Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex, Mathura – The Temple Complex

Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex, Mathura – The Temple Complex

The Temples from the 16^th century CE are seen here. The chief temples here are those of Govinddev, Radha Vallabh, Gopinath, Jugalkishore and Madanmohan. There are more than a thousand temples and 32 Ghats in this town. There are also temples to Rangaji, and those built by Lal Babu the Maharaja of Gwalior. The red stone temple of Govindaji is an impressive one built in 1590 under the direction of two gurus Rupa and Santana. The image of Govinddevji apparently was moved to Jaipur fearing Aurangzeb.

The Rangdev temple in the Sri Vaishnava tradition was built by Seth Govinddas and Radhakrishnan in the south Indian Dravidian architectural style. Virtually every site in Mathura is associated with legends related to Krishna. The Dwarakadheesh temple in Mathura is a modern temple. The Gita Mandir is located on the Mathura Brindavan road. Gokul near Mathura, is where Krishna was raised; Mahaban is said to be the seat of the palace of Nanda, Krishna's foster father. Barsana is said to be the original home of Radha.

Most temples in the town of Brindavan are associated with several of the Leelas of Krishna at Brindavan. Brindavan became a center of religion from the 15^th century onward. The Ramanuja Sampradaya and the Nimbarka Vaishnava Sampradaya (performing Sankirtans primarily) and the Madhava sampradaya (which worships Krishna without Radha), the Vallabha and Chaitanya traditions are the leading Vaishnava sampradayas here.

The temple where the Alwars did their Mangalasasanam on the Lord Vishnu is not found now since they are destroyed by the Mohammed kings and now at that place, a big mosque is built. Close to this, the place where Vasudeva and Devaki are prisoned is found. This place is considered to be the Holy and spiritual place, since that prison is said to be the Birth place of Sri Krishnar. And places like where Sri Krishnar did Vadham (killed) of Kamsa and the Elephant and a place by named "Vichranthi", where Sri Krishna took rest on the banks of Yamuna river are said to be some of the places which should be compulsorily seen by the Devotees.

Presiding Deity of this Divya Desam is Govardhana Nesan. He is also called as Balakrishnan. He was said to be in standing posture facing east. Mother is called as Satyabhama. Theerthams associated with this Temple are Indra Theertham, Govardhana Theertham and Yamuna Theertham. Vimanam over the sanctum is Govardhana Vimaanam. The present temple complex contains Keshavdeva Temple, Garbha Griha shrine and Bhagavata Bhavan.

Keshavdeva Temple:

The Keshavdeva Temple was built by Ramakrishna Dalmia in memory of his mother Jadiadevi Dalmia. The construction of the temple started on 29 June 1957 and inaugurated on 6 September 1958 by Hanuman Prasad Poddar. It is located south of the Shahi Eidgah.

Garbha Griha shrine:

It is said that Shahi Eidgah was constructed on the Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall) of the original temple and the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) was left. It is considered as the place of the prison cell where Krishna is believed to have born. A marble pavilion and a prison cell were built on the place with spacious veranda. There is shrine near it dedicated to eight-handed goddess Yogmaya. It is located east of the Shahi Eidgah.

Bhagavata Bhavan:

The construction of the temple dedicated to Shrimad Bhagavata was started on 11 February 1965 and the installation ceremony of the deities were held on 12 February 1982. It includes five shrines: the main shrine having six-feet tall couple of Radha and Krishna; the shrine of Balarama, Subhadra and Jagannatha on right; the temple of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita on left, Garuda Stambha and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in front of Jagannatha shrine and Hanuman in from of Ram shrine, the temple of Durga and the temple with Shivalinga. The ceiling, walls and pillars of the assembly hall are adorned with frescoes depicting life events of Krishna and his associates and devotees. The text of Bhagavad Gita engraved on copper plates adorn the walls of the parikrama (circumambulation) of the main temple.

Potra Kund or Pavitra Kund:

There is a stepped water tank, Potra Kund or Pavitra Kund, nearby which is said to be used for the first bath of child Krishna after his birth.

Places associated with Sri Krishna Life:

Mathura town is surrounded by lots and lots of beautiful places and all these places makes us to remember the childhood days of Sri Krishnan.

Govardhanagiri:

About 8 miles away from Mathura is a place called "Govardhanagiri" is found, where Sri Krishnar and all of his cowherd friends grazed cows. This Govardhanagiri is a beautiful place, which has beautiful and pleasant surroundings and a temple is built on the top of the hill by Sri Vallabhacharyar. Devotees after visiting Govardhanagiri, at the foot of the hill of Govardhanagiri a temple for Lakshmi - Narayanar is found where worship is done as per the regulations laid down by Sri Ramanujar.

Nandhi Gramam:

Close to this temple, a river that flows deep and broad, is found and 18 Km away from Govardhanagiri, as a remembrance of Nandagopa and Yasodha, a small town is constructed with the name "Nandhi Gramam" on the hill top and a temple for Bala Krishnar is found.

Brindavan:

About 6 miles away from Mathura lies Brindavan, where Sri Krishnar along with all other Yadavas led their lives in peace. This is the place where Sri Krishnar spent his childhood days along with his cowherd friends and did lots of Leelas.

Rangaji Mandir:

On the banks of Yamuna river, a temple by named "Rangaji Mandir" is found. Separate Shrines for Sri Ranganathar, Sri Andal, Lord Sri Srinivasar and Sri Ramar are found. Worship services are conducted here by Tamil Sree Vaishnava priests.