Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
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📍 Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
⭐ Featured National SignificanceThe sacred birthplace of Lord Krishna, Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, marking the exact prison cell where Lord Krishna was born over 5,000 years ago.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Lord Krishna (Bal Gopal)
Janmasthan Temple
Bal Gopal, Banke Bihari, Radha Krishna, Devkinandan
✨ Spiritual Highlights
The birthplace of Lord Krishna is believed to grant instant liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Devotees believe that darshan at Janmabhoomi cleanses all sins and fulfills all righteous desires. The temple is said to radiate divine energy that transforms devotees' lives. Praying at the actual birth cell is believed to bring direct blessings from Krishna himself and provide divine protection.
The miraculous birth of Krishna at midnight, his escape from the prison despite locked doors and sleeping guards, and the yamuna river parting for Vasudeva are all considered divine miracles. Many devotees have reported spiritual experiences, divine visions of Krishna, and life-changing moments at this sacred site. The temple is believed to protect devotees from negative forces and grant their heartfelt prayers.
Taking darshan at the sacred prison cell, offering prayers at midnight during Janmashtami, performing parikrama of the temple complex, offering makhan mishri (butter and sugar candy), singing devotional bhajans, reading Bhagavata Purana, performing abhishekam, and visiting other Krishna sites in Mathura and Vrindavan. Many devotees observe fast on Janmashtami.
Spiritual liberation (moksha), removal of all sins, fulfillment of desires, divine protection, enhancement of devotion (bhakti), inner peace and joy, blessings for children and family welfare, and direct grace of Lord Krishna.
📖 About Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, located in the heart of Mathura city in Uttar Pradesh, marks the exact birthplace of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu scriptures and the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell where his parents Devaki and Vasudeva were imprisoned by the tyrannical King Kansa around 5,200 years ago (3228 BCE). The temple complex is built around the sacred prison cell (Garbha Griha) where Krishna took birth at midnight on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada. The original temple was destroyed multiple times by foreign invaders, including by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1017 CE and later by Aurangzeb in 1670 CE, who built the Shahi Idgah mosque adjacent to it. The current temple complex was rebuilt and renovated in the 20th century. The temple houses beautiful idols of infant Krishna (Bal Gopal), Radha Krishna, and deities of Krishna's parents Devaki and Vasudeva. The prison cell is preserved and protected within the temple complex. Mathura, being Krishna's birthplace, is considered one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism. The temple attracts millions of devotees annually, especially during Janmashtami celebrations.
🏛️ Architecture & Heritage
Modern with traditional elements (Ancient birthplace (rebuilt modern structure))
The preserved sacred prison cell (Garbha Griha) with marks on walls, modern temple architecture with traditional elements, beautiful sanctum sanctorum, spacious courtyards, intricate marble work, painting depicting Krishna's birth and life, and the ancient Katra Keshav Dev archaeological site within complex
The sacred prison cell where Krishna was born, Devaki-Vasudeva shackles, ancient stone inscriptions, beautiful Krishna idols in various forms, jhula (swing) for Krishna, and holy water from the birth site
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
Janmashtami: August-September (especially grand at birthplace), Holi: February-March, Radha Ashtami: September, Sharad Purnima: October, Annakut: October-November, Diwali: October-November
Midnight Janmashtami celebrations with birth ceremony at prison cell, special abhishekam ceremonies, elaborate decorations, jhankis (tableaux depicting Krishna's life), cultural programs
Vasant Panchami celebrations, monsoon Jhulan Yatra (swing festival), Kartik month celebrations with deepdan at Yamuna
🙏 Rituals & Traditions
Multiple daily aartis: Mangala Aarti, Shringar Aarti, Rajbhog Aarti, Sandhya Aarti, and Shayan Aarti. Special birth ceremony at midnight on Janmashtami. Abhishekam, bhog offerings, and elaborate decoration ceremonies
Midnight Janmashtami birth ceremony at the exact prison cell, special darshan of the sacred birth spot, visiting at the auspicious time of Rohini Nakshatra, performing parikrama of the entire Mathura region (84 kos parikrama), and combining visit with Vrindavan temples
Traditional prasadam including peda, makhan mishri, laddu, panchamrit, seasonal fruits, and other sweets distributed to devotees
👕 Visitor Guidelines
Modest traditional attire preferred. No shorts or sleeveless tops. Remove shoes before entering the temple complex. Leather items not allowed inside. Security checks mandatory due to sensitive location.
Wheelchair accessible to most areas. Ramps and elevators available. Can be crowded during festivals and weekends. Special arrangements for elderly and disabled devotees.
🎥 Videos
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Lord Krishna (Bal Gopal)
Janmasthan Temple
5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Krishna Janmabhoomi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001, India
✈️ How to Reach
Agra Airport (60 km), Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (145 km)
Mathura Junction Railway Station (2 km)
Mathura Bus Stand (1.5 km)
By Road: Well connected via NH-2 from Delhi (145 km) and Agra (60 km). By Train: Mathura Junction is a major railway station with excellent connectivity. By Air: Agra or Delhi airports are nearest. Best time to visit: October to March. Visit during Janmashtami for grand celebrations. Combine with Vrindavan temples (10 km). Expect security checks and crowds. Plan 2-3 days to cover Mathura-Vrindavan region.
🏨 Accommodation
Extensive accommodation options including dharamshalas, budget hotels, mid-range hotels, and luxury accommodations. Many pilgrimage lodges available. ISKCON guesthouse nearby. Advance booking recommended during Janmashtami.
🗺️ Nearby Attractions
Vrindavan temples (10 km) - Banke Bihari, ISKCON Vrindavan, Prem Mandir; Govardhan Hill (25 km), Barsana and Nandgaon, Gokul, Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura, Vishram Ghat, Keshav Dev Temple, Agra - Taj Mahal (60 km)
🙏 Associated Deities
🎧 Audio Guide Available
Audio guide is available for this temple to enhance your spiritual experience.