Famous Temples and Ghats of Mathura-Vrindavan
By Pawan Sharma
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, the
holy land of India where the Hindu deity Lord Krishna, the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu had spent a major
part of his childhood in this small, humble town next to the Yamuna river. Lord Vishnu is the preserver of this
universe, who takes different incarnations in every era(yug) to protect human civilization and religion.
Vishnu is one of the three main gods in Hinduism(Sanatan dharma) and is the supreme being in the Vaishnava tradition.
Vrindavan literally means van (forest) of Tulasi (vrinda), the sacred basil plant whose leaves and blossoms are
offered to Krishna by his devotees as part of their worship. Other interpretations of the name Vrindavan include
“Forest of Devotion” and “Land of Community”. Vrindavan also spelled Vrindaban and Brindaban, is about 11 km from
Mathura (birthplace of Krishna) district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most sacred places in
Vaishnavism. It is located in the Braj Bhoomi region. Vrindavan has many temples dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna. Millions of devotees of Radha Krishna from across the world visit Vrindavan and its nearby areas every
year to participate in a number of festivals. The common salutation or greetings used in the Braj region by its
residents is Radhe Radhe which is associated with the Goddess Radha.
Vrindavan, the land of Radharani and the city of temples (mandirs) has more than 1000 temples to showcase the
pastimes of Radha and Krishna. Some of the famous temples are Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple, Banke Bihari Temple,
Sri Radha Raman Mandir, Sri Krishna-Balarama Temple (Iskcon temple), Prem Mandir, Priya Kant Ju, Shree Rangnath
Ji, Katayayni Peeth, Govind Devji Temple and Nidhivan Temple.
Ghats of Vrindavan
Being situated close to the holy Yamuna River, Vrindavan is also home to numerous Ghats. The origin of the English
'ghat' is Sanskrit: घट्ट, ghaṭṭa and is normally translated as ghaṭ, quay, landing or bathing place, as well as,
steps by a river-side. Along with the temples, you must also visit the famous ghats of Vrindavan or Mathura, with which the stories of Lord Krishna's childhood along with other deities are associated. The names of some important
Ghats are Keshi Ghat, Vishram Ghat Radha, Bagh Ghat, Sri Andhra Chat Ghat, Kaliya Daman Ghat, Sri Varaha Ghat,
Chir Ghat, Bihari Ghat, Surya Ghat, Gopal Ghat, Govind Ghat, Bhramar Ghat, Imli Tala Ghat, Yugal Ghat, Sri Raj
Ghat, Adi Badri Ghat, Sri Jagannath Ghat, and Shringar Vat Ghat. Most of these were constructed under
the patronage of various kings in the 16th-17th century.
Whenever you visit these ghats in the evening, you will find devotees performing bhajan-kirtan, dancing, or worship.
After the evening Aarti, lamps will be seen floating in the Yamuna River, there is a feeling of positive energy
all the time. These ghats are not only for worship or religious activities but are also tourist places. Motor boats
and rudder boats also run on these ghats from morning till evening. You can enjoy boating on the Yamuna River, this
boat charges you up to 50rs, 100rs, or 200rs.
Popular Ghats
Keshi Ghat
is
one of the most beautiful ghats of Yamuna with stone-inlaid palaces on the banks and massive Madanmohan
Temple (Lord Krishna) visible in the backdrop. This ghat is named after the pastime of Lord Krishna killing the
demon Keshi. The tale of the slaying of Keshi is told in the Hindu scriptures of Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Harivamsa. Krishna is often praised as Keshava - the slayer of Keshi - in the scriptures. The
demon Keshi (horse-demon) was dispatched by Krishna's evil uncle Kansa, who was destined to die at Krishna's
hands. After killing Keshi, Krishna came down to the ghat on the banks of the Yamuna to take his bath because
his hand was stuck in Keshi’s dirty mouth. From then on this ghat came to be known as Keshi Ghat. You can
peacefully enjoy the evening arti that starts at 4:30 PM. However, you will need at least two hours to enjoy the beauty
of the ghat. Although it is open 24 hours. You can enjoy boating during sunset, and you can also donate lamps in the Yamuna river.
Address: Namita Rd, Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
281121
Vishram
Ghat,
the most renowned Ghat on the banks of river Yamuna in Mathura (the birthplace of Lord Krishna),
India. It is the main ghat of Mathura and is central to 25 other ghats. The traditional parikrama starts and ends
at Vishram Ghat. It’s a bath place as well as a worship place. According to Hindu(Sanatan) religion history,
the tired Lord Krishna, after killing his demon maternal uncle Kansa took a rest at this place. The literal
meaning of ‘Vishram’ is to take ‘rest’ and ‘Ghat’ refers to ‘ place’. Thus the name Vishram Ghat came into existence
after Lord Krishna took a rest here. Devotees take religious bath and holy dips in the river Yamuna.
A Grand aarti is organized every evening. During the aarti, conch shells, drums, and bells are played with
energy. The aarti of holy Yamuna is sung, pandas (priests) perform the aarti with big lamps in their hands and the
devotees on the banks of the ghat or in a boat with a small lamp or diyas perform the aarti and enjoy the moment. After
the aarti, the devotees immerse the lamps or diyas in the water of Yamuna, and when the reflection of the light
of the lamps or diyas falls in the water, the whole river lit up, and the view is mesmerizing. The morning arti
timings in summer are 7 A.M. to 7.15 A.M., and in winter, it's 6.45 A.M. to 7 A.M. The evening aarti timings are 7
P.M., both in summer and winter. The best time to visit the Vishram Ghat is between October to March. The
occasion of Bhai Dooj is also an important day to see the Vishram Ghat. During this festive event, a huge
crowd gathers on the second day of Diwali for the traditional aarti.
Address: Gol Pada, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Whether you belong to India or whatever country you live in but if you are a great devotee of Shri Krishna, then you must have come to Vrindavan, Mathura, Gokul, and Govardhan once in your life. The holy soil here, the water of the mother Yamuna river flowing with purity, and be sure to have darshan(view) of Thakur Ji who is seated in the holy temples here. If Thakur ji is pleased, you will make up your mind to settle down in Vrindavan itself.
Best place to stay in Vrindavan
Although there are many hotels and dharamsalas to stay in Vrindavan and Mathura, it is not possible that every devotee can afford the hotel or dharamsala. For this, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has built a "Tourist Facility Center". Here you will get mattresses, beds, and private rooms for a day stay for 50, 100, and 150 rupees. Food is also available for Rs.50. This facility center is close to the famous Pagal Baba Mandir, from where rickshaws, taxis, and buses are easily available.
Address: Yamuna Expressway Link Rd, Kailash Nagar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Watch our cinematic travel video "Ghats of Vrindavan"
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