Not far away from Agra, on the Delhi-Agra main line is located Mathura. The city is considered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the main point of Krishna circuit in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is an excellent day trip from Agra, which should not be missed by anyone interested in the religious heritage of India.
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Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi
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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.
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Vishramghat
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The most important bathing ghat of Mathura is the Vishram Ghat. It is here that Krishna took vishram (rest) after killing Kansa.
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Archeological Museum
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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.
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Other Places to Visit
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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.
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Mathura - Location and Transportation
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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.
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