Mathura Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex- Uttar Pradesh

Address

Mathura Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex- Deeg Marg, near Deeg Gate Chouraha, Janam Bhumi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001Phone: 0565 242 3888

Diety

Keshavdeva (Sri Krishna)

Introduction

Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is located in the holy city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. It is built around the prison cell in which Lord Krishna’s parents, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva were imprisoned by his evil uncle Kansa. The temple is of great significance for the Hindus as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Besides the prison cell, there are other temples located within the Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex dedicated to the deity. On entering the temple, the divine ambience and its purity fill the heart with conviction that this indeed is the place where Lord Krishna manifested himself. Destroyed multiple times by many kings, it was finally built by financial help from industrialists. A visit to the Krishna Janmasthan Temple becomes more pleasing at the time of festivals like Janmashtami, Basant Panchami, Holi and Deepavali which are celebrated with great fervour.

Puranic Significance

Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple has been built around the prison in which Lord Krishna was born. It is believed that it was first constructed by the great-grandson of Krishna Vajranabha 5000 years ago. Then, it was rebuilt in 400 AD during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya. However, it was destroyed in 1017 AD by Mahmud of Ghazni. In 1150 AD, the temple was constructed for the third time during the reign of Raja Dhrupet Dev Janjua, Emperor of Mathura only to be destroyed by Sikandar Lodi, Sultanate of Delhi in the 16th Century. 125 years later during the reign of Jahangir, Raja Veer Singh Bundela rebuilt it with Rs 3.3 million. Again Aurangzeb destroyed it in 1669 AD and built a masjid in its place. When the city of Mathura came under Britishers, the temple area was auctioned in 1815. Late Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya took the initiative to reconstruct the temple by establishing ‘Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi Trust’ on 21st February 1951. With the rigorous efforts of many people, the construction was finally completed in February 1982.

Special Features

Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex Houses Keshavdeva temple, Garbha Griha shrine and Bhagavata Bhavan. Keshavdeva Temple- Located south of the Shahi Eidgah, it was built by Ramkrishna Dalmia in memory of his mother Jadiadevi Dalmia. The construction started on 29 June 1957 and it was inaugurated on 6 September 1958 by Hanuman Prasad Poddar. Garbha Griha Shrine- It is considered as the place of the prison cell where Krishna is believed to be born. A marble pavilion and an underground prison cell were built on the place with spacious veranda. There is shrine near it dedicated to eight-handed goddess Yogmaya. It is located against the rear wall of the Shahi Eidgah. Bhagavata Bhavan- Dedicated to Shrimad Bhagavata, the construction of the temple was started on 11 February 1965. It includes five shrines, the main shrine consists of six-feet tall statues of Radha and Krishna, the shrine of Balarama, Subhadra and Jagannath on right, the temple of Rama Lakshman and Sita on left, Garuda Stambha and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in front of Jagannatha shrine and Hanuman in front 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 devotees. There is a circumambulation path whose walls are engraved with texts from Bhagavad Gita. Potra Kund- It is a large water tank which is believed to be the first bath place of Lord Krishna. Besides these temples, there are other buildings including Ayurveda Bhavan, International Guest House, shops, library and open space for performances.