The most important landmark of Mathura is Sri Krishna
Janmbhoomi or the birthplace of Lord Krishna. A temple stands
there on the site now. When you enter the compound, narrow passage
leads into a small room with a raised platform to the left.
Beautiful pictures of the child Krishna adorn the platform.
The story of his birth is both written and illustrated on the
walls. A narrow set of marble steps lead you to the terrace
and a walled corridor, creating the effect of a prison, leads
you out. The Jama Masjid as the backdrop to the temple looks
majestic. The prison and the other buildings were razed to the
ground in the 17th century. Much later, in 1962, industrialists
like G.D. Birla, restored a portion of it and created a shrine
for pilgrims to pay homage.
Rangbhoomi
Rangbhoomi is located opposite the post office in
Mathura. This was the wrestling arena where Krishna killed Kansa
in a duel and set his parents free reinstating his maternal
grandfather Ugrasena on the throne.
Vishram Ghat
The most important bathing ghat of Mathura is the
Vishram Ghat. It is here that Krishna took vishram (rest) after
killing Kansa.
Archeological Museum
But Mathura is not just a land of temples. It is
also a great center of Buddhism. In the museum of Mathura stands
a powerful, impressive Bodhisttava, which belongs to the Kushana
period. Mathura stakes claim to the honors of having produced
the first images of Buddha. The Mathura school of art, which
flourished during Kushana time, was influenced both by Buddhism
and Jainism and by the Scythians. The coins found during archaeological
excavations in Mathura point to Scythian influence, plaques
depicting the cross-legged naked figures of Tirthankara in meditation
point to Jainism. Perhaps the latter inspired the Buddhists
to depict their own teacher.
Other Places to Visit
The Sati Burj, Kans Qila, Jama Masjid and Dwarkadheesh
temple are other places to see in Mathura. Mathura is equally
important to Buddhists, Jains and the Pashupati (the worshippers
of Shiva) sect of Hinduism. But Krishna legends overwhelm them
all.
Mathura - Location and Transportation
Mathura is located at a distance of around 47 km
off Agra. Both the places are linked with regular trains and
roads. It takes almost 1 hour to reach Mathura from Agra. To
move inside the city, you can use the local taxis or autos,
which are available easily.
