is the place where Lord Krishna’s parents were imprisoned by his uncle Kansa.
Timing: 5 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM
Location: Janam Bhoomi Marg, Janam Bhumi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Dwarkadhish Temple
The Dwarkadish Temple was built back in the year 1814 and is well known for its intricate architecture and elaborate paintings all over the world. Though this temple is not very old, it is held in high esteem.
Timing: 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 7 PM
Location: Sri Rajendra Pathak, Pathak Gali, Vishram Ghat, Vishram Bazar, Mathura
Shri Jugal Kishore Ji Mandir
Located close to the Keshi Ghat in Mathura, Shri Jugal Kishore Ji Mandir is also known as Keshi Ghat Temple. This temple was built back in 1727 A.D. and is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the city. The gate of the temple is built in Rajput style and also boasts 15-meter-high golden pillars.
Timing: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Tathiya Sthan Road, Vrindavan, Mathura
Keshav Dev Temple (Kesava Deo Temple)
The Keshav Dev Temple is situated right next to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. Along with that, this temple is of mythological importance, as it is believed that Lord Krishna was held as a prisoner in this place. The best time to visit this temple is during Janmashtami.
Timing: 5 AM to 9:30 PM
Location: Mathura – Deeg Marg, near Deeg Gate Chouraha, Janam Bhumi, Mathura
Banke Bihari Mandir
Shri Banke Bihari Mandir is dedicated to the beloved Lord Krishna and resides in the Vrindavan city in Mathura. however, this is one of the seven temples of the Thakurs of Vrindavan.
Timing: Summer – 8 AM to 12 PM and 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Winter – 8:45 AM to 1 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: 11 Km north of Mathura city center via Mathura-Vrindavan Marg
Bhuteshwar Mahadev Mandir
We all have heard about the 51 Shaktipeeths, and this is one of them. Mata Sati’s ringlet fell here after her body was destroyed. This temple worships Lord Shiva and is also known as Bhuteshwar Mahadev. There are very few temples in Mathura which are not dedicated to Lord Krishna, and this is one of them.
Timing: 5 AM to 1 PM and 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Location: FMX9+W9W, Bhuteswar, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Chamunda Devi Temple
Chamunda Devi Temple is among the 51 Shaktipeeths, and it is believed that Mata Gayathri’s strand of hair fell here. Legend has it that Sage Shandilya came here and meditated in this place, and Sri Gorakhnath also came here to gain knowledge. Accumulating everything, this temple has great historical significance to the visitors.
Timing: 6:30 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM To 9 PM
Location: GM9C+V7J, Unnamed Road, Masani, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281003
Shri Dauji Maharaj Mandir
This one is one of the most adored temples, not just in Mathura but in the whole country. In addition to that, the temple dates back to 1535 AD and has been in the city with the people for over 5000 years.
Timing: 8 AM to 6 PM
Location: GM4H+CQ3, Mandi Ramdas Road, Chowk Bazar, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Shri Rang Nath Ji Temple
This temple is actually situated in Vrindavan. People worship Lord Vishnu I in another form here, and they call Lord Vishnu Lord Shri Goda Ranagamannar. However, the insides of the temple are built in a South Indian pattern. But the outside resembles North Indian designs.
Timing: 6 AM to 7 AM and 11 AM to 3 PM
Location: Brahma Kund, Rangnath mandir, Goda Vihar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Shri Adi Varaha Temple
Shri Adi Varaha Devi Temple is one of the oldest temples the city has. However, the red color of Shri Adi Varaha is one of the striking features of the presiding deity and makes this temple stand out from the other ones in the city.
Timing: Summer – 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM
Winter – 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: FMX9+F2Q, Halwai Wali Bagichi,, Krishna Nagar, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Wrapping Up!
The city has temples, which are less popular and are not well-known to the public. Narashima temple, Yamuna Krishna Mandir, and Mukut temple are some of those. Each of the temples has its own history and story behind it. But the best thing the city has is its openness towards modernization. It is worth giving a visit to Mathura once in your lifetime.