Mathura and Vrindavan, two of the most significant cities in Uttar Pradesh, are nestled along the banks of the Yamuna River. These locations are deeply revered in Hinduism as they are associated with the birth and early life of Lord Krishna. The temples of Mathura are steeped in devotion and spirituality, with prominent sites like the Dwarkadhish Temple, Krishna Janmabhoomi, and Kesava Deo Temple.
Vrindavan is equally renowned, featuring the famous Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, and the historic ISKCON Temple. These sites attract both pilgrims and tourists, offering stunning architecture, lively celebrations, and a peaceful ambiance that echoes the divine, making the region a cherished pilgrimage destination for Krishna devotees worldwide.
India is renowned for its rich tapestry of holy sites, pilgrimage centers, and sacred shrines, attracting countless spiritual seekers. As the birthplace of Lord Krishna, these revered cities are home to numerous temples that invite pilgrims in search of inner peace and enlightenment. The annual flow of devotees underscores India’s deep spiritual appeal, with the Hindu temples of Vrindavan and Mathura serving as havens for the soul and places for receiving divine blessings, cementing their importance in the country’s spiritual heritage.
1. Banke Bihari temple
The Banke Bihari Temple, a prominent landmark in Mathura Vrindavan, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and was established in 1864. Known for its stunning architecture, the temple attracts visitors from across the country who come to experience its spiritual significance.
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2. Nidhivan Temple
Nidhivan Temple, located in the heart of Vrindavan, is a sacred forest with deep spiritual significance. It is believed to be the site where Lord Krishna engaged in divine pastimes with the cowherd girls.
The temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden, home to trees thought to fulfill wishes, providing a serene atmosphere that inspires worshippers to meditate and strengthen their spiritual connection.
3. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, a renowned temple in Mathura Vrindavan, is revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Drawing millions of devotees annually, the temple is celebrated not only for its spiritual significance but also for its stunning architecture and rich historical importance.
4. Shri Radha Raman Temple
Shri Radha Raman Temple, situated in Vrindavan, is a renowned shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna. Founded by Gopala Bhatta Goswami, the temple is admired for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
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5. Maa Vaishno Devi Dham
The Maa Vaishno Devi Dham temple complex in Vrindavan is a relatively new site inspired by the famous Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. This beautiful temple honors Goddess Vaishno Devi, who is deeply revered by Hindus across India. With its intricate carvings and serene surroundings, the temple stands out as a popular destination in Vrindavan, drawing visitors seeking spiritual solace and blessings from the divine mother.
6. Shri Radha Vallabh Temple
This renowned temple in Vrindavan is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha and was established in the 16th century. It is particularly famous for its stunning architecture, being constructed from red stones, which adds to its beauty and historical significance.
7. Shri Govind Dev Temple
Shri Govind Dev Temple, a well-known temple in Mathura Vrindavan, is devoted to Lord Krishna. Constructed in the 16th century, the temple is celebrated for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. During Janmashtami, the temple draws large crowds of tourists as the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
8. Prem Mandir
Prem Mandir, also known as the ‘Temple of Love,’ is a stunning white marble complex dedicated to Lord Krishna and Sita Ram. Built by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, this modern temple is renowned for its remarkable architecture, making it one of Vrindavan’s largest and most famous temples. The intricate designs carved into the temple and the tranquil lakes and lush gardens draw both worshippers and visitors to Prem Mandir, offering a serene and spiritually uplifting experience.
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9. ISKCON Temple
The ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan, dedicated to Lord Krishna, stands as one of the most renowned temples in the region. Established in 1975, it features exquisite carvings and draws millions of devotees annually.
10. Dwarkadhish Temple
The magnificent Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, is dedicated to Lord Krishna, revered here as the king of Dwarka. Nestled along the Yamuna River, this stunning temple blends architectural styles from Rajasthan and Gujarat. Its intricate marble carvings on the exterior and the serene atmosphere inside draw many devotees seeking peace and a profound spiritual connection.
11. Radha Damodar Temple
The Radha Damodar Temple, a well-known temple in Vrindavan dedicated to Lord Krishna, was founded by Srila Jiva Goswami. The temple opens early with the Mangala Aarti, starting at 4:30 am.
12. Chamunda Devi Temple
Located in the heart of Vrindavan, the Chamunda Devi Temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, a fierce form of Goddess Durga. Considered one of the oldest temples in the area, its history dates back to the 1500s. The temple’s main attraction is a self-manifested idol of the goddess, which is believed to hold great spiritual power and grant the wishes of devotees.
13. Radha Madan Mohan Temple
The renowned temples in Mathura are built on a sprawling expanse of land and are among the oldest in Vrindavan, primarily dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna. Most temples in Mathura and Vrindavan feature a deity of Lord Krishna. Standing 18.288 meters tall on a hilltop, the temple is easily noticeable to tourists. Its unique purity and charm make this oval structure particularly appealing to visitors.
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14. Govind Devji Temple
The Govind Devji Temple, a well-known marble temple in Vrindavan, is dedicated to Lord Krishna, worshiped here as Govind Devji. Located in the heart of Vrindavan, the temple exudes a peaceful atmosphere and is adorned with intricate marble carvings on its walls. The idol of Govind Devji is highly regarded for its beautiful representation of Krishna, attracting devotees from far and wide.
15. Jaipur Temple
The Jaipur Temple, also known as Shri Radha Govind Dev Ji Mandir, was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, with beautiful statues of them inside. The temple’s unique design, featuring detailed sculptures and a pink stone exterior, is visually appealing and draws many worshippers and visitors.
16. Jugal Kishore Temple
The Jugal Kishore Temple in Vrindavan is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his brother Balaram and is one of the oldest temples in the area. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and an ancient tree inside, believed to grant wishes. Devotees often pray and walk around the tree, hoping their wishes will be fulfilled and to receive divine blessings.
17. Gita Mandir, Mathura
Among the many Hindu temples in Mathura, Gita Mandir, also known as Birla Mandir, is a must-visit. It is located a few kilometers from the city center, on the way to Vrindavan. What makes this temple unique are the carvings of Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna during the Kurukshetra War.
At the entrance, you can see all 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita engraved on the pillars. Made from red sandstone, the temple combines Hindu and Western architectural styles. Inside, you will find idols of Lord Krishna, Narayana, Rama, Goddess Lakshmi, and Sita. The temple also features a large painting of Krishna’s chariot and various other paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses on its marble walls.
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18. Baba Jaigurudev Mandir, Mathura
Compared to other temples in Mathura, Baba Jaigurudev Mandir is not very well-known. However, its striking white structure and domes have earned it a reputation among visitors for resembling the Taj Mahal. Also called Naam Yog Sadhna Mandir, it is particularly famous for the Bhandara festival held in August. A unique aspect of this temple is that it does not accept donations from non-vegetarians.
19. Kesava Deo Temple, Mathura
Kesava Deo Temple, a revered pilgrimage site in Uttar Pradesh, is located near the Krishna Janmabhoomi Complex in Mathura. This temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is believed to have originally housed a deity placed by Krishna’s great-grandson, Shri Bajranabh.
A distinctive feature of Kesava Deo Temple is its own festival calendar, with all events celebrated within the temple grounds. It is especially popular among Hindu pilgrims for the unique Lathmar Holi festival. Other major festivals celebrated here include Krishna Janmashtami and Chhappan Bhog. Nearby, about 250 meters away, there is a smaller shrine with a similar name, which claims to have witnessed Lord Krishna’s presence and displays various images of Vasudeva, Devaki, and four-armed Krishna.
20. Shri Rangji Mandir, Vrindavan
Shri Rangji Mandir, the largest temple in Vrindavan, was built in 1851 and features Dravidian-style architecture. Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, the temple displays the deity in the Sheshashayee pose, resting on the Sesha Naga.
Within the temple, there are also idols of other deities like Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, Goddess Sita, Lord Narasimha, Lord Venugopala, and Lord Ramanujacharya. However, non-Hindu visitors can only access the courtyard, and non-Indians are permitted only up to the first two gates.
The design of Shri Rangji Mandir is inspired by the Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple in Srirangam. It uniquely combines Dravidian architecture with elements of both South and North Indian styles. The temple also has two Jaipur-style stone gates and five rectangular enclosures around the sanctum, offering a rich visual experience for visitors.
21. Gopi Nath Temple, Vrindavan
The Gopi Nath Temple in Vrindavan, known for its resemblance to the Sri Madan Mohan Temple, is a significant spiritual site. Originally built in 1632 by Ray Singh, the son of Maharaja Kalyanamala of Bikaner, the temple was reconstructed in 1819 after being destroyed by Aurangzeb.
The temple is primarily dedicated to Shri Krishna and Radha but also houses deities of Lalita Sakhi, Radhika, Gopi Nath, Jahnava Thakurani, and Mahaprabhu Shri Gaurasundara, who are also worshipped here.
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22. Priyakant Ju Temple, Vrindavan
The Priyakant Ju Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is an elegantly designed structure that resembles a lotus. Standing 125 feet tall, it is flanked by ponds and fountains that showcase classic Indian architecture.
In the evenings, the entire temple complex lights up with neon white lights, creating a stunning view. Situated along the route to Prem Mandir, the temple is easily accessible for visitors.
23. Radharamana Temple, Vrindavan
Radharamana Temple in Vrindavan is considered one of the most sacred temples and is a must-visit for pilgrims. The name “Radharamana” refers to Lord Krishna as the one who brings joy to Radha. The temple was established by Gopala Bhatta Gosvami.
Since 1542, the temple has been a place of worship, with the belief that Lord Krishna manifested his divine presence from a Salagram-Shila on a full moon day of Vaisakhi. Every year, on this special day, the idol of Lord Krishna is bathed in milk and other sacred items, and the blessed milk, or Charanamrita, is given to devotees.
Other Salagram-Shilas are also worshipped on this day. A notable feature of the temple is the kitchen fire, which has been continuously burning for over 460 years, used for cooking since the temple’s founding.
24. Bhuteshwar Temple
Located in Bhuteshwar Tiraha, Mathura, the Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple is a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Bhuteshwar Mahadev. The temple houses an ancient Mahadev Linga, established after the defeat of the demon Madhu. Within the temple grounds, there is also a Shaktipeeth where a ringlet of Mata Sati is believed to have fallen.
Though the temple is in a narrow lane, it is just a short walk from the main road, making parking convenient. Inside the temple complex, there are also shrines dedicated to Mother Kali, Shri Patal Devi, Shri Giriraj Maharaj, and others. Pilgrims frequently visit this temple to offer prayers, especially during important festivals like Shivratri.
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25. Shahji Temple, Vrindavan
Shahji Temple, a prominent religious destination in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its remarkable architectural beauty. The temple’s design uniquely blends Greek, Mughal, and Hindu architectural styles, creating a distinct atmosphere.
Originally built as a palace for Sri Krishna and Radha, the temple now serves as a place of worship for devotees. It features 15-foot-high spiral columns and stunning Belgian glass chandeliers. Inside, visitors can also admire statues depicting Raasleela and vibrant, multi-colored ceiling paintings. Despite being over 140 years old, Shahji Temple continues to draw both devotees and tourists.
26. Shri Krishna Balaram Mandir (ISKCON), Vrindavan
Among the many temples in Vrindavan, Shri Krishna Balaram Mandir stands out as a breathtaking sight and is regarded as one of the most important ISKCON temples in India. Built with white marble, the temple welcomes visitors with an archway and elegant peacock-adorned stairways on both sides.
This temple holds special importance for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). It was established by ISKCON’s founder, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and reflects the divine phases of Sri Krishna.
Inside, there are three main altars: the first altar features the idols of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, representing Nityananda Prabhu and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu; the central altar showcases the deities of Sri Krishna and Balaram, the divine brothers; and the third altar displays the idols of Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara along with the gopis, Vishakha and Lalita.
27. Yam Yamuna Temple
The Yum Yamuna Temple, also known as Yamuna-Dharamraj Temple, is located near Vishram Ghat in Mathura. The temple features silver gilding on the exterior and a small doorway that requires visitors to bend slightly to enter.
Inside, the temple is quite simple, with the main deities, Yum and Yamuna, made of black stone and positioned at the center of the room. These deities are believed to be around 4,900 years old.
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28. Adi Varaha Temple
Shri Adi Varaha Temple, located near the famous Dwarkadheesh Temple in Mathura, is known as one of the city’s oldest temples. What sets this temple apart is its presiding deity, Shri Adi Varaha, who is red in color and referred to as ‘Lal Varaha.’ The temple is open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, and in the afternoon from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM during summers, and from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM during winters.
29. Radha Rani Temple
Nestled in the heart of Barsana, near Mathura, the Radha Rani Temple stands as a beacon of devotion and splendor. Revered as the birthplace of Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna, this ancient temple is perched atop the Bhanugarh Hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding sacred landscape.
The temple’s architecture is a marvel, with its intricate carvings and vibrant frescoes that depict scenes from Radha and Krishna’s life, embodying the essence of Vrindavan’s spiritual heritage. During the festive season of Lathmar Holi, the temple comes alive with a riot of colors and the joyous sounds of devotees who gather in thousands to recreate the playful antics of Radha and Krishna, making it a profound cultural and spiritual spectacle.
This sacred site not only offers a glimpse into the divine love story but also serves as a pilgrimage that draws seekers from around the world, eager to feel the serenity and devotion that Barsana encapsulates.
30. Nand Bhawan
Nand Bhawan, located in the revered town of Mathura, is a site of immense historical and religious significance. It is traditionally known as the residence of Nanda Maharaj, the foster father of Lord Krishna. This quaint structure stands as a testament to the childhood tales of Krishna, attracting devotees who wish to connect with the early years of the deity’s life.
Characterized by its simple yet profound architecture, Nand Bhawan is adorned with murals and sculptures that narrate the mischievous and miraculous events of Krishna’s youth. Visitors often experience a profound sense of peace and timelessness, walking through the same spaces where ancient legends say divine plays were enacted.
The annual celebration of Krishna Janmashtami sees Nand Bhawan beautifully decorated and bustling with pilgrims from across the globe, coming together to honor the birth and legacy of Lord Krishna in this sacred space.
31. Shri Pagal Baba Temple, Vrindavan
Shri Pagal Baba Temple, located in the holy town of Vrindavan, is a unique and spiritually uplifting site that captures the essence of devotion in its remarkable structure. Founded by the revered saint Pagal Baba, the temple is distinguished by its modern multi-storied white marble construction, which stands out amidst the more traditional architecture of Vrindavan.
Each floor of the temple depicts different scenes from the Hindu epics, particularly the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, through meticulously crafted dioramas and statues, providing a visual treat and spiritual education to visitors. The temple is especially known for its lively puppet shows that narrate the pastimes of Lord Krishna, attracting both children and adults alike.
The serene ambiance, combined with the melodious sounds of bhajans and the temple’s charitable activities, make Shri Pagal Baba Temple a beacon of hope and faith in the region, drawing devotees and tourists who seek a deeper understanding of Vrindavan’s rich spiritual heritage.
32. Katyayani Peeth
Katyayani Peeth in Vrindavan is one of the Shaktipeeths, revered for its divine embodiment of Goddess Katyayani, an aspect of Goddess Durga. This sacred site attracts devotees who seek blessings and spiritual solace. Positioned amidst serene surroundings, the temple offers a profound sense of peace.
Devotees particularly flock here during the Navratri festival to participate in the grand celebrations and rituals dedicated to the goddess. The temple’s spiritual aura and its picturesque setting make it a pivotal destination for spiritual seekers and worshippers.
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33. Dauji Mandir
Dauji Mandir, located in the historic town of Mathura, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Balarama, also known as Dauji, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. This revered temple showcases an impressive display of traditional architecture with intricate carvings and elaborate frescoes that depict various pastimes of the deities.
The main deity, a majestic black stone idol of Lord Balarama, stands powerfully in the sanctum, drawing worshippers from across regions. The temple is particularly lively during festivals like Holi and Balarama Jayanti, where devotees participate in vibrant celebrations, making Dauji Mandir a center of cultural and spiritual activity in Mathura.
34. Chandrawali temple, Mathura
Chandrawali Temple, situated near Mathura, is a lesser-known gem steeped in the lore of Lord Krishna. This temple is dedicated to Chandrawali, believed to be one of Krishna’s beloveds, rivaling even Radha in some tales.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the temple offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling pilgrim paths of Vrindavan and Mathura. The serene environment and the rustic charm of the temple architecture provide a perfect backdrop for meditation and prayer. Devotees visit this sacred site to delve into the quieter aspects of Krishna’s legends, making it a poignant stop on the Braj pilgrimage circuit.
