Krishna Janambhoomi

Krishnajanmabhoomi, which means 'the birth-place of Krishna', is a Hindu temple in Mathura, India. According to Hindu belief, Lord Krishna was born here in a cell of a prison, which once stood there. Krishna was son of Vasudeva and Devaki. Devaki was cousin (sister) of the local King Kansa. Kansa was told that the eighth son of Vasudeva and Devaki will kill him. Fearing this he imprisoned his sister and brother-in-law and eventually killed first seven children of the couple.

Krishna was the eighth child of the couple, and he was transported to Gokul by Vasudeva. The child Krishna was brought up by the local village-head of Gokul, Nanda (that is how he got his other name, Nandlaal). Eventually Krishna lead a rebellion against the kingdom of Kansa and killed him.

The current temple complex is at the site of the prison (partly occupied by the mosque built by Aurangzeb).

However, the temple complex is not entirely undisputed birth place temple complex for Krishna. There is at least one more temple close by which claims to be the real birth place of Krishna. The local populace is quite divided about the reality.

In relatively modern time, a temple called Keshava Deo Temple was built on the spot where Krishna was believed to have been born. The temple was built by Rao Veer Singh Bundela, who was a prominent Hindu nobleman at the Mughal court of Jehangir (1605-27). In late 17th century, during the reign of Aurangzeb (1618-1707), a mosque, was constructed after destroying parts of the existing Krishna temple structure. With the decline of the Mughal Empire, and by the early 19th century, the East India Company had emerged as the de facto ruler of large parts of undivided India, and exercised jurisdiction over the region.

Before India’s independence, Madan Mohan Malaviya, endeavored during 1940s to build a temple over the spot where Krishna was believed to have been born. In 1953, an organization named the Krishna Janmabhoomi Sansthan was formed, and with the monetary assistance received from different sources, construction of a temple was commenced. The temple was opened to public in 1984.

Starting with communal tensions starting with events in Ayodhya in 1990 and 1992, the temple complex has been put under high security. The high security has taken its toll on the temple's popularity with the local worshipers.

As a result, quite a few other temples in and around the main complex have gained popularity and public support. The old Keshav Dev Temple just behind the main complex's back door.

Varsana (Barsana)

During the time of Krishna, Varsana was the capital of King Vrishabhanu, the father of Radharani. This is where Srimati Radharani lived and had many pastimes with Krishna. She grew up here. King Vrishabhanu and his family, including Srimati Radharani, lived at Varsana. Varsana is 42km (25 miles) from Mathura and has a 7km parikrama path around it.

There are four peaks here, on which there are Maan Garh, Mor Kuti, Vilas Garh and Dan Garh. Each one of these peaks is said to correspond to a head of Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma wanted to do some personal service for Radha and Krishna, so he incarnated himself as these hills. This is stated in the Varaha and Padma Puranas. It is said that the light colored hill of Varsana corresponds to Brahma, the dark colored Govardhana Hill to Krishna, and the reddish hill at Nandagram to Siva.

The Holi festival here at Varsana is a very popular, interesting and wild event. Other big festivals are Radhastami and the burhi-lila performances.

How To Get Here Varsana is about 42km (25 miles) northwest of Vrindavana, off the main road that goes between Mathura and Delhi. The easiest way to get here is by taking a taxi, which takes about an hour.

Both Varsana and Nandagram are close to each other (about 8km apart) and can easily be visited in the same day. The Braja Darsana bus goes directly to Varsana at 8 am in the morning. This bus begins at the Vrindavana bus stand. You can also get this bus outside the ISKCON temple. You can also take a bus to Kosi (40 km or 25 miles) and from there get a tempo to here.

Getting Around (Varsana Parikrama)

On top of the hill here is the Larily Lal temple, which is the main temple in Varsana. From there you can do parikrama of the Varsana area. First you can follow the road around through the village to Sankari Kor. When you go through Sankari Kor the hill on your right is the main hill and the hill on your left is Vilas Garh. After going past Sankari Kor you come to the village of Chiksoli (Citra). At the end of this village are Bihar Kund and Dohani Kund. When you go through the village of Chiksoli, you are at the other end of the main hill, on which the Larily Lal temple is located. Mayur Kutir is up some steps on top the hill at this place.

Up another set of steps is Maan Kutir. At the bottom of the hill here is Krishna Kund. From here you can follow the path on top of the hill to Dan Mal and the Kushal Behari (Jaipur) Temple. If you continue on the path, past the Jaipur temple, you come to the Larily Lal temple after a five minutes walk.

Verses About Radharani

“Among the gopis, Srimati Radhika is the foremost. She surpasses all in beauty, in good qualities, in good fortune, and, above all, in love”.

“Once Lord Krishna considered within His heart: ‘Everyone says that I am complete bliss, full of all rasas. All the world derives pleasure from Me. Is there anyone who can give Me pleasure? One who has a hundred times more qualities than Me could give pleasure to My mind. One more qualified than Me is impossible to find in the world. But in Radha alone I feel the presence of one who can give Me pleasure.

“Although My beauty defeats the beauty of ten million Cupids, although it is unequaled and unsurpassed, and although it gives pleasure to the three worlds, seeing Radharani gives pleasure to My eyes. The vibration of My transcendental flute attracts the three worlds, but My ears are enchanted by the sweet words of Srimati Radharani. Although the entire creation is full of different tastes because of Me, I am charmed by the nectarean taste of the lips of Srimati Radharani, and although My touch is cooler than ten million moons, I am refreshed by the touch of Srimati Radhika. Thus although I am the source for the happiness of the entire world, the beauty and attributes of Sri Radhika are My life and soul.

“In this way my affectionate feelings for Srimati Radharani may be understood, but on analysis I find them contradictory. My eyes are fully satisfied when I look upon Srimati Radharani, but by looking upon Me, She becomes even more advanced in satisfaction. The flute-like murmur of the bamboo rubbing against one another steals Radharani’s consciousness, for She thinks it to be the sound of My flute and She embraces a tamala tree, mistaking it for Me. ‘I have gotten the embrace of Sri Krishna,’ She thinks, ‘so now My life is fulfilled.’

“Thus She remains immersed in pleasing Krishna taking the tree in Her arms. When a favorable breeze carries to Her the fragrance of My body, She is blinded by love and tries to fly into the breeze. When She tastes the betel chewed by Me, She merges in an ocean of joy and forgets everything else. Even with hundreds of mouths I could not express the transcendental pleasure She derives from My association.

“Seeing the luster of Her complexion after Our pastimes together, I forget My own identity in happiness. The sage Bharata has said that the mellows of lover and beloved are equal. But He does not know the mellows of My Vrindavana. The happiness I feel when meeting Radharani is a hundred times greater than the happiness I get from meeting others.”

Radha and Krishna’s Pastimes

“Whenever Srimati Radharani leaves Her house, She is always well dressed and attractive. It is Her womanly nature to attract Sri Krishna’s attention, and upon seeing Her so attractively dressed, Sri Krishna desires to touch Her body. The Lord then finds some fault in Her and prohibits Her from going to a river crossing and stops Her from picking flowers. Such are the pastimes between Srimati Radharani and Sri Krishna. Being a cowherd girl, Srimati Radharani regularly carries a container of milk and often goes to sell it on the other side of the Yamuna. To cross the river, She has to pay the boatman, and the spot where the boatman collects his fares is called the dana-ghati. Lord Sri Krishna stops Her from going, telling Her, ‘First You have to pay the fee; then You will be allowed to go.’ This pastime is called dana-keli-lila. Similarly, if Srimati Radharani wants to pick a flower, Sri Krishna claims to be the garden’s proprietor and prohibits Her. This pastime is called kila-kincita. Radharani’s shyness arises due to Sri Krishna’s prohibitions, and ecstatic loving symptoms called kila-kincita-bhava are manifest at this time. These ecstatic symptoms are explained in the following verse, which is from Srila Rupa Gosvami’s Ujjvala-nilamani. ‘Pride, ambition, weeping, smiling, envy, fear and anger are the seven ecstatic loving symptoms manifest by a jubilant shrinking away, and these symptoms are called kila-kincita-bhava.’”.

Larily Lal Temple (Shriji Mandir)

On top of one of the hills is the Larily Lal Temple, which is where the original Radha Krishna Deities of Varsana reside. Larily Lal temple means “the temple of the beloved.” The Deities in this temple are said to have been installed by Vajranabha. In this temple there are colorful paintings on the walls and ceiling, depicting the pastimes of Radha and Krishna. This temple is an important place to visit.

This temple is on top of the main peak of the Brahma Hill. It is said that where this temple is located is where King Vrishabhanu, the father of Radharani, had his palace.

At the foot of the steps that lead to this temple are the Asta-sakhi temple and the Vrishabhanu, Kirtida, Sridama temple. These temples are said to have been established by Vajranabha.

You should be prepared when you go to this temple to be approached aggressively for a donation. If you ask a question to anyone or take anything from anyone, be prepared to give a donation. You can expect several people to come up to you to either guide you around or to ask you for a donation. You can be almost certain that if a priest comes up to you and starts talking to you in a friendly matter that very quickly the request for a donation will come up.

How To Get Here If you come by taxi the most likely place for the taxi to park is on the side of the hill close to the steps leading up to this temple, as almost everyone coming to Varsana comes to this temple first. You then walk up about 193 steps to this temple. It is a fairly hard climb and there are men at the bottom of the hill that carry people up the steps in a small palanquin.

Temple Timings Darshan is from 8 am to 12 noon and 4.30 to 8 pm.

Kushal Behari (Jaipur) Temple

On the hill next to the main temple, is the Kushal Behari Temple, built by the king of Jaipur, Raja Mandir, at the turn of the century. You should be careful when you pass this temple, because if you disturb the bees here they may attack you.

How To Get Here This is a large temple on top of the hill. It is about half a km from the main temple in Varsana. From the Larily Lal Temple, you can walk along the top of the hill to this temple, on a nice path.

Dan Mal (Dan Garh)

At this place the gopis would swing Radha and Krishna. Dan means “charity.” At this place is the Dan-bihari Temple.

The pastime about this place is that once there was a poor brahmana who had a daughter of marriageable age. The brahmana was so poor that he had no money to give a suitable dowry for his daughter. The brahmana’s wife had a sharp tongue and she sent her husband out to beg and told him not to come back without a suitable dowry. He approached Krishna at this place to help him. Krishna then arranged for him to get golden jewelry equal to the weight of Srimati Radharani.

How To Get Here This place is on top of the hills here, next to the Kushal Behari (Jaipur) temple. It is about 20m (60 feet) from the Kushal Behari temple, on the same side as Mayur Kutir.

Sankari Kor (Sankara Gully)

Sankari Kor is the spot where Krishna would stop the gopis to steal their yogurt. This path divides Vilas Garh Hill from the main hill. Krishna would stand in the middle of the ravine and would demand a tax from the gopis to get by. Krishna would sometimes break Radharani milk pots when she would not pay the tax. Indented in the stones here, you can see the marks of those broken pots. Dan Garh is the place where the taxes were assessed.

This pastime is known as dan-lila or matuki-lila. These pastimes are re-enacted each year during the burhi-lila festival. In this pastime a boy playing Krishna stops another boy dressed as Radharani, who tries to walk by carrying a pot.

Sankari means “narrow”. This narrow passageway is between the village of Chiksoli (Citra) and the town of Varsana. The path becomes very narrow at this place, with the rock coming down sharply making a V. You have to be careful that you don’t fall walking through here.

How To Get Here If you just came down the steps from the Larily Lal Temple, you make a right. You walk 80m and make another right. You follow the road around for about 200m. At this point the road turns left and bears to the right. You turn left and go 30m and make a right. The road goes through the village for 300m and then becomes a path for 700m. At this point you come to Sankari Kor. You can also have your taxi take you here. By taxi you come to the other side of Sankari Kor, near Mayur Kutir, in the village of Chiksoli.

Vilas Garh

At Vilas Garh, Radha and Krishna used to have their pastimes. Vilas Garh is one of the four peaks of Brahma-giri. It is also said that this is also called Vishnu Parvata. When you go to Sankari Kor, this is the hill on the other side of the pass from the main hill. If you are going from Varsana to Chiksoli it is on your left.

Chiksoli (Citra Village)

This is the village of Chitralekha Devi, one of the eight main gopis. This is where she took birth. This village is next to Varsana, on the other side of Sankari Kor.

How To Get Here This village is on the other side of Sankari Kor. Varsana is on one side and Chiksoli is on the other. They are virtuously right next to each other.

Mayur Kutir (Mor Khutir)

At Mayur Kutir (Mor Khutir) there was a dancing contest between Krishna and a peacock. Srimati Radharani judged their abilities. Another story about this temple is that one time Radharani complained that the forest in this area did not have any beautiful peacocks. Krishna then appeared dressed like a peacock and danced for Radharani and her friends. Another story is that one time peacocks came here and danced with their tail feathers raised for Radha and Krishna. Mayur means “peacock”.
In the small temple of Mayur Kutir there is a beautiful painting of Krishna dancing as a peacock. The painting on the altar here was done by a blind saint who used to live here.

At the bottom of the hill is Krishna Kund.

How To Get Here This is a small red brick building without any windows on the top of the hill. There are two ways to get here. From the Jaipur temple you take the left path going in the direction away from the Larily Lal Temple. You pass the Dan-bihari Temple at the beginning of the path. You walk across a ridge (the top of the hill) about 400m. If you come this way you should have shoes on, as the path can be a bit rough.

If you just came from Sankari Kor, you walk 300m on the path away from the village of Varsana. Forty metres after passing a small intersection you make a right and follow the road around to the left for 180m. When the road bears sharply to the left you will see two stairways on your right about 30m ahead. You take the first stairway (the smaller one). It is a fairly tough climb.

Maan Kutir (Maan Garh)

This place honors the pastime of Srimati Radharani showing the qualities of maan. Maan means “anger.” Maan is when Radharani acts angry and feels hurt because of Krishna’s neglect.

How To Get Here This place is close to the Mayur Kutir. If you came from Sankari Kor you take the second larger set of steps (15 of them). When you come up the steps you make a left passing Krishna Kund. You then follow the path around for about 20 seconds and you will come to some red rough steps that go up a steep hill. It is a tough climb to get here.

If you take the main path from the Jaipur temple you come to a set of buildings at the end of the path, after half a km. You make a left down some steps and walk about 16m (50 ft) and the steps leading to this place are on your right.

Gahwarvan

Gahwar means “cave in the mountain.” There are many caves here.

Dohani Kund and Bihar Kund

At Dohani Kund the cows would be milked. Dohani means “to milk.” Near Dohani Kund, Radharani used to play with the gopis.

Near Dohani Kund is Bihar Kund. At Bihar Kund, Radha and Krishna would meet together. Next to this Kund is the Bihariji Temple.

How To Get Here These two kunds are near the village of Chiksoli. They are at the bottom of the hill, not far from the bottom of the steps that go up to Mayur Kutir.

Pila Pokhar Kund

At Pila Pokhar, Srimati Radharani washed Her hands. Because of Her touch, the Kund turned a golden-yellow color. Pila means “yellow.” This Kund is still a golden-yellow color from when Radharani washed her hands here.

The pastime of this place is that Mother Yasoda really loved Srimati Radharani and wanted Her to marry Krishna. So one time when Radharani came to Nandagram, Mother Yasoda put some turmeric paste on Her hands. The custom is that when the bride’s father and groom’s father have agreed that their children would get married then the agreement become finalized by applying turmeric paste onto the hands of the future bride. When Radharani saw her yellow hands, she did not know what to do. So Srimati Radharani came here and washed her hands in the water of this pond. The water of this pond is still yellow today. This is a peaceful place.

How To Get Here Pila Pokhar is across the road from the Larily Lal Temple, at the bottom of the hill. If you just left the place where most people park to go to the Larily Lal Temple, you go back to the main road (about 200m away). Directly in front of you is a bridge, which you cross. After going about 200m, directly in front of you is Pila Pokhar, behind some buildings (a school). It is a large well-kept Kund and is hard to miss.

Mukta Kund

Trees once grew here, that were full of priceless jewels, which were planted by Krishna. The pastime of this place is that while Radharani was washing her hands at Pila Pokhar, some people saw her and went and told Her parents. Her father and mother, Vrishabhanu and Kirtida were very happy that she was engaged to be married to Krishna. So they sent a plate of precious jewels and gems to Nanda and Yasoda.

Nanda and Yasoda were very joyful. But then Mother Yasoda realized that to accept the proposal of marriage they had to return a plate of precious jewels and gems to Radharani’s parents, and they did not have any. When Krishna found out about this, he decided to plant the jewels and gems that were sent by King Vrishabhanu in a field. So that trees would grow that would be full of jewels. Sure enough a big tree grew that was full of priceless jewels.

These jewels were sent to King Vrishabhanu and Queen Kirtida to accept the marriage proposal. Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yasoda went to Paurnamasi to receive her blessings for the marriage. She told them that if Radharani and Krishna got married at this particular time the marriage would not last. She said that maybe in the future they should get married, depending on their astrological charts. So the marriage was stopped.

Braj Culture

Mathura has contributed a lot towards Indian Culture through its rich heritage. The ethos of Mathura, and in fact the whole of Braj mandal is centered on Krishna and his tales. Mathura sees heightened activities during the major festivities dedicated to Krishna.

The Braj culture has been expressed widely through various practices.

Sanjhee is the colourful art of decorating the ground with flowers.

Rasiya is a tradition that is integral to Mathura’s culture. It is the tradition of folk-songs that describe the love of the divine couple Radha and Krshnaji. It is an inseparable part of the Holi celebrations and all other festive occasions at Mathura. (Dhulendi – Holi with drums (dholak), colours, etc. originated from Braj region hundreds of millennia before today.)

Raaslilas of Mathura have become an integral part of Indian Folklore. According to popular belief, Krshnaji had danced the Raas with gopis on banks of Yamuna river.

Charkula is a traditional folk dance of the Braj. In this dance, a woman balances a column of deepikas on her head and dances to the accompaniment of Rasiya songs by the menfolk.

The language spoken in the Braj mandal is mainly Hindi which is spoken in a different dialect. This dialect is characteristic with the Braj region and known as Brajbhasha. Before Hindi and until past few centuries, Brajbhasha used to be the dominant language in literature.

Mathura is steeped in Hindu tradition, which is visible everywhere. The temples, riverfront and ponds are all centres of religious activity. From early morning till dusk devotees throng the holy places.

Temples in Mathura

Amiya Nimai Temple
Ashta Sakhi Mandir
Banke Bihari Temple
Bankhandi Mahadev Shiva Temple
Bhattaji ka Temple
Bhuteshwar Mahadev Mandir
Chakaleswara Mahadeva Temple
Dwarkadheesh Temple
Dirgha Vishnu Temple
Gita Mandir
Gokarneswara Siva Temple
Gopisvara Mahadeva Temple
Govindaji Temple
Gwalior wala Temple
Harideva Temple
Jugal-Kishorji Temple
Kaliya Mardan Temple
Katyayani Devi Temple
Krishna-Balarama and Nanda Maharaja Temple
Krishna Balaram Temple (Iskcon)
Krishna Janam Bhoomi Temple
Kushal Behari (Jaipur) Temple
Larily Lal Temple
Lakshmi Narayana Temple
Lalla Babu Temple
Manasi Devi Temple
Madan Mohan Temple
Mira Bai Temple
Mukharvind Temple
Nanda Bhavan or Nandagram Temple
Nandeeshwara Temple



Narasimha Temple
New Radha Gopal Temple
Padmanabha Swayambhu Temple
Pippalesvara Mahadeva Temple
Pishima Gaura Nitai Temple
Punchari Ka Lautha Baba Temple
Radha Damodara Temple
Radha-Vallabha Temple
Radha Gokulananda Temple
Radha Gopala Temple (Gwalior Temple)
Radha Gopal Temple
Radha Gopinatha Temple
Radha Krishna Temple
Radha-kanta Temple
Radha Madhava Temple
Radha-Raman Temple
Radha Shyamsundar Temple
Ranganath (Rangji) Temple
Rangesvara Mahadeva Temple
Sad-Bhuja Caitanya Mahaprabhu Temple
Sakshi Gopala Temple
Sawaman Shalagram Temple
Shahji (Sahaji) Temple
Sita Nath Temple
Sona Gauranga Temple
Sriji Temple
Tekari Rani Temple
Uddhava Temple
Vamsi Gopala Temple
Vamsivata Area and Temple
Varaha Temples

Ghata, Kund and Other Site of Mathura

25 Tirthas & Ghats Along the Yamuna
Adi Badri Ghata
Advaita Vata
Airavata Kund
Ambarish Tila
Aniyora (Anaur)
Apsara Kund
Brahma Kund
Bhajana Ashrams
Bhramar Ghata
Bilvamangala Thakura’s Samadhi
Chira Ghata
Chaj Kund
Chakra Tirtha
Charan Pahari
Chiksoli (Citra Village)
Dandavata Shila
Dan Ghati (Krishna Vedi)
Dan Mal (Dan Garh)
Dantsamaj of Gadadhara Pandit
Davanala Kund
Deoria Baba Ashram
Dhira Samira Ghata
Dhruva Ghata
Dohani Kund and Bihar Kund
Durvasa Muni’s Ashrama
Gahwarvan
Gantholi (Ganthuli)
Gautam Rishi Ashram
Go Ghata (Ram Gol Ghata)
Govinda Ghata
Govinda Kund
Gval Pokhara
Haubilau
Imli Tala
Indra Tila
Jnana Gudri
Jugal Ghata
Kadamba Van



Kaliya-hrada (Kaliya Ghata)
Keshi Ghata
Kishorivan (Hari Nikunj)
Krishna Assuming His Narayana Form
Ksunnahar Kund
Kubja Kupa
Kusuma Sarovar
Lalita Kund
Mukta Kund
Maan Kutir (Maan Garh)
Madhu Pandit’s Samadhi
Manasi Ganga & Govardhan Town
Mayur Kutir (Mor Khutir)
Mohana Ter Ghata
Moti Kund
Nipa Kund
Nanda Baithak (Baithana) and Nanda Kund
Nanda Maharaja’s Bagichi (Garden)
Nidhivana (Nidhuvana)
Punchari Kund (Navala Kund)
Pancha Tirtha Kund
Pani Ghata
Parasauli (Muhammed Pura)
Pavana Sarovara
Petha (Pitha)
Pila Pokhar Kund
Potra Kund and Jnana Vapi
Prabodhananda Sarasvati’s Samadhi
Rudra Kund (Rudan Kund)
Raghava Pandit’s Bhajana Kutir and Sutala Vana Forest
Raja Ghata
Raman Reti
Raman Reti (Krishna-Balarama) Trees
Ranga Bhumi



Rasa Stali
Syama Vana and Syama Kutir (Ratna Simhasana)
Sakhi Vana and Sakhi Sthali (Sakhikhara)
Sanatana Gosvami’s Samadhi
Sankari Kor (Sankara Gully)
Seva Kunja (Nikunjavan)
Siva Khari (Siva Pushkarani)
Sixty-four Samadhis (Chaousata Mahanta Samadhi Pitha)
Sri Caitanya Visram Sthali
Sri Gopala (Nathaji)
Sri Keshava Gaudiya Math
Sringara Vata Ghata (Nityananda Vata)
Sri Rupa Sanatana Gaudiya Math
Surabhi Kund
Surabhi Van
Surya Ghata
Surya Kund
Sutala Vana Forest
Syama Dhak
Syamananda Prabhu’s Puspa Samadhi
Syamananda Tilaka Sthana
Ter Kadamba (Sri Rupa Gosvami’s Bhajana Kutir)
Uddhava Kund
Vrinda Kund and Gupta Kund
Vaha (Vihar) Kund
Varaha Ghata
Vasanti (Vasati)
Vilasa Vana and Vilachu Kund
Vilas Garh
Vishram Ghat
Yugal Kund
Yamuna River Ghatas
Yasoda Kunda
Yasoda’s Yogurt Pot

Dwarkadheesh Temple

The Dwarkadish Temple, built in 1814, is a popular temple in the center of town. This is the most visited temple in Mathura. This temple is managed by followers of Vallabhacarya, by the Pusti-marg Gosvamis. In this temple there is a Deity of a four-armed form of Krishna known as Dwarkadhish or Dwarikanathaji (Lord of Dwarka), with a Deity of Rukmini by his side. Dwarka is located at the westernmost end of Gujarat and is where Krishna ruled as the king.

It is fairly interesting architecturally and there is a lot of activity inside. The walls and ceiling are beautifully painted with pastimes of Krishna.

How To Get Here This temple is a few minutes walk from Vishram Ghat, off a busy road. Everyone knows where this temple is located. It is located in the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River.

About Mathura Vrindavan

Mathura:-

Location: In the Northwestern Uttar Pradesh, India
Climate: Summer 45°C to 30°C, Winter 25 °C to 3 °C
Best time to visit: October to March
Nearest Airport: Agra Airport
Nearest Railhead: Mathura Junction
Language spoken: Hindi, Braj Bhasha and English
STD Code: +91-565

An ancient city, Mathura derives its glory and sacred character from being the birth place of Lord Krishna. Through centuries, it has attracted pilgrims from the Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina fold. Formerly the capital of Braj Mathura is situated on the west bank of river Yamuna. The present day Mathura abounds in places of religious and historic interest. All round the year, a large number of festivals and fairs are held in Mathura and the adjoining areas of Vrindavan, Gokul, and Barsana and Goverdhan.

The City of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distance of 150 km south-east of Delhi and 56 km north-west of Agra.

Mathura is home to a large, technologically-advanced oil refinery owned by the Indian Oil Corporation. This refinery is one of the largest oil refineries of Asia. On the industrial aspect, Mathura is home to a flourishing Silver polishing industry. In addition to this, Sari-printing and water tap factories are also flourishing in the area.

A very famous twin-city to Mathura is Vrindavan. The small town hosts a lot of temples belonging to various sects of Hinduism preaching Lord Krishna in various forms/avatars. Some of the most famous temples are Banke Bihari Temple, Rang ji Temple, Iskcon Temple.

Food in Mathura:-

In morning time Kachodi and hot milk makes a great breakfast. The lassi in the afternoon takes all heat from the body and at night simple dinner in 'dharamsala' makes the journey to Mathura an unforgettable experience.

Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and worshipped deities of the Hindu religion. Krishna is considered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, the divine. Shri Krishna is the very embodiment of love and divine ecstasy that destroys all pain and offense. Lord Krishna took birth over five thousand years ago in Mathura, India to Devaki (Sister of Cruel Demon-King Kansa) and Vasudeva in the prison cell of the tyrant Kansa. The sage Narada had predicted that Kansa would be killed by his nephew, so the king killed Devaki's first six children. The Seventh, Balarama escaped and the eighth, Krishna was clandestinely exchanged for a cowherd's daughter.

Characteristics :	Strength, Beauty, Knowledge, Opulence
Other Names :	Kanhaiya, Gopal, Keshava, Kanha
Principal Scriptures :	Mahabharata, Bhagawad Gita, Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana
Mula Mantra :	Om Kleem Krishnaya Namah
Krishna Gayatri Mantra:	Om Daamodharayae Vidmahee Rukmani Vallabhaye Dheemahee Tanno Krishna Prachodayaath
Consort :	Rukmini ji

A Great Lover - Krishna

Krishna was greatly attached to his foster mother, Yashoda. The lord had immense love for cows being nurtured in the cowherd's family. In his childhood, he was really fond of Makhan (butter) and there are many famous mischiefs regarding this love. Later Krishna loved to play flute and used to seduce the village girls. His favourite was Radha who is claimed as the love of Krishna. And this is one of the famous love stories of Hindu mythology. The Lord is usually remembered and worshipped as Radha-Krishna. The pair symbolizes the eternal love between people and god. Krishna is recognized as the god of Hasya or humor and a messenger of peace.

Virtues

Sri Krishna is the naturally loving and sweet aspect of Vishnu, Lord of Srimati Radharani and center of the spiritual abode. Krishna is the defender of sacred utterances. Krishna is a trickster and lover, a mastermind of all forms of knowledge and born to set up the religion of love. He is also known for his bravery in destroying evil powers throughout his life.

Phrase from Bhagavad Gita

It is believed that the Supreme Lord comes down from time to time in this material world to reestablish the teachings of the Vedas. Lord Krishna promises in his Bhagawad Gita: "Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion--at that time I descend myself. To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I myself appear millennium after millennium."

Janmashtami

Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna was born in the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star) to King Vasudeva and Devaki Devi on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Sravana. This festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti and Krishnashtmi. The actual day of celebration can be on two different days as the star 'Rohini' and Ashtami may not be on the same day. These days correspond to the August and September months on the Gregorian calendar.

Sri Krishna is considered as the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu's, (one of three major Hindu Gods) on earth. He is considered to be the Lord's most glorious incarnations. It is said that his remembrance true heart brings extreme joy and pleasure because Sri Krishna himself was a manifestation of joy at all levels and in all walks of life. No other God in the Hindu pantheon, or for that matter in any other religion, is associated with so many romantic tales and so fully radiating with all the divine attributes as Sri Krishna.

Since Sri Krishna lived in luxury throughout his life, Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated with pomp and splendor. Plenty of sweets are made on this day. Among these are laddus (yellu oonde), chakli, cheedai, payasam (kheer), and so on. In addition, plenty of milk products especially butter, which was Sri Krishna's favorite childhood food, is given in offerings. A wide variety of fruits are also offered. The most common sweets made laddus and payasam.

Great indeed are his many Leelas and the way in which he charms one and all. Several sages and seers have paid homage to him. Narada, Sri Kulashekara Azhwar, Andal, Tirumangai Azhawar, Nammazhwar have sung glorious verses in praise of Lord Krishna who embodies Shudda Satvam. The Bhagavad Gita coming from the Lord is the absolute truth which has withstood the test of time and has formed the basis and inspiration for many Acharyas and Azhwars.

The life and message of Sri Krishna is the most stirring saga of one of the greatest saviour and profounder of Dharma. Born in the dungeons of Kansa who was out to kill him at the very moment of his birth, Sri Krishna's life is replete with many such mortal dangers which he successfully triumphs over. He was the unchallenged hero of his times both in terms of his bodily prowess and his intellectual brilliance.

Sri Krishna Jayanti, therefore, signifies not merely the birth of a great and Divine teacher of mankind in some distant past but the lighting of the spark of the Divine Power in every one of us, which spurs us on to play our dynamic part in this world of practical and hard realities with a sense of high spiritual purpose. Krishna represents the total power of attraction (Aakarshna Shakti) like a magnet of infinite rise. Hence Krishna is the source of joy.

The cultural aspects are represented by the traditionally dressed devotees. The raas or dance is also done with devotees taking part with spiritual fervor. Sri Krishna who manifests all levels of joy, is also the source of spiritual joy, which overrides mental or emotional joy, just as emotional joy overrides physical joy. If all the three are integrated and interdependent, then the observance of the festival takes on the full meaning of Sri Krishnaarpanamastu - let everything be offered to Sri Krishna.

Fair & Festivals

Religious festivals in India are a time for celebration and purification. People will often fast to become purified. The temples are decorated and sumptuous foodstuffs are offered to the deities.

Holidays and festivals normally follow the Indian lunar (Vikramaditya) calendar, and therefore each year they fall on a different day of the Western or solar calendar. A few festivals fall on a solar day, such as Makara Sankranti, which falls on the 14th of January. The normal Indian calendar is based on lunar months, which begin with the full moon. This system is 57 or 58 years ahead of the Christian calendar.

In Braja they use the punimanta system, where the months ends on the full Moon day (purnima). In the South Indian system the month ends on the new Moon day (amavasya). The year actually begins on the first day of the dark half of Chaitra (Shukla Paksha).

Sometimes calendars will indicate two difference dates for the same festival. This is because there is a Vaishnava and a Smarta calendar. The Vaishnava date will usually be one day after the Smarta date.

Lunar and Solar Year and Month

There are twelve lunar (“Moon”) months in a year. A lunar month is calculated by the time it takes the Moon to travel through all twelve signs of the zodiac, or from full Moon to full Moon. The Moon is the fastest moving planet. A solar (“Sun”) month lasts thirty to thirty-one days, and is calculated by the time it takes the Sun to move through one sign of the zodiac.

There are thirty lunar days, or tithis, in a lunar month. The average lunar month lasts twenty-nine days, twelve hours, and forty-four minutes. A tithi is a lunar day. The period extending from the new Moon to the full Moon is called Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight of the lunar month or the waxing period (when the Moon is getting bigger). It lasts fourteen days. The fifteenth tithi is called Purnima, full moon. The period that extends from the full Moon to the new Moon is called Krishna Paksha, the dark fortnight of the lunar month or the waning period (when the Moon is getting smaller), and it also last fourteen days. The thirtieth tithi is called Amavasya, the new or dark Moon. The first day of Krishna Paksha is the first day after the full Moon. This is the first day of the month by the North Indian system, which is the system that Gaudiya Vaishnavas use.

The fourteen names for lunar days are listed below. They are used both for dark and bright halves of the lunar month. Since the fourteen names are used for both halves of the lunar month, each tithi is also labeled with “Shukla” or “Krishna.” Shukla Pratipat for the first day of the bright half of the month, and Krishna Pratipat for the first day of the dark half of the month.

When the Moon waxes, it becomes fuller, and when it wanes, it becomes dark. Therefore the period of the waxing Moon happens when the Moon grows from new Moon to full moon. Similarly, the period of the waning Moon takes place when the full moon gradually shrinks to the new moon.

The lunar year lasts about 354 days, and the sidereal year lasts about 365 days, 6 hours. Because there is a difference between the two years, the lunar calendar adds a thirteenth month every thirty months to make sure the months stay the same as the seasons. This extra month is known as Adhika-masa.

Hindu Tithis (Days)

1. Pratipat
2. Dwitiya
3. Tritiya
4. Chaturthi
5. Panchami
6. Shashthi
7. Saptami
8. Ashtami
9. Navami
10. Dashami
11. Ekadashi
12. Dwadasi
13. Trayodashi
14. Chaturdashi

Months

The Indian lunar months and the western equivalents (Indian Calendar)
Magha January-February
Phalguna February-March
Chaitra March-April
Vaishaka April-May
Jyaistha May-June
Ashadha June-July
Shravana July-August
Bhadra August-September
Ashvina September-October
Karttik October-November
Aghan November-December
Pausha December-January
Chaitra (March/April)

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)

1-5 – Jat women in Mukarai, Rampur, and neighboring villages perform carkula dance (balancing pots, etc. on their head).

2 – Holi Festival at Dauji (Baldeo) and Jao.

3-13– Brahmotsava Festival of Sri Ranganatha. This is a ten-day festival at the Sri Ranganatha temple, during which time the golden cart festival takes place. There are fire-works during this festival. Over a hundred thousand people come to the cart festival. The Main Cart Procession day is known as Ratha Ka Mela. The Deities are taken out on a 15m (45 ft) high chariot. The Deities are pulled by devotees from the Ranganatha temple to the Rangji gardens and back.

3 – Holi at Kotavana and Bathain.

8 – Appearance Srivasa Pandita observed in Gaudiya temple.

9 – Ratha ka Mela at Ranganatha Temple. This is the main day.

11 – Papamocani Ekadasi.

15 – Special darshan at Dauji (Baldeo).

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

1 – Phul Del (Ful Dol): The Deities in the temples are decorated with a variety of the choicest flowers and roses. The dresses of the Deities are made of flowers on this day. Different temples observe this festival at different times.

New Year day of Vikramaditya Era.

1-9 – Navaratri (Nine nights) is nine days of Durga worship.

6 – Yamuna Sasthi: Yamuna deities dressed in flowers. It is celebrated as the appearance of the Yamuna in Mathura. Special festival at Vishram Ghat.

7 – Beginning of Keshava-vrata.

9 – Rama-naumi is the appearance day of Lord Rama. Observed in temples all over Braja. In Rambag of the Ranganatha temple there is a special ceremony. On this day devotees read the Ramayana, which glorifies Lord Rama. The temples are decorated with flower, lights and other auspicious items. Devotees fast on this day and constantly chant the names of Lord Rama.

11 – Kamada Ekadashi. Phul Dol (Flower festival) in some temples.

15 – Rasayatra of Lord Balarama and Vasanta Rasayatra of Lord Krishna. Purnima day.

Hanuman Jayanti. This popular festival celebrates the birth of Hanuman. The deity of Hanuman in temples is given a new coat of paint mixed with ghee (clarified butter). The glories of Hanuman are read from the Ramayana. Fasting is done and the temples are decorated.

Vaisakha (April/May)

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)

11 – Varuthini Ekadasi. Appearance of Vallabha Acarya celebrated at Pushtimarg temples.

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

1 – Gadadhara Pandit Appearance.
3 – Akshaya Tritiya (Chandan Darshan): This is said to be the first day of the creation of the world. This is one of the most crowded days of the year in Vrindavana.

This is the day when the lotus feet of Banke Bihari are seen. This is the only day of the years when it is possible to see the feet of the Deity of Banke Bihari. Large crowds of people come on this day to the Banke Bihari Temple.

In the many other temples in Vrindavana, the Deities are decorated with sandalwood paste, including the Krishna Balarama Mandir and Radha Damodara Temple. On this day the dress of Radha-Raman is made completely of sandalwood paste.

At the Garuda Govinda temple, the 12-handed Deity of Govinda is seen mounted on His bird carrier, Garuda.

Many people do circumambulation of Mathura and Vrindavan on this day.

7 – Jahnu Saptami (Ganga Saptami): The day the Ganga descended to earth. Birth of Jahnavi (wife of Nityananda Prabhu) celebrated at Radha Kund.

8 – End of Kesava-vrata.

9 – Janaki Navami is the appearance day of Sitadevi, the wife of Lord Ramachandra. Disappearance of Madhu Pandita celebrated at Radha Gopinatha Temple. Appearance of Jahnavi (wife of Nityananda Prabhu).

11 – Mohini Ekadasi. Appearance day of Hit Harivamsha celebrated at Radhaballabha Temple. On the previous night there is music and dance at the Rasa Mandala in Vrindavana.

12 – Rukmini Dwadasi: Appearance day of Rukmini. Special festival at the Dwarkadish Temple in Mathura.

14 – Narasimha Chaturdashi (Narasimha’s Appearance Day) celebrates the appearance of Lord Narasimha and the killing of the demon Hiranyakasipu. People fast on this day, usually until dusk, because this is when Lord Narasimha appeared. Devotees meditate on Lord Narasimha, read stories about Him, and pray to receive the good qualities of devotion, which were exhibited by Prahlada Maharaja.

15 – Appearance Day of Radha-Raman is celebrated by bathing the Deity with over 300 litres of milk and other auspicious items. The remnants of this abhiseka (bathing) are then distributed to the public. This day falls on the full moon day (Purnima).

Sri Krishna’s Water and Swing Pastimes.

Ban Bihar or circumambulation of Mathura at night.

Srinivasa Acarya Appearance. Madhavendra Puri Appearance.

Jyaistha (May-June)

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)

2 – Ban Bihar Parikrama is celebrated at night. Devotees do parikrama of Vrindavana at night.

5 – Disappearance Ramananda Raya.

11 – Apara Ekadasi. Appearance Vrindavana Dasa Thakur.

15 – Jal Yatra: Special fountains and decorations in temples.

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

10 – Ganga Dashami is appearance day of Ganga Devi. Special festival at Varsana. Appearance of Baladeva Vidyabhusana. Appearance of Gangamati Goswamini. Kite flying.

11 – Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi. On this day many devotees take neither food nor water. It is said that if you do nirjala (no food or water) on this day that it makes up for any ekadasis missed during the year.

15 – Jal Yatra (Jyestha Snana) is a special day of bathing the Deities with Yamuna water in Mathura.

Asadha (June-July)

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)

1 – Disappearance Syamananda Prabhu celebrated at the Radha Shyamasundara Temple.

10 – Disappearance Srivasa Pandit.

11 – Yogini Ekadasi.

15 – Amavasya. Disappearance Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur. Disappearance Gadadhara Pandit.

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

2 – Jagannatha Ratha-yatra at Jagannatha Puri. Some temples, such as Madana- Mohan, Govindaji and Gopinatha take chariots carrying Deities of Krishna on procession to Gyan Gudri. Disappearance Swarupa Damodara.

11 – Sayani Ekadasi. Vanabihar or parikrama of Vrindavana and Mathura. Beginning of Caturmasya vrata, if beginning on ekadasi. This is when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep. Caturmasya is begun at different times by different devotees.

15 – Guru Purnima: It is customary to worship the spiritual master on this day, because it is the appearance day of Vyasadeva. On this, day many devotees gather at Manasi Ganga and do Govardhana parikrama.

Sanatana Gosvami Disappearance. He left his body on Guru Purnima, at Manasa Ganga, on the full moon day in the month of Asadha, in 1558. Celebrated at Chakreswar Mahadeva temple where he left his body and at Madana-Mohan Temple.

Beginning of Caturmasya vrata, if beginning on purnima (the full Moon). Vaishnavas do not eat spinach this month.

Sravana (July-August)

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)

Many temples decorate the Deities with special dresses and decorations during this month. Vaishnavas do not eat spinach this month while observing caturmasya.

During this month there is special worship of Shanichar (Saturn) on Saturdays at the temple in Kokilavana, near Nandagram.

1 – Disappearance Prabhodananda Sarasvati celebrated at his samadhi at Kaliya Ghata.

5 – Disappearance Gopal Bhatta Goswami celebrated at Radha-Raman Temple.

8 – Disappearance Lokanatha Gosvami at Radha Gokulananda.

11 – Kamika Ekadasi

12 – Paksha-vardhini Maha-Dwadasi (observed as ekadasi).

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

3 – Jhulan Yatra Mahotsava (Swing Festival): During this festival, the Radha-Krishna Deities in the temples are swung on a swing (hindolas). This festival lasts for 13 days. It starts on the Tritya (third day) of the bright fortnight of Sravana (July-Aug) and lasts until the full moon night of the month. This is one of the biggest festivals of the year and Vrindavana is very crowded at this time. Often the swings are gold and silver. Some of the main temples that this festival is celebrated at are the Banke Bihari Temple and the Radha-Raman Temple in Vrindavana, the Dwarkadish temple in Mathura, and the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana. Hariyali Teej is a major swing day at Banke Bihari Temple.

Beginning of the rainy season and Deities wear green.

11 – Pavitra Ekadasi. Jhulan Yatra of Radha Gopal Temple. Sacred thread offered to Deities.

12 – Disappearance Rupa Goswami.

13 – Vasanti Kamra Room open at Shahji Temple. Two days before Balarama’s Appearance Day, during the Jhulan Yatra swing festival, the Vasanti Kamra room in the Shahji Temple is open. The Deities in this temple are brought to this room. This is a crowded event.

15 – Balarama’s Appearance Day is the day Lord Balarama appeared in Gokula. Special festivals at Krishna Balarama Temple, Dauji and Mahavana. Jhulan Yatra ends.

Raksha Bandhan It is said that during a battle between the demigods and demons the demigods lost their heavenly kingdom. Then the consort of Indra tied a Rakhi on his wrist and because of this the demigods were able to win back their kingdom.

During this festival a sister ties a Rakhi, which is a handspun cotton (or silk) thread dyed yellow with turmeric, around the wrist of her brother. The brother then gives her presents, and promises to be responsible for her safety. The Rakhi can be given to any one, but is usually given to one’s brother. This celebration symbolizes the protection of women. The person on whose wrist the Rakhi is tied is duty bound to protect the person who ties it on.

Bhadra (Aug-Sept)

Second month of caturmasya. Vaishnavas refrain from eating yogurt.

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)

1 – Special Darshan All Gaudiya Temples. This is the day after Balarama’s Appearance Day. Some of the special darshans are: Madana Mohana Temple (Rairaja), Radha Damodara (Syama Sakhi), Shyamasundara (Naukar Bihar), Gokulananda (Raval Raja), Gopinatha (Van Bihar), and Govindaji (Subal Vesh).

8 – Krishna Janmastami celebrates the appearance day of Lord Krishna in Mathura. It is celebrated in an elaborate way in Vrindavana. Rasa-lila plays are performed, which shows different pastimes of Lord Krishna. He appeared in Mathura about 5,000 years ago. As part of the celebration devotees fast until 12 midnight, because this is the time Krishna appeared. The temples are decorated and special dresses are usually offered to the Deities. They will also usually have a special public bathing of the Deity of Krishna (called abhishek). The Deity is bathed with various items such as milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, flowers and water from a holy river, such as the Yamuna or the Ganges.

This is usually the most crowded day of the year in Krishna temples. Temples will usually organize plays and dances depicting different pastimes of Lord Krishna. There is a huge arati at 12 midnight in Krishna temples in Vrindavana and Braja.

9 – Nandotsava Festival is the day after Janmastami. This celebrates the birth celebration performed by Nanda Maharaja after Krishna was born. At Banke Bihari Temple devotees give free gifts.

Appearance Day of A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This is the appearance day of Srila Prabhupada, who is the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. There is a festival held in the morning at the Krishna Balarama Temple. This event is celebrated at some other Gaudiya temples in Vrindavana.

Latha Ka Mela at Ranganatha Temple in Vrindavana. Men try to climb to the top of a 10m (30 ft) greased wooden pole erected near the front gate of the Ranganatha temple to get prizes at the top. Mustard oil is regularly poured down the post to make it very slippery.

11 – Ananda (Aja) Ekadasi

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

Appearance day of Haridas Goswami is celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple and at Nidhivana.

4 – Ganesh Chaturthi is the birth of Ganesh. A statue of Ganesh, sometimes 10 metres (33 feet) high, is made of clay, cloth or other substances. It is worshiped for seven to ten days and is then submerged in the sea or in a lake. Sweet-rice pudding, laddoos (sweet flour balls), and coconuts are offered to Ganesh during this festival.

5 – Appearance day of Sita Devi, the wife of Advaita Acarya.

6 – Appearance of Lalita Devi. Special festival at Dauji in honor of Lord Balarama

7 – Appearance of Banke-Bihari at Nidhivana.

8 – Radhastami is the appearance day of Srimati Radharani. This festival falls on the eighth day, of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadra (August-Sept), 15 days after the appearance of Lord Krishna. There is an all-night kirtan held the night before Radhastami at the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana, ending with an ecstatic mangala arati and abhisheka. Many people go to Varsana on this day. This is also a popular day in Vrindavana. Fasting until noon.

11 – Jal Jhulan is the swing festival at the Ranganatha temple. At night the temple tank is lit up. Parivartini (Parsva) Ekadasi.

Bari Yatra is when devotees make vows at Vishram Ghat.

12 – Vamana (Vijaya) Dwadasi: Appearance day of Lord Vamana. Parikrama of Vrindavana. Appearance day of Jiva Goswami. Many people begin Braja Mandala parikrama on this day, beginning in Mathura.

13 – Appearance Bhaktivinoda Thakur. Disappearance of Haridasa Thakura and Kavi Karnapura.

Burhi Lila is when Dan Lila is enacted at Sankari Kori at Varsana.

14 – Ananta Chaturdashi Vrata. Special worship of Balarama and circumambulation of Govardhana Hill.

15 – Purnima.

Asvina (Sept-Oct)

Milk is not drunk this month for Caturmasya.

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)

1 – Pitri Paksha: The ten days preceding Dussera is known as Pitra Paksha. During this time Sanjhi motifs are painted on the walls of people’s homes or arranged with dry colors in temples. Sanjhi motifs decorate the floor of the Larliji Temple in Varsana.

This is the fortnight when Sraddha Ceremonies are performed. Sraddha is a time when homage is paid to the dead ancestors. These homages are done to make sure there is peace for the departed souls of the ancestors. During the Sraddha period one does not take part in any kind of celebrations and does not make unnecessary purchases.

11 – Indira Ekadasi. Sanjhi designs decorate temples in Vrindavana until amavasya (new Moon day). Special Darshan in many temples in Vrindavana.

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

1 – Navaratri begins. Nine days of Durga worship. Rama-lila is performed at Rama temples. Navaratri is a nine-day festival. Nava means “nine.” During this festival the three main goddesses are worshiped. On the first three days, Durga is worshiped, then Lakshmi and then Saraswati. The last day of this festival is called Dussera or Vijaya Dasami.

Celebrated as Durga puja mainly by Bengalis. It symbolizes victory of good over evil. Durga is the consort of Lord Siva who controls the material energy and punishes the demons.

Sri Radha-Raman Rides a Silver Elephant. On this day Radha-Raman comes off the altar and rides on a silver elephant.

10 – Dussera (Vijaya Dashami or Ramachandra Vijayotsava) celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Ravana is the demon that kidnapped Rama’s wife Sita. This is a 10-day festival, and on the tenth day a large image of Ravana is shot and killed (usually burnt) by Rama. There is a burning of Ravana in Mathura at the Rama-lila grounds.

Madhvacarya Appearance.

11 – Pasankusha Ekadasi. Celebrated as the day Rama reunited with Bharata.

12 – Some devotees start their Kartika Vrata (Niyama-seva) on this dvadashi day.

Disappearance of Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami, Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami and Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami.

15 – Purnima Sharad Utsava. Krishna Saradiya Rasayatra. This is the full moon night of Asvina. This is the day the rasa dance was performed with Krishna and the gopis. On this day, the Deities in the temples in Vrindavana are dressed completely in white and there are special darshans. Banke Bihari holds a flute on this day.

Sri Lakshmi Puja.

Krishna-lila plays are performed throughout Braja. On this day Brijabasis put a pot of sweet rice on the roof overnight. In the morning it is considered to be amrita (nectar).

Kartika (October-November)
This is a very special month in Vrindavana. Every night, lamps are offered to the Deities in many temples. This month is known as the month of Damodara. There is a special program of temple worship of the Lord in His Damodara form. “Damodara” refers to Krishna’s being bound with rope by His mother, Yasoda. Urja-vrata is observed in the month of Kartika.
Vaishnavas do not eat urad dahl and masura dahl this month.

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)

6 – Disappearance Narottama Dasa Thakur. Visit of his samadhi at Radha Gokulananda.

8 – Appearance Day of Radha Kund celebrated by bathing in Radha Kund at 12 midnight. Bahulastami.

11 – Sri Rama (Rambha) Ekadasi.

15 – Dipawali (Deepavali) Dipawali means “row of lights.” It is celebrated 20 days after Dussera. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya, after his victory over Ravana. This is celebrated by burning lamps and candles in temples and homes. On Dipawali, fireworks are set off. People visit friends and relatives and give each other gifts and sweets. It is a very important festival all over India.

On this night thousands of lights are lit on Govardhana Hill. Especially lit up is Manasi Ganga in the town of Govardhana.

Worship of Lakshmi in people’s homes. This festival is also associated with Laksmi because it is believed that wealth (Lakshmi) will not enter one’s house on this day if it is dark. On this day a special puja (worship) is offered to Lakshmi in most people’s homes.

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

1 – Govardhana Puja (Annakuta Festival) is celebrated during the month of Kartika (Oct/Nov), on the day after Dipawali. This festival celebrates the offering of a mountain of food items to Govardhan Hill by Nanda Maharaja and the residences of Braja.
On this day Govardhana Hill is worshiped. In most of the temples of Vrindavan and Braja, huge quantities of sumptuous food are prepared for this ceremony and are distributed to the general public. A large hill of prasada (sacred food) is made in many temples. Devotees circle the hill and then honor the prasada from this hill. Also models of Govardhana Hill are made of cow dung.

Govardhana Puja is also known as the Annakuta festival. On this day there is a large stream of visitors to Govardhana Hill. Especially crowded are Manasi Ganga and Jati Pura.

2 – Yamadwitiya: On this day brothers and sisters take bath in the Yamuna River. Thousands of people take bath at the ghatas along the Yamuna, especially at Vishram Ghat. Offerings are made by sisters for the protection and well-being of their brothers. This festival is known as Bhai (brother) Duj in the rest of India.

Once Yamaraja, the lord of death, went to the house of his sister, Yamuna, and she served him a delicious meal. Yamaraja was so pleased with her that he stated that anyone who bathes in the Yamuna on this day will be freed from going to the court of death, where sinners are judged. On this day traditionally brothers come with their sisters to take bath in the Yamuna at Vishram Ghat, near which there is a temple of Yamuna (Yami) Dharmaraja (Yama).

4 – Disappearance Sri Srimad A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada at Krishna Balarama Mandir and temples all over the world.

8 – Gopastami (Gosthastami): On this day cows are decorated and worshiped in honor of the first day that Krishna took the cows out to pasture. Srinivasa Acarya Disappearance.

9 – Akshaya Navami is an auspicious lunar day. This is the day Krishna left Vrindavana with Akrura. Parikrama is done of both Mathura and Vrindavana of 54km (32 miles).

10 – Kamsa Badh is the day Krishna killed Kamsa in Mathura. Enactment of killing at Kamsa Tila and a procession at Vishram Ghat.

11 – Utthana (Devotan) Ekadasi. This is a major day for doing parikrama of Vrindavana. On this day about 100,000 people do parikrama. It is customary to do parikrama of both Mathura and Vrindavana on this day. Tulasi-vivaha (wedding of Tulasi).

End of Caturmasya-vrata if started on Ekadasi. Gaura Kishora Dasa Babaji Disappearance.

12 – Davanala Mela celebrates the day that Krishna ate the forest fire at Davanala Kund.

13 – Keshi Mardana-lila is celebrated as the day that Krishna killed the Keshi demon at Keshi Ghata.

14 – Kaliya Mardana-lila is celebrated as the day that Krishna punished the Kaliya snake at Kaliya Ghata. Bhugarbha Gosvami Disappearance.

15 – Kartika Purnima Snana: There is special bathing in the Yamuna on this day. End of caturmasya-vrata and Kartika-vrata if started on the Purnima (full Moon).

Celebration at Imla-tala to commemorate Sri Caitanya’s arrival in Vrindavana.

Celebration of Appearance Day of Nimbarka.

Agrahayana (Nov-Dec)

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight

1 – Katyayani Vrata begins.

11 – Utpanna Ekadasi. On this day a spiced kicheri is offered to the Deities, which continues for one month, for their warmth.
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

5 – Discovery of Banke Bihari celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple. Procession from Nidhivana to Banke Bihari Temple

11 –Gita Jayanti is the day that Krishna spoke Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at Kurukshetra. There is a special festival in Kurukshetra, the place where Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Mokshada Ekadasi.

Pausha (December-January)

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fornight)

11 – Saphala Ekadasi.

15 – Katyayani Vrata ends.

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

1 – Locana Dasa Thakur Appearance.

3 – Disappearance Jiva Goswami. Celebrated at Radha Damodara and Radha Kund.

4 – Disappearance Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur.

11 – Putrada Ekadasi. Vaikunthosava is a major festival at the Ranganatha temple. The Vaikuntha Dwara (door to Vaikuntha) is opened in the Ranganatha temple on this day.

15 – Krishna Pushya Abhisheka.

Magha (Jan-Feb)

Krishna Paksha

3 – Appearance Gopala Bhatta Goswami celebrated at Radha-Raman Temple and at Radha Kund.

4 – Jayadeva Goswami Disappearance.

11 – Shattila Ekadasi. Durvasa Mela at Durvasa Tila, near Mathura.

15 – Mauni Amavasya, which is celebrated at the Durvasa Temple in Isapur, across the river from Mathura. Special bathing in Yamuna.

Shukla Paksha

5 – Vasant Panchami (Vasantosava) is a spring festival. The end of February is the end of the winter season and is known as the Spring Festival. This day is the beginning day of the Holi season in Braja. Deities wear yellow-green, the color of new leaves. In many temple yellow leaves and sweets made of white sesame seeds are offered. Children fly kites (patangs).

Saraswati Puja: Saraswati, the goddess of learning, is worshipped on this day. Appearance Raghunatha dasa Goswami and Vishnupriya, the wife of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

At night the beautiful Vasanti Kamra room in the Shahji Temple is open. The Deities in this temple are brought to this room. The Vasanti Kamra (the yellow room) has a completely yellow decor. This is a very crowded event.

This is the day that Lakshmi appeared from the ocean of nectar.

Disappearance Visvanatha Chakravarti.

5 – Appearance Day of Sri Banke Bihari. Large crowds of people come for this festival. This day is celebrated as Bihari Panchami. Haridasa Swami discovered Banke Bihari at Nidhivana. ??? Says last month too???

7 – Appearance Advaita Acharya. Celebrated at all Gaudiya temples and Sita-Sitanatha Temple near Seva Kunja.

11– Bhaimi (Jaya) Ekadasi. Sri Varahadeva Appearance.

13 – Nityananda Trayodashi is the appearance day of Nityananda Prabhu.

15 – Narottama Dasa Thakur Appearance.

Phalguna (Feb-March)

Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)

4 – Appearance Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Gosvami. Celebrated at Krishna Balarama Mandir and all Gaudiya Matha temples.

11 – Vijaya Ekadasi. Festival at Mana Sarovara, when many people visit this place on this day.

12 – Triprisha Mahadvadashi, which is observed as ekadashi.

14 – Siva-ratri is the appearance day of Lord Siva. There is a special festival at the Gopisvara temple in Vrindavana on this day.

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)

8 – Holi Festival begins, takes places until the full Moon. Holi in Braja is celebrated for several days, at different places around Braja. People celebrate Holi by throwing powdered dye and colored water on each other. This is joyfully celebrated in Braja (the area around Vrindavan), especially in Varsana, Nandagram and Dauji. If you go to these festivals you should expect to be totally covered in dye and never to be able to use the clothes that you are wearing again, at least until next year’s festival.

One story about Holi is that Prahlada Maharaja refused to worship his father and wanted to worship his father’s enemy, Lord Vishnu. His father’s sister, Holika, who was immune to being burned, sat with the boy in a big fire, in an attempt to kill the boy. Prahlada’s devotion was so great that Holika was burnt to death and Prahlada was unharmed. Huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi, and grains from the new harvest are thrown into the fire.

9 – Holi Festival at Varsana. Men from Nandagram taunt the women at Varsana and are beaten by them with sticks. The festival includes colorful processions with music, song, dance, and some boisterous scenes around the temples.

10 – Holi Festival at Nandagram. Reciprocal relationship between residents of Varsana and Nandagram.

11 – Amalaki Ekadashi. Holi begins in Vrindavana

12 – Madhavendra Puri Disappearance.

15 – Gaura Purnima (Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s Appearance Day) is an important Gaudiya Vaishnava festival that falls at the same time as Holi, in the month of Phalguna. As followers of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu established many temples in Vrindavana, this is an important festival in Vrindavana.

Holi in Vrindavana. This is the last and most active day, so you better be ready to take part if you are going to go out on the street before 12 noon, after which no dye is allowed to be thrown.

Events & Festivals in Mathura

• July-September is a good festival season with Krishna Janmashtami celebrations.
• October-November showcases excellent festivities related to Deepawali.
• February-March is dynamic with Holi festivities.

Weather Graph for Mathura

Note: These are average maximum and average minimum temperature for Mathura. The highest temperature in Mathura for the month is usually higher than the average maximum temperature. Similarly, the lowest temperature in Mathura for the month is usually lower than the average minimum temperature.

Overview & Best Season of Mathura

Mathura has quite extreme climatic conditions and experiences severe cold and hot climates.

• Summers (March to June) are very hot with maximum reaching the scorching temperature of 45 °C and minimum is above 30 °C. Typically travelers avoid the hot summer days of April to June.
• Monsoons (July to September) offer good showers and the place looks beautiful with new foliages and flowers.
• Winters (December to February) are very cold; still it is quite comfortable during the day as the maximum temperature reaches to 32 °C and nights are bit cool with temperature goes down to below 14 °C.

Best Season to visit Mathura is from October to March.

• October to November offers nice scenic sight seeing in and around.
• December to March is excellent for all outings and tourist activities.
• July to September is good for short trips in and around the city. Muddy roads may cause some road blocks.

Holi in Mathura Vrindavan

Holi is one of the most important festivals in India. It is celebrated with immense zeal and fervor throughout the length and breadth of the country. Though the celebrations take place everywhere in the country with extreme enthusiasm and zeal, the celebrations of various places have regional differences. The Holi in Kolkata is different from that of Orissa; the Holi in Bihar is different from that of Haryana. In West India, the Holi is entirely different from how it is celebrated in North Eastern state of Manipur. Every celebration has its own specialty. The Holi of Mathura and Vridavan is extremely famous throughout the country.

Legend
It is said that the tradition of playing colors on Holi originated from the ‘leela’ of Radha and Krishna. As Krishna was always jealous of Radha's fair complexion, he teasingly colored Radha's face with color. In a mischievous mood, Radha also ran behind him badly annoyed and shouting. This was how the tradition of applying color came in being and is religiously followed till date. People of Mathura and Vridavan associate Holi with the divine love of Krishna and Radha.

Celebrations
According to mythological records, it is said that Mathura is actually the birth place of Lord Krishna, whereas Vrindavan is the place where he spent the early days of his childhood and left behind tales of mysticism and divinity. This explains the enigma of Mathura Vrindavan, where one can still feel the divine presence of the Lord. This is the place where Lord Krishna introduced the modern form of Holi. This is the reason that Holi is celebrated with great zeal here.

Thousands of people visit the place, in search of peace, every year. The Holi celebrations present another reason for the admirers of the Lord to assemble at Mathura Vrindavan. They come to be a part of the colorful amalgamation of festivity and divinity. The main aim behind the festival of Holi is to rejoice in the love and devotion for the Supreme Being. The color and water washes away all the man made distinctions based on caste, creed, and other differences created by the society. Holy here is spiritually enlightening.

The celebrations of the festival go on for about a week in Mathura Vrindavan. One of the unique features of the festival here is that different temples of Lord Krishna celebrate Holi on different days. It is interesting as well as amazing, to watch devotees at the Banke-Bihari Temple of Vrindavan. The environment is filled with a unique thrill, with people passionately chanting the name of Lord Krishna and Radha. Interesting celebrations also takes place at Gulal-Kund in Braj where boys mock Krishna leela on the day of Holi.

Festivals and Events in Mathura

The most famous festival in Mathura is the festival of Holi in the month of February/March. It is celebrated every year with great gusto. Other major festivals, like the birth of Krishna and the birth of Radha fall in the month of August. This is the auspicious time for undertaking the chaurasi kos parikrama (circumambulation) or Ban Yatra around the holy sites in Braj Bhumi.

Mathura

An ancient city, Mathura derives its glory & sacred character from being the birth place of Lord Krishna. Through centuries, it has attracted pilgrims from the Hindu , Buddhist & Jaina fold. Formerly the capital of Braj ( 600 B.C.) Mathura is situated on the west bank of river Yamuna. The present day Mathura abounds in places of religious & historicinterest. All round the year, a large number of festivals & fairs are held in Mathura & the adjoining areas of Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana & Goverdhan.

The town of Mathura (Brajbhoomi) is located in the western part of the state of Uttar Pradesh in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the western bank of the river Yamuna. It is famous as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, an important deity in the Hindu religious pantheon. It is an important pilgrim place of the Hindus and one of the seven most sacred cities in India. The main pilgrim centre in Mathura is the Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi temple. Mathura is also an important crafts centre. Mathura belongs to the Agra Sub circuit of the Golden Triangle of India i.e. Agra-Delhi-Jaipur circuit.

Temple Attractions
Mathura has a number of temples that are dedicated to the blue god, Krishna, the Dwarkadhish Shrine being the most outstanding of them all. Another important temple worth seeing is the Temple of Keshava. On the way to Vrindavan, one comes across another temple called the Gita Mandir.

Hindus celebrates Lord Krishna's birthday as Janmashtami on the eighth day of the darker half of the month in July/August. For Mathura, Janmashtami is the biggest festival and it is held on a grand scale. The Indian town of Mathura is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. touristplacesinindia can arrange for you all types of transport for your comfortable journey to and in Mathura and throughout the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Festivals
Holi and Janamashtami are two festivals celebrated with great fervour in Mathura. Both these festivals are associated with Lord Krishna. Holi is celebrated in the temples before it is celebrated on the streets, as it is considered auspicious to play with the Lord, first.

This festival is preceded by performances that last well over a week. Artists from various parts of the country gather here to perform raas leela, or dance recitals depicting Krishna’s flirtatious interlude with the gopis, or the village maidens. Gayan mandalis, or singing troupes that render folk songs particularly associated with Holi, flock to this place. The artistic exuberance associated with the festival is termed as Rang Gulal.

Janamashtami is celebrated on the day when Krishna was born. Idols of Krishna and his childhood sweetheart, Radha, are decorated beautifully, then worshipped.

How to reach

• Air
  The nearest airport is at Delhi, 52 kilometers away.
• Rail
  The Mathura railway station is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow and other major cities of I9ndia by a good railway network.
• Road
  Mathura, which lies on the National Highway number 2, is well linked with regular state bus services from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Haryana.

Festivals of Mathura and Vrindavan

Associated with the legends of Lord Krishna, the two places of Mathura and Vrindavan have some truly great festivals celebrated with much fanfare and popular participation. The festivals associated with the legend of Lord Krishna are extremely colorful and people take part in the celebration spontaneously.

Holi is among the most important festivals in this part of the country. During a full-moon day at the time of February and March, people throw color dye on one another and enjoy the day in merriment. If you visit the place during this time of the year, you will have the privilege to see some of the most colorful and often boisterous processions. Expect to be covered totally in colored dye and the more you take part in the carnival of color and mirth, the better.

Janmashtami, the day when Lord Krishna was born is no wonder celebrated with much pomp and show. People enact the many legends during the time of Lord Krishna and folklore and recitals take place throughout the night. In Mathura, thousands of devotees gather to offer prayer and the atmosphere is electric. At midnight, the time when Lord Krishna was born in a prison, the celebration reach a crescendo.

Festivals like Vasant Panchami and Siva - Ratri is celebrated with much fanfare. At Ranganath Temple you can also see the Brahmosava Festival. This is organized during the months of March and April. The place is truly a tourist's paradise. You will be able to get a close insight into the culture of India and the enthusiasm of the people of the region.

Mathura Festivals, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura Festivals, Uttar Pradesh

The festivals of Mathura have earned fame globally. The festivals are as colourful as the place and are celebrated with pomp. Holi is the most vivacious and colurful festival here, usually celebrated in the month of feb-March on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna. People playfully throw coloured powdered dye and coloured water on each other. The entire region of Braja, Nandagram, Varsana and Dauji take part in this lively festival.

Janmasthami is another popular festival in the land of Krishna. It is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. All the ceremonies take place at midnight in the temples. The idol of infant Krishna is bathed by the Priest then it is laid in a cradle followed by the chanting of Mantras. Devotional songs are then sung by the devotees and toys are offered as gifts to the divine child. At midnight, when Lord Krishna was born, He is taken out and people joyfully greet each other. The sounds of conch shell, the merriment of the people, the innumerable shops selling sweets and small items related to the Lord create a colourful scenario.

Festival Of District Mathura

Places Holi Is celebrated

Varsana Groups of visitors go around in small and large groups here. In the afternoon gopas (men) from Nandagram come to Varsana and play Holi with the local gopis (women) of Varsana. The women hit the men hard with 2 ½m (7ft) long bamboo staffs. The men have shields which they protect themselves with. During this time local songs are sung. This festival is celebrated on the ninth day of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).

Nandagram The day after the Holi festival at Varsana, Holi is celebrated in Nandagram. The gopas (men) from Varsana come to Nandagram to play Holi with the gopis (women) there. The flag of the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana is carried in an elaborate procession to Nandagram. At this time the residents of Nandagram attempt to capture the flag, but their attempts are foiled. After this, women play Holi with bamboo staffs. This festival is celebrated on the tenth day (dasami) of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).

Phalen On the full moon night in Feb/March a huge bon-fire is burned. One of the local priests walks through the fire unscathed. One story about Holi is that Prahlada Maharaja refused to worship his father and wanted to worship his father's enemy, Lord Vishnu instead. His father's sister Holika, who was immune to being burned, sat with the boy in a big fire. Prahlada's devotion was so great that Holika was burnt to death and Prahlada was unharmed. The Holi festival at Phalen re-enacts this event.

Dauji (Baldeo) The festival here is a pretty wild event. Women pore buckets of colored water on the men. The men are also thrashed with whips made of cloth, which has been torn apart from men's clothing. The men can not touch the bodies of the women or unveil their faces. From the roof of the temple; basketfuls of colored powder are emptied on participants and onlookers, creating a thick haze of colors.

mathura Festivals

HOLI

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna (Feb-March). Holi in Braja is celebrated for several days, at different places around Braja, before the actual day of Holi.

People throw colored powdered dye and colored water on each other. This is joyfully celebrated in Braja, especially at Varsana, Nandagram and Dauji. In Varsana the festival includes colorful processions with music, song, dance, and some boisterous scenes around the temples. If you go to these festivals you should expect to be totally covered in dye and never to be able to use the clothes that you are wearing again, at least until next year's festival. This is celebrated at the same time as Gaura Purnima.

Places Holi Is celebrated

Varsana Groups of visitors go around in small and large groups here. In the afternoon gopas (men) from Nandagram come to Varsana and play Holi with the local gopis (women) of Varsana. The women hit the men hard with 2 ½m (7ft) long bamboo staffs. The men have shields which they protect themselves with. During this time local songs are sung. This festival is celebrated on the ninth day of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).

Nandagram The day after the Holi festival at Varsana, Holi is celebrated in Nandagram. The gopas (men) from Varsana come to Nandagram to play Holi with the gopis (women) there. The flag of the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana is carried in an elaborate procession to Nandagram. At this time the residents of Nandagram attempt to capture the flag, but their attempts are foiled. After this, women play Holi with bamboo staffs. This festival is celebrated on the tenth day (dasami) of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).

Phalen On the full moon night in Feb/March a huge bon-fire is burned. One of the local priests walks through the fire unscathed. One story about Holi is that Prahlada Maharaja refused to worship his father and wanted to worship his father's enemy, Lord Vishnu instead. His father's sister Holika, who was immune to being burned, sat with the boy in a big fire. Prahlada's devotion was so great that Holika was burnt to death and Prahlada was unharmed. The Holi festival at Phalen re-enacts this event.

Dauji (Baldeo) The festival here is a pretty wild event. Women pore buckets of colored water on the men. The men are also thrashed with whips made of cloth, which has been torn apart from men's clothing. The men can not touch the bodies of the women or unveil their faces. From the roof of the temple; basketfuls of colored powder are emptied on participants and onlookers, creating a thick haze of colors.

Janmashtami

Of course, the most important festival is Janmashtami. The birth of Shri Krishna is celebrated with great pomp and splendour. The Raaslila is enacted recreating the many legends of Shri Krishna's life - his exploits and his amorous dalliances with the gopis. Ceremonies in the temples at midnight include the bathing of the image of infant Krishna which is then placed in a silver cradle. Songs of devotion are sung and toys offered for the amusement of the divine child. Thousands gather to offer their prayers and Mathura is astir with their devotion and celebrations.

Vasant Panchami

This festival takes place in the month of Magha (Jan-Feb). The end of February is the end of the winter season. This day is the beginning day of the Holi season in Braja. This is also the appearance day of Vishnupriya, the wife of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. At night the beautiful Vasanti Kamara room in the Shahji Temple is open. The Deities in this temple are brought to this room. The Vasanti Kamara (the yellow room) has a completely yellow décor. This is a very crowded event.

Appearance Day of Shri Banke Bihari

This festival is in the month of Magha (Jan-Feb). Large crowds of people come for this festival. This day is the 5th day after the new moon in the month of Magha. This day is celebrated as Bihari Panchami. Banke Bihari was discovered at Nidhivana by Haridas Swami.

Shiva-Ratri

This is the appearance day of Lord Siva in the month of Phalguna (Feb-March). There is a special festival at the Gopisvara temple on this day.

Gaura Purnima

This is an important Gaudiya Vaishnava festival that falls at the same time as Holi, in the month of Phalguna (Feb-March). As many temples in Vrindavana were established by followers of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, this is an important festival in Vrindavana.
Brahmosava Festival

This is a ten day festival at the Sri Ranganath temple, during which time the golden cart festival takes place. There are fire-works during this festival. Over a hundred thousand people come to the cart festival. This festival takes place during the month of Chaitra (March-April). The cart festival is known as Rath Ka Mela. The Deities are taken out on a 15m (45 ft) high chariot. The Deities are pulled by devotees from the Ranganatha temple to the Rangji gardens and back.

Rama Naumi

This is the appearance day of Lord Rama, which falls in the month of Chaitra (March-April). In Rambag of the Ranganatha temple there is a special ceremony.

Ful dol

The Deities in the temples are decorated with a variety of the choicest roses. Different temples observe this festival at different times. The dresses of the Deities are made of flowers on this day.

Akshaya- Tritiya

This festival day takes place in the month of Vaisakha (April-May). This is the day when the feet of Banke Bihari are seen. In the other temples in Vrindavana, the Deities are decorated with sandalwood paste. On this day the dress of Radha-Raman is made completely of sandalwood paste.

At the Garuda Govinda temple, the 12 handed Deity of Govinda is seen mounted on His bird carrier, Garuda.

Darsan Of Banke Bihari

This is the only day of the years when it is possible to see the feet of the Deity of Banke Bihari. This happen on the Sukal Tritiya (Akshaya Tritiya) day in the month of Vaisakha (April-May). This is said to be the first day of the creation of the world. This is one of the most crowded days of the year in Vrindavana. Large crowds of people come on this day to the Banke Bihari Temple.

Sita Devi's Appearance Day

This day is on the 9^th day of Sukla, in the month of Vaisakha (April-May). Sita is the wife of Lord Rama.

Appearance of Hit Harivasma Goswami

This festival is celebrated on the 10^th day of Sukla, in the month of Vaisakha (April-May), at the Rasa Mandala. Hit Harivamsa Gosvami founded the Radha Ballabha temple in Vrindavana.

Narasimba's Appearance Day

This festival is on the 14^th day of Vaisakha (April-May).

Appearance day of Radha-Raman

This is on the 15^th day of the month of Vaisakha (April-May), the day after the appearance day of Lord Narasimha. This event is celebrated by bathing the Deity with over 300 litres of milk and other auspicious items. The remnants of this abhiseka (bathing) are then distributed to the public. This day falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the moon of Vaisakha.

Krishna-Pakshya Ban Bihar Parkrima

This is celebrated at night, on the second day of the month of Jyaistha (May-June). Devotees do parikrama of Vridavana at night.

Jal Yatra
This is celebrated on the 15^th day of Jyaistha (May-June).Guru Purnima

This festival takes place in the month of Asadha (June-July). It is customary to worship the spiritual master on this day, because it is the appearance day of Vyasadeva. On this day many devotees gather at Manasi Ganga and do Govardhana parikrama. Sanatana Gosvami left his body on Guru Purnima, at Manasi Ganga, on the full moon day in the month of Asadha, in 1558.

Jhulan Yatra Mahotsava

This festival lasts for 13 days. It starts on the Tritya (third day) of the bright fortnight of Sravana (July-Aug) and lasts until the full moon night of the month. During this festival the Radha-Krishna Deities in the temples are swung on a swing. This is one of the biggest festivals of the year and Vrindavana is very crowded at this time. Often the swings are gold and silver. Some of the main temples that this festival is celebrated at are the Banke Bihari Temple and the Radha-Raman Temple in Vrindavana, the Dwarkadish temple in Mathura, and the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana.

Shahaji Temple

Two days before Balarama's Appearance Day, during the Jhulan Yatra swing festival, the Vasanti Kamara room in the Shahji Temple is open. The Deities in this temple are brought to this room. This is a crowded event.

Balarama's Appearance Day

This festival is in the month of Sravana (July-Aug). On this day Lord Balarama appeared in Gokula.

Special Darsan all Goswami temple

This is the day after Balarama's Appearance Day. Some of the special darshans are: Madana Mohana Temple (Rairaja), Radha Damodara (Syama Sakhi), Syamasundara (Naukar Bihar), Gokulananda (Raval Raja), Gopinatha (Van Bihar), and Govindaji (Subal Vesh).

Krishna Janmastami

This celebrate the appearance day of Lord Krishna in Mathura. It is celebrated in an elaborate way in Vrindavana. Rasalila plays are performed, which shows different pastimes of Lord Krishna. There is a huge arati at 12 midnight in temples all over Vrindavana. Janmastami falls on the 8^th day of the dark half of the month of Bhadra (August/Sept).

Nandotsava

This festival is the day after Janmastami. This celebrates the birth celebration performed by Nanda Maharaja after Krishna was born.

A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

This is the appearance day of Srila Prabhupada, who is the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This day falls on the same day as Nandotsava. There is a festival held in the morning at the Krishna Balaram Temple. This event is celebrated at some other temple in Vrindavana.

Festival at the Ranganatha Temple

This festival takes place on Nandotsava. A thirty foot wooden post is erected near the front gate of the Ranganatha temple. The wooden post is lubricated with mustard oil. Mustard oil is regularly poured down the post to make it very slippery. People then try to climb to the top of the post.

Jal Jhulan

This is the swing festival at the Ranganatha temple. At night the temple tank is lit up. This festival is on the 11^th day of the month of Bhadra (Aug-Sept).

Shastri Shri Lalita Appearance

There is the swing festival on this day at Huncha Gaon. This day falls in the month of Bhadra (Aug-Sep), two days before Radharani's appearance day.

Radhastami

This is the appearance day of Radharani. This festival falls on the eighth day, of the bright fort-night in the month of Bhadra (August-Sept), 15 days after the appearance of Lord Krishna. There is an all night kirtana held the night before Radhastami at the Larila Lal Temple in Varsana, ending with an ecstatic mangala arati. Many people go to Varsana on this day. This is also a popular day in Vrindavana.

Dipawali

This festival is celebrated 20 days after Dussera. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, after His victory over Ravana. This is celebrated by burning lamps and candles in temples and homes and by fire-works. This is a very important festival all over India.

On this night Govardhana Hill is lit by thousands of lights. Especially lit up is Manasi Ganga in the town of Govardhana.

This festival is celebrated during the month of Kartika (Oct-Nov) on the day after Dipawali. This festival celebrates the offering of a mountain of food items to Govardhana Hill, by Nanda Maharaja and the residences of Braja. In most of the temples of Vridavan and Braja, huge quantities of food are prepared in this ceremony and are very sumptuously distributed to the general population. On this Govardhana Hill is worshiped. A large hill of prasada (sacred food) is made in many temples. Devotees circle the hill and then honor the prasada from this hill. Also models of Govardhana Hill are made of cow dung.

Other Important Fairs and Festivals Rath-ka-Mela - Vrindavan - March Guru Purnima (Muria Puno) - Govardhan - July Hariyali Teej - Braj Mandal - July Janmashtami - Braj Mandal - Aug/Sept Radha Ashtami - Barsana, Gokul - Aug. Annakut - Govardhan, Mathura - Sept./Oct. Yam Dwitiya - Vishram Ghat - Sept./Oct. Kansa Vadh - - Sept. Holi - Braj Mandal - Feb./Mar. Lathmar Holi - Barsana, Nandgaon - Feb./Mar. (Phalguna Shukla 9&10)