Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi is a religious temple located in the crowded city of Mathura.

This temple is the birthplace of

ancient Hindugod Lord Krishna.[1][2] It is a prison cell belonging to Kamsa where Lord Krishna was born.
History
According to historians, the prison cell, popularly known as 'Garbha Griha', in the temple premise is the exact place where lord
Krishna was born. The stone walled cell is reminiscent of the cruelty of King Kansa. Many statues and sculptures of the bygone
era were found on excavating the site. The prison cell was gradually turned into the present beautiful temple. Lakhs of devotees
throng the temple during Janmashtami. The festivities and celebrations during the festival is famous all over India. Celebrations
begin during mid night with the birth of Bhagwan.[3]
Location:
Mathura, the birth city of Krishna is situated on the banks of river Yamuna and is approximately 145 km from the capital city
Delhi. The town is renowned for being host to the most revered temple of Shri Krishna-the famous Krishna Janma Bhoomi
Mandir. The temple is the place where lord is said to have been born thousands of years ago. Along with neighboring towns
Govardhan, Nandgaon and Vrindavan, the area is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.The temple is located in the middle of the
city mathura
Tourism
Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple is the most sought after devout centers in Mathura. Its predominance over the other holy spots
are due to the belief that the temple stands on the same place where Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudev. Numerous articles
excavated from the site bare testimony to the legendary story of Krishnaa birth. References to the temple in a book
by volcanologist David Richardson have helped increase tourism.[5] No cameras, shoulder bags and mobile phones are allowed
inside as a security measure
Tourism[edit]
Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple is the most sought after devout centers in Mathura. Its predominance over the other holy spots
are due to the belief that the temple stands on the same place where Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudev. Numerous articles
excavated from the site bare testimony to the legendary story of Krishnaa birth. References to the temple in a book
by volcanologist David Richardson have helped increase tourism.[5] No cameras, shoulder bags and mobile phones are allowed
inside as a security measure
MATHURA AND VRINDAVANA GENERAL INFORMATION
Vrindavana and Mathura are the most important places of pilgrimage for devotees of Krishna. Krishna was born in Mathura and
spent His childhood in Vrindavan. There are over 5,000 temples in Vrindavan.
The city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajabhumi, is located 140 km south-east of Delhi and 60 km north-west of
Agra. Covering an area of about 3,800 sq. km., Brajabhumi can be divided into two distinct units the eastern part in the transYamuna tract with places like Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and Bajna and the western side of the Yamuna covering the Mathura
region that encompasses Vrindavan, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon (Nandagram).
The land of Braj starts from Kotban near Hodel about 95 km from Delhi and ends at Runakuta which is known specially for its
association with the poet Surdas, an ardent Krishna devotee. A long line of picturesque ghats with their steps leading to the
waters edge, arched gateways and temple spires extending along the right bank of the River Yamuna, emphasize the sacred
character of the town of Mathura. The birth place of Lord Krishna, Mathura is today an important place of pilgrimage.
Lord Krishna is the most popular person here. Every square foot of Mathura-Vrindavan is wrapped in timeless devotion to Lord
Krishna, the eternal hero, the lover of Radha and the cowherd-prince. Mathura without Lord Krishna is like Bethlehem without
Jesus. Welcome to Brajabhumi, Krishnas land.
To enable everyone to see the area in a traditional spiritual way, every year in Kartika (Oct/Nov) ISKCON puts on a Braja
Mandala parikrama. This one-month walking tour goes to all 12 forests in Vrindavan and visits most of major places in the Braja
area including Mathura, Radha Kund, Varsana, Nandagrama, Gokula, Vrindavan, and Govardhana Hill. It is traditional to do this
walk barefoot, although shoes are permitted.
Location
The city of Mathura is located in the western part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the north of India. It is a part of the great
northern plains and is situated on the west bank of the river Yamuna. Mathura is 140 km south of Delhi and 60 km northwest of
Agra. The climate of Mathura is extreme and tropical. Summers are extremely hot and winters are cold and foggy. It experiences
southwestern monsoon rains from July to September.
History
An ancient city whose origins fade into the mists of history, Mathuras strategic location at the cross roads of various trade routes
that went westwards to West Asia and the Roman Empire; northwards, via Taxila, Pushkalavati and Purushapur to Central Asia
and the Silk Route and eastwards to China ensured its position as a center of trade and a meeting point for varied cultures.
By the fifth century BC, during the time of Buddha, it was a major metropolis and the capital of the Surasena kingdom one of
the 16 Mahajanapadas of the period. Mathura saw its `golden age during the rule of the Kushanas and the able governance of
rulers like Kanishka, Huvishka, and Vasishka, when the arts flourished and economic wealth grew. It remained a center of power
during the Mauryan period, through the enlightened rule of Emperor Ashoka to the Gupta era (4th century AD).
More detailed history of the area is described in Interim period.

Braj Culture in Mathura

It has often been said that it is easier to count the number of dust particles on the surface of the earth than to count the number of
holy places in Mathura. Each of the ghats, for instance, has its own Krishna story (like Visram-ghat where He rested after killing
his evil and tyrannical uncle, King Kansa).
Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in Mathura. His father Vasudev aided by goddess Yogamaya brought him out of Mathura,
across the raging river Yamuna into the house of Nanda in Gokula. Krishna spent his early childhood here and revealed His
divinity. His uncle Kansas murderous attempts lead Krishna to leave Gokula and move to Nandgaon, a more secure home high
up on a hill. From here the young Krishna the cowherd boy would wander into the Vrindavan forests to play with His friends and
dally with Radha, His consort. Vrindavan, is a transcendental world, a place of Krishnas lila. Each tree in the area speaks, as it
were, of the love of the Divine Couple.
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Sri Krishna along with the gopis had danced the rasa dance on the banks of the Yamuna in
Vrindavan. When the gopis felt conceited about Lord Krishna dancing with them, He disappeared from their midst. In the agony
of separation from their beloved Krishna, the gopis recalled and enacted His lilas (divine pastimes of His life) which in course of
time came to be known as the Rasalilas. The Rasalila in its present form is ascribed to Svami Haridas and Sri Narayan Bhatt. As
per the custom only young Brahmin boys of 13 to 14 years of age take part in this Rasalila performance. The charming childhood
pranks of Sri Krishna constitute the main them of these dramas.
Temple architecture
The basic structure of temples in India is a room or garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) where the image (murti) of the main Deity
is kept. The temple is approached by a flight of steps and is often built on a platform. A porch covers the entrance to the temple,
which is supported by carved pillars. A prominent roof called the shikhara surmounts the top of the garbhagriha, and dominates
the surroundings. As time went by, small temples grew into temple complexes. Some temples have a hall (mandap) from where
one can see the sanctum sanctorum.
Temple architecture in India is broadly divided into northern and southern styles, classified by the form and shape of the shikhara
and the distinctiveness of its decoration. The shikhara of the temples in South India tend to be made up of distinct horizontal
levels that diminish to form a rough pyramid. Each level is decorated with miniature temple rooftops. Some temples from South
India also have tall shikharas over the elaborate gateways or gopurams to add to the overall symmetry to the temple complex.
The shikhara of the temples in North and Central India, in contrast, resembles an upturned cone that is decorated with miniature
conical shikharas. Some temples developed their own local flavor apart from adhering to their basic native style.
Most of the temples in Vrindavan belong to the North Indian style of temple architecture, while a few conform to a mixed style.
Most of the temples now present in Vrindavan were constructed after AD 1000, while some of them are of recent origin.
Main Temples and Holy Places of Mathura
Dvarkadhish Temple
The Dvarkadhish Temple, built in 1814, is a popular temple in the center of Mathura town. This is the most visited temple in the
center of Mathura and is managed by followers of Vallabhacarya. Once you enter this temple from the street, it is fairly
interesting architecturally. It is located in the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River. The temple is a hub of
activity during the festive days of Holi, Janmashtami and Divali.
Kesavadeva Temple, Jami and Katra Masjids (mosques)
Jami Masjid on a plinth raised above street level a little way north, was completed in 1661 by Aurangzebs governor Abd-unNabi. It has long since lost its original vivid glazed tiles, but remains surrounded by four minarets and assorted outer pavilions.
Around 500 m west stands another of Aurangzebs mosques, the impressive red sandstone Katra Masjid. This was erected on the
foundations of the once-famous Kesava Deo temple, destroyed by the Moghul emperor, which had itself been built on the ruins
of a Buddhist monastery. Some traces of the Hindu temple can be seen around the back, where the Sri Krishna Janmasthan or
Janmabhumi complex now stands. Directly behind the mosque, approached through a corridor, a shrine marks Krishnas exact
birthplace (janmasthan); its cage-like surround signifies that He was born in captivity, when His parents were prisoners of the
tyrant king Kamsa.
Vrindavan The City Of Temples
Vrindavan, around 15 km from Mathura, is a little town and a major place of pilgrimage on the banks of Yamuna. Attracting
about 500 000 pilgrims every year, mainly during major festivals like Janmashtami, Holi and Radhashtami, it is noted for its
numerous temples, both old and modern, big and small (allegedly 5000 altogether). Vrindavan is synonymous with the childhood
pastimes of Sri Krishna.
Vrindavan is also the center for various Vaishava groups. In a centuries-old tradition Hindu widows have been coming to live out
the rest of their lives in Vrindavan. They are expected to shed all physical adornments, including long hair, wear only white
cotton saris and lead an austere lifestyle. In Vrindavan there are thousands of widows coming mostly from Bengal. They begin
their day by bathing in the Yamuna and congregate at ashrams to sing bhajans (devotional songs). In return, they get a daily
ration of rice and pulses and some cash. Subsisting on charitable donations made by wealthy traders, the widows pass their life in
devotion to Krishna, the Supreme Lord.
History
The name Vrindavan is derived from Vrinda, another name for the sacred tulsi (basil) plant. It is said that the entire place was
a tulsi grove at one time. According to another tradition, it was named after Vrinda Devi, one of Krishnas consorts. The earliest
known shrine in Vrindavan is said to have been built by the local Gosvamis in a large garden called Nidhiban. According to
tradition, Mughal Emperor Akbar was taken blindfolded inside the grove where he had some kind of a spiritual experience. As a
result, he acknowledged the spot as being holy ground.
The four temples that were built in honor of his visit are Madan Mohan, Govinda Deva, Gopinath, and Jugal Kishore.
Main Temples
Madan Mohan Temple on the riverside is the oldest structure in Vrindavan. This famous temple was established by Srila
Sanatana Gosvami and was the first Gosvami temple built in Vrindavan, which at that time was just a forest. The original Deity

of Madana Mohana was discovered at the base of an old vat (banyan) tree by Advaita Acarya, when He visited Vrindavan. He
entrusted the worship of Madana Mohana to His disciple, Purusottama Chaube, who then gave the Deity to Sanatana Gosvami.
Sanatana Gosvami spend 43 years in Vrindavan. Worshiped along with Madana Mohana are Radharani and Lalita, who were sent
to Vrindavan by Purusottama Jena, the son of Maharaja Prataparudra.
This 60 foot high temple was opened in 1580 on a 50 foot hill called Dvadasaditya Tila, next to the Yamuna. Ram Das Kapoor
paid to build the temple. One day a ship he owned, loaded with merchandise, went aground in the Yamuna. He was advised by
Sanatana Gosvami to pray to Madana Mohana for help. The ship came free and the owner of the ship made a big profit, which he
used to built this temple.
The temple is associated with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu who stayed here. Due to the fear of Muslim onslaughts on the temple the
original murti was moved to Rajasthan (Karoli). A replica is now worshiped in the temple. The bhajan kutir and samadhi of
Sanatana Gosvami, together with the puspa-samadhis of Candrasekhara Acarya and Tapana Misra are also here.
Govinda Dev Temple was a grand seven-story structure, with an altar of marble, silver and gold. Architecturally this temple is
one of the finest in North India. A sculptured lotus flower weighing several tons decorates the main hall ceiling. It was built in
1590 by Raja Man Singh from Jaipur, a general in Akbars army, who was inspired to do it after meeting Rupa Gosvami. It was
said to have cost ten million rupees and several thousand men were working for five full years to complete it. Akbar himself had
donated the red sandstone for its construction. In 1670, during the rule of a later Mughal king, Aurangzeb, it was plundered and
destroyed leaving only three stories of the original temple. During this attack, when few stories remained, all of a sudden the
ground began to shake violently and Aurangzebs men were terrified and ran for their lives, never to return.
Temple is now empty and the replica of Govindaji is worshiped in the new Govindaji Mandir (located behind the original
temple). The original Govindaji is worshiped in Jaipur.
The Deity of Gopinath worshiped in Radha-Gopinath Temple was discovered at Vamsivat by Paramananda Bhattacarya, who
entrusted the Deitys worship to Madhu Pandita. On the altar are Deities of Srimati Radharani and Her sister, Ananga Manjari.
Madhu Panditas samadhi is next to the temple.
Gopinathji was originally installed in Vrindavan by Vajranabha, the great grandson of Krishna. When the Muslims raided
Vrindavan, the original Gopinath Deity was taken to Jaipur. The Gopinath Deity in Jaipur and Lord Krishna are said to exactly
resemble each other from Their shoulders down to the waist.
Jugal Kisore Temple (Kesi ghata temple) is one of the oldest temples of Vrindavan, completed in 1627. After Akbars visit to
Vrindavan in the year 1570, he gave permission for four temples to be built by the Gaudiya Vaisnavas, which were Madanamohana, Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal Kisore. It is sometimes called the Kesi ghata temple, as it is located next to this ghata.
Opposite from the Govinda Dev Temple is an imposing south-Indian temple called Sri Ranganatha (Rangaji) Temple. It is 30
meters high with three gopurams (gateways), a tall shikhara (crown) and gold-plated decorations. This South Indian style temple
was built by the wealthy Seth family of Mathura in 1851 and is dedicated to Lord Sri Ranganatha or Rangaji, a form of Lord
Vishnu lying down on the Sesa Naga (divine serpent). This temple has a traditional South Indian gopuram (gateway), a Rajputstyled (architectural style prevailing in the present Indian state of Rajasthan) entrance gate and an Italian-influenced colonnade.
One of the enclosures within the precincts of this magnificent temple has a 15-meter-high pillar made of gold. It is one of
Vrindavans largest temples and is surrounded by high walls. Once a year there is a grand car festival (Ratha Yatra) known as
Brahmotsava during the month of Caitra (March-April). This festival lasts for 10 days. At the entrance, there is an electronic
puppet show about stories of Krishna and a small museum.
One of the most popular in Vrindavan and famous all over India is the Banke Bihari Temple, built in 1864. There are curtains in
front of the richly decorated murti. After the main prayers the curtains are drawn apart to give darsan (viewing) to a long line of
devotees. The curtain before the Deities is not left open like at other temples but every few minutes it is pulled shut and then
opened again. The Deities do not get up until 9 AM. The temple has mangala-arati only one day a year and only once a year can
the lotus feet of the Deity be seen, on Akhyaya Tritiya. Many devotees come every day, especially in the month of Sravana,
during Jhulan Yatra, the swing festival. The murti is said to have been discovered by the musician-saint Svami Hari Das in Nidhi
Van, a kadamba grove where Banke Bihari was originally worshiped. A contemporary of the Six Gosvamis, Svami Haridasa,
known for his bhajans, was the guru of the famous musician Tansen.
Radharamana Temple is the famous temple of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. Radharamana means one who gives pleasure to
Radha. It is one of the many names of Lord Krishna. The seva puja of Radharamana was established in 1542, after the Deity
self-manifested from a salagram-sila on the full moon day of Vaisakha (April/May). This event is celebrated every year by
bathing the Deity with 100 liters of milk and other auspicious items. The remnants of this abhiseka (bathing) are like nectar.
Gopal Bhatta Gosvamis other shalagram-shilas are worshiped on the altar here. The appearance place of Sri Radharaman Deity
is next to the temple. Radharamanji is one of the few original Deities of the Gosvamis still in Vrindavan. The standard of worship
is very high.
Also kept in this temple is the wooden sitting place (hoki) and shawl (chaddar) or Lord Caitanya that He gave as a gift to Gopala
Bhatta Gosvami. There is no Deity of Radharani in this temple, but a crown is kept next to Krishna signifying Her presence.
Gopal Bhattas samadhi is located here. The fires for cooking in the temple kitchen have been burning continuously since the
Deity was installed over 460 years ago and the cooking still follows cookbooks from that time.
Radha Damodara Temple is one of the most important temples in Vrindavan. The original Deity was hand carved by Rupa
Gosvami and given as a gift to his beloved disciple, Jiva Gosvami, who later built a temple. Formerly this spot was in the middle
of Seva-kunja and it was the bhajan place (where he performed his devotional activities) of Rupa Gosvami. Other Deities here
are Vrindavan Candra worshiped by Krishna Dasa Kaviraja Gosvami, Radha-Madhava of Jayadeva Gosvami and RadhaChalacikana of Bhugarbha Gosvami. When the original Deities are moved, the replacement Deity is called a pratibhu-murti and
is considered as good as the original Deity. The samadhis of Srila Rupa Gosvami, Srila Jiva Gosvami and Srila Krishna Dasa
Kaviraj Gosvami are here.
Srila Prabhupada spent here most of his six years (1959 to 1965) before coming to America. He translated the first three cantos
of the Srimad-Bhagavatam here.

In Sri Radha Gokulananda Mandir are the the Radha-Vinoda Deities of Lokanath Gosvami, Radha-Gokulananda Deities of
Visvanath Cakravarti, Caitanya Mahaprabhu Deity of Narottama Dasa Thakur, Vijaya Govinda Deities of Baladeva
Vidyabhusana, and the Govardhan-shila given to Raghunath Dasa Gosvami by Sri Caitanya. Also, the samadhis of Srila
Lokanath Gosvami, Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura, and Visvanath Cakravarti Thakura are here. Visvanath Cakravarti arranged to
have this temple built.
Radha Vallabha Temple is another very popular temple of Vrindavan which was founded by Harivamsa Gosvami, who started
the Radha Vallabha sampradaya emphasizing devotion to Radharani. In this temple, there is no Deity of Radharani, but a crown
has been placed next to Krishna to signify her presence. The original temple of Radha Vallabha was destroyed by the Muslims in
1670 and a new temple was built beside the old one.
Radha-Syamasundara are the Deities of Syamananda Prabhu. Darsan is from 8.30 to 11 am and 5 to 8 pm. It is one of the seven
major temples in Vrindavan. Syamanandas samadhi is across the street and down from the entrance of the temple.
Sri Gopesvara Mahadeva Mandir is the oldest temple in Vrindavan. Gopesvara Mahadeva is Lord Siva, who came to
Vrindavan to become a gopi of Krishna. Here Vrinda Devi blessed him and allowed him to enter the rasa dance of Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna then offered Lord Siva the guardianship of the Rasa mandala and placed him at its entrance. Ever since, all
Vaisnavas pray first for his mercy to become a servant of the servant of the gopis.
Vajranabha, the great grandson of Krishna, also installed the Siva-linga in this temple. Every morning from 4 am to noon,
thousands of people pour Yamuna water over the linga. It is said that the big pipal tree here is a kalpavriksa tree and will fulfill
all desires. This temple is in the Vamsivata area.
Jaipur Temple, one of Vrindavans most opulent temples, was built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Madhav, in 1917 after 30
years of labor. The fine hand-carved sandstone is of unparalleled workmanship, the huge pillars that hold up the roof are each
carved from one solid rock, and the intricately fashioned marble on the altar is reminiscent of the Mughal period. The Maharaja
financed the railway line that connects Vrindavan with Mathura, just for the purpose of hauling the huge pieces of sandstone used
in the temple construction. The Deities worshiped here are Sri Sri Radha-Madhava, Ananda-bihari and Hansa-gopala.
Shahji Temple, another popular temple at Vrindavan, was designed and built in 1876 by a wealthy jeweler, Shah Kundan Lal of
Lucknow. The Deities at the temple are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman. Noted for its magnificent architecture and
beautiful marble sculpture, the temple has twelve spiral columns each 15 feet high. The `Basanti Kamra the darbar hall is
famed for its Belgian glass chandeliers and fine paintings.
New Temples
Krishna Balarama Mandir
Opened in 1975 by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Raman Reti, 3 km from the center of
Vrindavan. The principal Deities of this temple are Krishna with His brother Balaram. Next to Them are Radha (Krishnas
consort) with Syamasundara and Gaura-Nitai. The samadhi (cenotaph) of ISKCONs founder-acarya, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada, in pure white marble is within the complex in front of the temple. His private chambers have been converted into a
museum. The temple is built in the Bengal Renaissance style with bright frescoes on Krishnas life. There is also a guesthouse,
restaurant, gurukula and gosalla. Hare Krishna devotees from all around the world come here, bringing a truly international
flavor to this ancient holy city.
Among the new temples springing up along the Mathura-Vrindavan road is the Gita Mandir which houses the Gita Stambh, a
pillar with the entire Bhagavad Gita carved on its surface.
The imposing temple, built by one of the countrys leading industrial families, the Birlas, is overshadowed by multistoried
edifice known as the Pagal Baba Mandir just down the road.
Other Holy Places of Vrindavan
Seva Kunja and Nidhuban are gardens where Krishna performed many of His pastimes.
The Seva Kunj is where Lord Krishna performed the Rasalila with Radharani decorating her hair with flowers and her lotus feet.
Radha and Krishna would sometimes spend the night here, dancing with the gopis and enjoying transcendental pastimes. There is
also a small temple dedicated to Radha and Krishnas pastimes called Rang Mahal. Today this place is surrounded by temples.
The Seva Kunja road leads to Srila Jiva Gosvamis Radha Damodar Temple, Srila Syamananda Gosvamis Radha Syamasundara
Temple, and Srila Krishna Dasa Kaviraj Gosvamis Radha-Vrindavan-Candra Temple.
At the Nidhi Van (Nidhuban, Nidhuvan) Krishna rested with His beloved Sri Radha. The shrine inside has a bed, which is
decorated with flowers by the priest every evening. No one is allowed to stay inside after dusk because according to popular
belief the Lord visits the spot with Sri Radha. The samadhi (memorial) of Svami Hari Das is also within this complex. All the
groves of Vrindavan are notorious for monkeys that have a special fascination for cameras and spectacles.
At the Imlitala tree (tamarind) Srila Sanatana Gosvami established the worship of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. Caitanya Mahaprabhu
used to sit daily under the Imlitala and chant japa. Deities of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Radha-Krishna are installed under this
tree.
Yamuna river flows through Vrindavan and Mathura. It is the most sacred river in India as it is so intimately connected with
Krishnas pastimes. Situated on the bank of the Yamuna is the Kesi Ghat, where Krishna killed the Kesi demon and saved His
friends. One who bathes here gets the benediction of bathing in all of the holy places, can be purified of all sinful reactions and
attain love of Godhead. This is also very famous bathing place in Vrindavan. An arati (prayer with offering of lamps) to Yamuna
Devi is held here every day at sunset.
Vrindavan Parikrama
It is customary for devotees to walk around the town of Vrindavan, especially on Ekadasi. There is a parikrama path that goes
around the town. This path is one street over from the ISKCON temple. It takes two or three hours to go around the town.
Unique Attractions of Mathura Holi
Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna (Feb-March). Holi in Braja is celebrated for several days, at
different places around Braja, before the actual day of Holi.

People throw colored powdered dye and colored water on each other. This is joyfully celebrated in Braja, especially at Varsana,
Nandagram and Dauji. In Varsana the festival includes colorful processions with music, song, dance, and some boisterous scenes
around the temples. If you go to these festivals you should expect to be totally covered in dye and never to be able to use the
clothes that you are wearing again, at least until next years festival. This is celebrated at the same time as Gaura Purnima.
Varsana
Groups of visitors go around in small and large groups here. In the afternoon gopas (men) from Nandagram come to Varsana and
play Holi with the local gopis (women) of Varsana. The women hit the men hard with 2 m (7ft) long bamboo staffs. The men
have shields which they protect themselves with. During this time local songs are sung. This festival is celebrated on the ninth
day of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).
Nandagram
The day after the Holi festival at Varsana, Holi is celebrated in Nandagram. The gopas (men) from Varsana come to Nandagram
to play Holi with the gopis (women) there. The flag of the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana is carried in an elaborate procession to
Nandagram. At this time the residents of Nandagram attempt to capture the flag, but their attempts are foiled. After this, women
play Holi with bamboo staffs. This festival is celebrated on the tenth day (dasami) of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).
Phalen
On the full moon night in Feb/March a huge bon-fire is burned. One of the local priests walks through the fire unscathed. One
story about Holi is that Prahlada Maharaja refused to worship his father and wanted to worship his fathers enemy, Lord Vishnu
instead. His fathers sister Holika, who was immune to being burned, sat with the boy in a big fire. Prahladas devotion was so
great that Holika was burnt to death and Prahlada was unharmed. The Holi festival at Phalen re-enacts this event.
Climate
Vrindavan is hot in summers, with day temperatures climbing to 45 C. Winters are comfortable, at an average of 32 C in the
day and 14 C at night. Except for the monsoon months between July and September, the climate is dry. Light cottons in summer
and monsoons, and light woollens in winter are sufficient. Weather conditions are the best from November till March. This
period also coincides with the celebration of Holi in February-March every year. However, other major festivals, like the birth of
Krishna and the birth of Radha fall in the month of August. This is an auspicious time for undertaking the chaurasi kos parikrama
(circumambulation) or Ban Yatra around the holy sites in Braj Bhumi.
And one of the best times to visit Vrindavan is in the months of July/August when Janmashtami is celebrated in full gaiety.
Almost every day there is a festival in Vrindavan, but the major ones include Govardhan Puja, Guru Purnima, Holi, Govardhan
Puja, Jhulan Yatra (swing festival), Janmashtami, Radhashtami and Basant Pancami.
How to Reach Mathura and Vrindavan
The nearest airport is Agra. There are regular flights to other important tourist destinations of India such as Delhi, Mumbai,
Varanasi and Khajuraho. The nearest international airport is Delhi, which is connected to almost every important city in the
world with major airlines.
The new bus stand is located near Hotel Mansarovar Palace. Bus service from Mathura to Delhi (3 hours) and Agra (1 hour) is
very good. The old bus stand no longer serves local destinations, but there are a few buses to Agra.
Mathura railway station is located south of the new bus stand. Mathura is well connected by train with Agra (1 hour), Bharatpur,
Sawai Madhopur and Kota. The Taj Express runs daily between Mathura to Delhi (about 2 hours). A meter-gauge line connects
Vrindavan to Mathura. Three local trains leave Mathura Junction each day (6.30 am, 3.40 pm and 7.40 pm) for the station in the
south of Vrindavan.
Though Vrindavan itself is a railway station, the major railway station nearby is Mathura on the Delhi-Chennai and DelhiMumbai main line. Several express trains connect Mathura to other major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,
Bangalore, Calcutta, and Agra.
Travelers can use auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws to move around the city. Tempos operate back and forth on the 10-km
stretch between Mathura and Vrindavan. Distances are very small, but having ones own vehicle allows flexibility. The lanes are
congested and it is better to park ones vehicle at one place and walk around.
Accommodation
Vrindavan does not have high quality hotels. However, it has nearly 200 dharamsalas (simple accommodation for pilgrims) that
are clean and affordable. ISKCON Guesthouse and MVT are the main and best accommodation places provided by ISKCON and
there are appearing new accommodations of hotel type all over Vrindavan every year.
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