Mathura – The Eternal Playground of Lord Krishna
Divya Desam 71 of 108 | Region: Vada Nadu (Northern India – Uttar Pradesh)
Mathura, known as Tiru Vadamadurai in the Divya Desam tradition, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers in India. Revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, this holy city lies on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh and is steeped in spiritual significance, Vaishnavite theology, and divine legends.
Divine Highlights
- Moolavar: Govardhanesan (also known as Balakrishnan)
- Thayar: Satyabhama Nachiyar
- Theertham: Yamuna Nadi
- Vimanam: Govardhana Vimanam
Mathura is the epicenter of Krishna Bhakti and Vaishnavism. The Govardhanagiri Hill and Brindavan, where Krishna performed his Raas Leela, are located nearby. Just 10 km away, Brindavan is one of the holiest places for Krishna devotees.
Legends and Historical Significance
As per the Sthala Purana, after defeating the demon king Lavanasura, Sathrughna, the youngest brother of Lord Rama, established the city of Mathura. This makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities and a city sanctified by both Rama and Krishna Leelas.
The Rangamandir is the principal temple here, with Govardhanesan (Balakrishnan) as the presiding deity. Devotees also flock to the Govindadev Temple, Sri Krishnaji Mandir, and Geetha Mandir, which are integral to the Mathura-Brindavan spiritual experience.
With over a thousand temples and 35 ghats lining the Yamuna, this Divya Desam offers a deeply immersive Vaishnavite pilgrimage.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
- Periyazhwar – 16, 277, 264–274, 341, 399, 430
- Andaal – 478, 538, 539, 560, 569, 617, 624, 634, 637–646
- Tondaradipodiazhwar – 916
- Tirumangai Azhwar – 1512, 1527, 1833, 2673 (74)
- Nammaazhwar – 3439, 3499, 3559–3566
(As found in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham)
These verses vividly glorify the divine sports of Krishna in Mathura and Brindavan, with deep emotional devotion that permeates the Azhwars’ hymns.
Living Vaishnavite Traditions
Mathura is a melting pot of multiple Vaishnavite sampradayas:
- Sri Ramanuja Sampradaya (Sri Vaishnavism)
- Nimbarka Sampradaya
- Madhva Sampradaya
- Vallabha Sampradaya
- Chaitanya Sampradaya (Gaudiya Vaishnavism)
All these traditions enrich the spiritual fabric of this holy city, making Mathura a timeless center of Bhakti, philosophy, and cultural vibrancy.
Travel Tips
- Location: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
- Nearest River: Yamuna
- Nearby Pilgrimage Spots: Brindavan (10 km), Govardhan Hill, Gokul
Best Time to Visit: Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday), Holi, and Kartik month (October–November)
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Experience the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna with a curated spiritual tour covering Mathura, Brindavan, Gokul, Barsana, and other sacred towns of Braj Bhoomi.
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